Look at how far you've come :)
My last day to sing this precious song :)
There's really something fabulous about last things, last baby teeth, last days of school, last first days of school etc etc.
I think it proper, in order that my biographies might be correct, that I send off this farewell to my 16 year old self.
So, here it is, saying adieu, to me or you?
Dear Elizabeth,
It is just fine that you failed your driver's test that first time, it is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. After all, you were just lowering the expectations being set on your sisters for their future driver's education ;). You've changed quite a bit, and somethings are too easily forgotten, so let's review: you're no longer close friends with one whom I know you cherished spending time, and I am truly sorry about that. I hope you reach out, and live beyond the limits you place on yourself. I also know it's been a very rough road, spiritually speaking. I don't believe these things will get easier, but I do think this is only a small step in this incredibly staircase you are walking. Don't let it get you down, and don't dwell on it too much. Keep believing in your music, use it like food. Listen to what fits, and move on from what doesn't anymore. Allow your personality to drift and experiment just as your taste does-one day you'll feel like the 80's, other times the 60's-learn to let it rock and roll! And don't forget about that killer haircut move in October 2014, talk about nerves! I think we really experienced the true development of your anxiety right there, but it was truly for the best. I think the haircut has helped you evolve into a person, and made you less than those paper dolls talking around school. You've become quite the peacekeeper, whether you realize it or not-keeping the peace and understanding that keeping the peace doesn't just rely on calming people down, but expressing interest or disinterest in an area of concern. I do wish to warn you against going after all these spectacular movements you're learning about. Each one is fantastic, but you can only be stretched so far, and I would encourage you to make some lists about which movements are most important to you. Your beauty isn't just something on the inside, you have this incredible ability to be beautiful with your eyes, with your smile, with the wrinkling of your nose, and those adorable glasses only emphasize that beauty. These things aren't learned, but developed over time-and you've done that magnificently. I would also encourage you to be cautious when you start to psychoanalyze yourself and others. It's very easy to get too caught up in everything in your head, and that's going to bring out panic attacks and anxiety, it's no good for you! Your are definitely still changing, and don't ever forget that. Right now, you don't know i you're actually depressed, or really do have an anxiety disorder. I know what you suspect, but you gotta stop that! There are people out there that can help with that, and I think you should start reaching out a little more. Just because you're an INTJ personality, doesn't mean you need to internalize every gosh darn thing, that's stupid, and you're not stupid.God's out there. I know you still believe that, I can't tell you all the thoughts that have crossed my mind about the universe, and how I truly feel about religion, all I can tel you is to keep your mind open but your heart wise. I do think you're meant to make a difference in this world, but whether that will be through ministry or not is up to destiny. Also, watch that temper. It's easy to begin thinking that having an attitude is justified, but whenever you start feeling like that, just remember-Nicki's attitude isn't always justified, so let's assume that yours isn't either.Keep reaching out! People care about you, and to just shut down isn't fair to yourself-you're missing out! You'll have a much better day if you don't bring that Harry Potter book to lunch, I promise. And yeah, even though your job sucks, you're building these incredible attributes, learning to be flexible and ot put up with people you don't like-and that's hugely essential in life.
So, here's to your sketchers, skinny jeans, beanies, tie-dye shirts, Rockin' music, T-Team and that fabulous haircut.
Know that even though the world says that they love you, it's not about having everybody's love-which leads to destruction. It's about keeping your mind open, and your heart wise, something you've become quite good at.
Peace, Love, Faith, trust and Pixie Dust,
Your sixteen going on seventeen year old self.
p.s. Those AP classes were tough, but I loved them!