Note to Self

This afternoon, I was reading Blue Eyed Bride's blog, and her post for today was a letter to her younger self. Then, as I was driving home from work, the D.J. on the radio was asking people to call in and tell what kind of advice they would give to their 16 year old self. And so, since it seems to be the day for talking to the younger you, I decided to steal the idea, and write a letter to myself at sixteen. Now if only I could go back and read this to myself. It's the same advice that I'll give to my kids one day, and hopefully, they'll listen. I doubt it, but . . .

Dear (16 year old) Courtney,
You really don't know how great your life is. You have so many blessings, and one day you will look back and truly appreciate all you've been given.
Be proud of who you are. Stand up for what you believe in. God made you unique and special, and that's all that matters.
You are skinny. Period. One day you will weigh quite a bit more than you weigh today and wish that you were the same size you are now. So quit worrying about your weight.
You don't need a boyfriend, and whether or not a guy likes you does not define you. Again be confident in who God made you to be. Boyfriends are overrated.
Love your brother and sister. They aren't as annoying as you think.
You don't need make-up.
Be friends with the people that have no friends. They need someone to be kind to them as much as anyone.
High School is overrated. College will be so much more fun.
Practice the piano. You'll wish you had later.
You hair is not blonde. Your skin is not tan. You are not tall. Who cares?
Appreciate your parents. They sacrifice a lot for you.
Live in the moment. Before you know it you'll be 30 with a job, a wonderful husband, and an awesome son, but you'll still have to be a responsible adult. Don't rush it. It happens soon enough. :)
Don't be a drama queen. It's not that bad.
Laugh more, cry less, embrace each day . . .

With love,
Your (more) responsible, 30 year old, adult self