Dear Younger Courtney...

A letter to my 16/17 year old self...

Courtney,

Although you just shrug it off when your parents say that time goes by faster than you think, don't. Listen to them, and not only that but engage in conversation with them. Realize that they were once your age and that they understand what you are going through. Recognize the sacrifices that your Dad makes each and every day for your family and thank him more often for being an incredible human being.  Send encouragement to your brother regularly and don't forget to remind him that you are cheering for him every day and that you truly love and care about him. A simple text can change someones day. It may not seem like he needs it at the time, but he really does. Give extra kisses and "I love you's" to Gram and Grandpa because one day your going to wake up and realize that the comfort they give you is exactly what you need, and that your family is undeniably the most important part of your life. You might think they are all just one big mess, and your totally right about that. But, those are the people who are with you every step of the way and who keep you accountable for your actions so that you end up as a confident and successful young woman. Understand that things in life aren't fair, and that there is nothing you could have done to change the way certain situations turned out. Keep praying and don't lose touch with God just because life starts to get busy and less simple. You need God the most when you feel like you do the least. Keep your head high and stay confident. Your girlfriends are your rock, don't take them for granted. What you put into a relationship is what you get out of one. Smile at everyone, it may just make their day. Worry a lot less about how you look and which boys like you, because I can guarantee you will not find your worth through those boys. I can also guarantee that someone is going to come along and he will show you why it never worked out with anyone else. This will happen sooner than you think, so brace yourself for that journey and enjoy every minute of it. Stay true to who you are in every circumstance your put in and in every relationship you form. Study hard, and don't worry, you will survive pre-calc, I promise. Have a grateful heart and stay positive. Life will throw you so many curveballs, but being surrounded by the right people and having the right mindset is all you need to get through them.
And lastly, because you will love them, here are some quotes you should live by starting right now...
"Don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go."
"Don't feel stupid if you don't like what everyone else pretends to love."
"Don't compare your life to others, you have no idea what your journey is all about."


xo,
22 year old Courtney