Well, it looks like school may be back in session around these parts. Our teachers have been striking since June and FINALLY it looks like the government and the BCTF have come to some sort of agreement. I'm so thankful that the government didn't force the teachers back to work and actually worked something out. TEACHERS, I LOVE YOU!

Last week as I was dropping off a friend late at night I noticed two teens sitting on the side of the road. I immediately had the thought that if they had school the next morning, they probably wouldn't be sitting on that curb. I can't imagine the trouble I would have been getting into with a 3.5 month summer.

I graduated from high school ten years ago last June.

Ten years.

TEN YEARS!

I like to think that's a looong time ago. Like real long ago. But for some, it's not really that long ago. I guess it seems like a billion years ago because I am a completely different person than I was in high school. When people tell me they met someone I went to high school with my usual reaction is to cringe a little bit...but I can't change how I was back then and I'm not going to go around carrying old guilt.

But I have pondered on what I would tell my high school self if I had the ability to talk to her like Spock had the ability to talk to his past self. What would I tell her if we were sitting down for coffee and she asked me for life advice? Ha, the conversation would probably be veeeeery long as I would tell her which boys to run away from (all of them) but for your reading purposes, I'll narrow the list down to 5.

5 THINGS I'D TELL MY HIGH SCHOOL SELF

1. LEARN LEARN LEARN

So baby girl, one of the awesome things about high school that I definitely took for granted is that you get to learn. You get to learn a lot of different things and the best part is, you don't have to pay for them!! Take photography! Take an art class! Heck, I know it's hard but actually learn that second language. I know there are a whole lot of other things that take priority in your life (like friends and parties) but you won't regret learning, so make it a priority.

2. WEAR MORE CLOTHES

You don't need to give away the farm. Girl, you're stunning. You're lovely. You're beautiful. Showing off your body isn't going to make those truths truer.

3. STAY AWAY FROM BOYS

#2 is really a preface for #3. Wearing little clothing will attract boys who will not add value to your life. Oh boys. They can make us act real crazy. And they can also do a number on your heart. I know you probably won't listen to me but it's probably best if you just be friends with guys. Like actual friends, not falling completely head over heels kinda friends. There is a man out there for you. You'll meet him in a looong time, and it will seem like eternity but when you meet him, it will seem like you waited five minutes. He is so worth waiting for. And I know the guy in front of you may seem really hot or really nice but honestly, it's best if you just live your life without him being your one and only. You got this.

4. DON'T LET OTHERS DEFINE YOU

Want to know a secret? You don't have to be what others want you to be. Maybe someone has labelled you something. Or maybe you've labelled yourself something so you'd fit in. Kick those labels to the curb girl. Just be you. And also, try to be kind to others. Stay away from drama. Stop gossiping and speak about others how you would want to be spoken about.

5. JESUS LOVES YOU

I know you met Jesus a couple summers ago at a bible camp and you hang out with Him when you go back each summer but He wants to be with you everyday. He loves you girl. He loves you right where you're at. He's not mad at you. He wants to help you do this life thing. He wants to fill those holes in your heart and calm the fears and tell you that you're beautiful. He wants to bring light and hope when it feels like the world is crashing down around you. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you.

Obviously I'd have a lot more to say, but I'd want her to know most of all that she is loved just where she is at.

Now I'm curious, what would you tell your high school self?

xo,

s.s.♥︎.