Letter to My Thirteen-Year-Old Self

My little sister is thirteen and in Year 7. Watching her go through this year, with all its trials and tribulations and giving her advice, has inspired me to write today's post as a letter back to my thirteen-year-old self; that young girl starting high school seemingly forever ago...

Dear 13-year-old Liv,
Here are a few pointers that will guide you in the right direction and save you from much heartache and frustration in the next few years:
1. High school is NOT scary. Scary is cutting yourself shaving your legs and it JUST WON'T STOP BLEEDING-oh wait it stopped. See, nothing to worry about!
2. Boys are intimidated by smart, opinionated girls as it challenges their developing masculinity and makes them feel stupid. As they get older, the smart guys realise that these sorts of girls are actually quite attractive and worth their time much more than silly Paris Hilton-alikes.
3. Don't worry about being liked or conforming just to be liked. Although popularity feels like the most important thing in the world right now, making friendships with people who actually like you for who you are is waaaaaaaay more vital to your happiness!
4. Always have a camera in your bag.
5. Always have a 'pad' in your bag. 'Nuff said. Just be prepared. You never know...
6. Never let an opportunity pass just coz you're scared of what people will think or you're the only one doing it or whatever- if you want to do it, then do it!
7. You have to work to achieve your goals. Stuff isn't just thrown into your lap, unless you are very very lucky.
8. Boys will never understand the female fascination with shopping, make-up, cute baby animals, Julia Roberts' movies or having good hair. So don't even bother explaining.
9. Don't ever EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER dumb yourself down for ANYONE. If people don't like you because you are intelligent and opinionated, they are SO not worth knowing.
10. Family is everything. Be nicer to your sister. She isn't that bad.
11. Your parents really are doing the best they can. Give them a break.
12. Even if you feel like you have a problem that is so embarrassing that no-one could ever being going through, chances are one of your mates is feeling exactly the same way. Keep the lines of communication open- your friends are life-savers.
13. Boys hate it when we complain about our bodies. You are NOT fat. So stop saying it! As they grow up in school with us, guys start to pretty much just love girls and think they are perfect as they are coz they realise that a sparkling personality, a killer smile and a sense of humour and confidence is hotter than a 6 ft, 50kg, D-cupped blonde without a brain.
14. Self-confidence is the most attractive part of any person. Never apologise for being who you are and don't change for anyone.
15. Choose your battles. Sometimes, it really is just better not to say something. But always speak out on the big issues.
16. Find your passion and follow it whole-heartedly. Don't lose sight of your dreams and desires.
17. Girls will say nasty things about you. Try not to take the bait and sink to their level. While it may be hard to bite your tounge, in a few weeks/months it will seem so trivial you will be glad you didn't explode over nothing.
18. Trust yourself. Especially in exams and tests. You really do know more than you think you do.
19. Never let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Especially that time in Year 10 when that guy asks you out and you don't actually like him but everyone tells you to go with him coz it'll be totally awesome and they'll have something to talk about for weeks... just promise me you'll only make decisions when YOU want to, OK?
20. Don't wish away your life wanting to be just a bit older all the time. Life is actually pretty great right now, isn't it? So stop to smell the roses.
21. Flirting is fun. Just don't send off too many signals, coz to some guys an innocent smile in their direction means you simply MUST be in love with them.
22. Boys are stupid. Seriously, they are immature and silly and do stuff that makes us wanna pull our hair out but at the end of the day, we love 'em. And they love us. Just go with it.
23. Mates before dates. Always. No exceptions. Ever.
24. Exercise, sleep, good food and a balanced life is just as important as school, sport and socialising. Look after yourself.
25. Don't be embarrassed about the fact that you love your footy team. Guys actually find it attractive when girls like sport. So if you like sport, be into it. If you don't, don't try to be. See rule 14.
26. Be yourself, love yourself, never apologise for who you are, don't stop giggling, always strive for your goals and love life- it's a great ride!
I hope some of you younger readers can take something away from this! Have a great weekend!

Love bubblygirl
Today's song: "Beautiful Girl's Reply" by Jojo. Jojo has taken Sean Kingston's song and reworked the words so it's all about girl power. Watch it on Youtube and be happy that you're an awesome girl!