Advice

The past haunts me at moments in times, more so than the future tortures me. Questions constantly run through my head: Why didn't I do that? Why did I do THAT? How have I changed so much? Why didn't I prepare more?

My childhood was a beautiful thing, not that my life isn't a joy now. I fully love my life. It's just that there was more of a magic to my younger years. I could believe in anything, I could dream of the most impossible things. I didn't have to worry about the future, about what I needed to prepare for. Unfortunately, I should have started worrying about that years ago.

This leads me to some major points of advice as you grow older. It would be wise to at least read them. ;)

1. Keep ahold of your family. Even though you and your family are changing, one thing remains the same: you are still family. No matter what, there is a bond stronger than anything else between your mom, your dad, your brother or sister. Don't let the bond break, because you will find yourself missing it most of all as you grow older. Family is one of the most important things in life.

2. Never give up. I didn't often do this, but at the points I did give up, I regret it. I should have tried to harder, pushed myself to do more. I'm proud of what I have done, but I could have done so much more. Just know that people believe in you, no matter what, at least, the people who are important do. You can dream of reaching the stars, but you never will if you decide not to take the hardest step. So go ahead and shoot for the stars; even if you miss, you'll just learn how to do better next time.

3. Prepare. Know what you want to do and don't just dream about it. Push yourself to do your best and plan ahead. Do you know what college you want to go to? What majors do they offer? Do you even know what you want to do yet? Save up money for any financial issues you may have. It'll help, I promise, but do realize that money goes fast. You may have to get a job to continue to help out with any financial costs.

4. Enjoy yourself. This, over all others, is the most important. Life isn't important if you don't have fun. So make time for it. Ride a horse. Try out for that part you always wanted to get. Sing a song. Read a book. Geez, write a book if you want. It doesn't matter. As long as you enjoy yourself between getting yourself ready for the future and studying for your final, everything should go great. I mean, what do you have to keep you going forward if there's nothing exciting to come? But, then again, there's always exciting to come, I should hope. ;