A letter to my 16 year old self

Dear 16 year old me,

Yay you can drive, date, and go to dances now! It is so exciting. Just remember how important friends are. Boys are cute, but they are trouble for now. Don't steady date. I know that you think you're in love but that relationship only will bring you heart ache and hurt. He will end up hurting you and causing a lot of problems. You will be better off without him. You will meet a guy that makes you smile every day. He won't make you cry. You will be pretty mature for your age, and it will be a bit of a struggle with some people.

Stay close to the friends that are important to you. They will help you become the person that you want to be. You will get your 100 scripture masteries, your Young Women's Medallion, and you will graduate from Seminary. Remember that the Lord and the church come first. They will be the things that will help you through your life. And when you grow up, it will be the thing you rely on most for every up and down.

In the winter, watch where you are going. Everything has ice on it this time of year. When you get hit in the parking lot on mom's birthday, get her insurance information! Dad would really like that! But mom will still love the gift you get her.

Don't snap at Marina and Liz. I know that they are annoying little sisters, but believe it or not they will become two of your best friends! Crazy to think, I know! They are so funny and they will make you laugh any time you need one. They will stick by you through all the break ups and heart ache. They will listen to your problems and rub your back while you cry. They will hold your hand when dad and mom get mad. They will look up to you. You need to be an example to them so they have the desire to be active in the church. The best part is, they love your husband.

Yep. you get married in the temple! For a second you will think that's not where you want to get married, but it is so worth it. You will become infatuated with the beauty of all of God's houses. You will go to many of them, and feel such an amazing spirit every time you go.

Just remember who you are (yes, the saying Cindy Bear always joked about) When life gets tough just remember to get down on your knees and pray, Shake it off, and hang out with the family. Boys are not that important. It all happens when it's supposed to. Just enjoy and love your life.

Love,

The twenty-something year old you.