Dear Jennifer,

It’s me. I mean you. You’re 32 now. I know that seems SO OLD but listen, it’s so much better than you think. You’ve been through a lot. And learned quite a bit. So trust me when I tell you, middle school and high school are just a blip in your life map. Dare I say an insignificant one for you.

Things get so much better. You just missed a few awesome things and some kinda lame ones. Like fidget spinners (don’t ask I still don’t get them).

Period panties are a thing now. No, seriously. Yes, they work. Yea, go ahead and be jealous. It would be great to have an extra pair of those in your bag right about now as you wait for the big day, right? In all seriousness, your period is an awesome thing! You’re a woman, and you don’t realize this now but it’s something you’ll be very thankful for later in life. Just embrace it, and remember the word THINX in a decade and a half. And keep them in mind for your daughter (you have two!).

Another thing you just missed in your tween years: Social media. A blessing and a curse… you’ll love it but be glad it wasn’t around for your youth. Trust me, people are getting busted left and right for dumb things they said. Luckily your tween and teen years aren’t preserved on the internet.

Now I want to give you some advice because you’re going to go through some tough times and I know if I knew then what I know now, it could have made so many things so much easier.

First off, you are and will be loved. So much. Don’t even fret about boys. You really and truly don’t need a boyfriend before you graduate high school. I know that sounds so lame. But I promise you, you’ll find so many better ways to fill your time than by worrying about guys. Besides, your husband (yes, SPOILER ALERT!: You get married!) is leaps and bounds above any of the guys you know now. And yes, he’s hot.

Speaking of people you know now… You won’t know many of them later. So all the worrying you may do about what people think of you? Pointless. Life gets so much better and the people who laugh, poke fun, or annoy you now… You won’t even remember most their names in 10 years. You’ll remember your best friends, and stay in touch forever. Treasure them.

Do yourself a favor and learn this very important lesson now: Don’t compare yourself to others. I know the way the system is set up this is hard. You were cut from the dance team, you compete in public speaking competitions and compete for first chair in band. Just remember that you don’t have to be the BEST at everything. You just have to be the best YOU. Develop your own talents and lean in to who you really are.

That brings me to my next point… Embrace your whole self. I know you don’t feel like you fit into any particular crowd, and you stand out from a lot of your friends. You will never blend in, so stop trying. The sooner you accept who you are and love your whole self, the better. Cause newsflash: You’ll never really fit in anywhere. But that’s ok because the world needs you just as you are. A little weird, and big hearted.

There is so much to learn. Never stop asking questions, pushing boundaries and dreaming big. You’ve always had big ambitions that won’t change. As you learn to stay focused you’ll knock your dreams out of the park.

You’re awesome! So be awesome!

Love,

Yourself

What would you tell your 12-year-old self? Leave a comment letting me know! And use the code “Jennifer10” to get $10 off THINX and THINX BTWN!

Tags: flashback, friends, thinx, tweens, youth