Read this, and remember that we are all the authors of our own books. Read this, and be comforted that we are all only teenagers, with the world ahead of us and a world behind us; we have come so far, yet have so far to go. Love with all your hearts. It's the only way to live life completely. Don't be scared because the past has let you down. Don't try and change a picture that has already been painted, And don't despair if you can't see how the masterpiece is going to turn out. Don't be scared, and don't hold back. You only lose out on the things you never knew would be possible by doing so. The risks of the past not taken always look like wasted opportunities, and the risks of today always look like impossible indeavors. Life is a risk; take it. If you ever get scared remember that no matter how different and unique your situation is, there has always been someone who has faced something worse, and lived through it. You will live through it. If you ever find yourself doubting in love, then you're probably not in love. Don't misuse the word. It's a powerful word that deserves enough respect to only be used when its power is undeniable.
Learn from the mistakes of others, and don't think that you will always have to make the same mistakes to figure out what went wrong. When you lose, don't lose the lesson, and remember that just because you're winning doesn't mean you reserve the right to step over the people who helped you get there. Never take these precious moments for granted. This time in our lives will only come once, and it is the time that we will all look back on as the best times of our lives, no matter how popular we were. Listen to new ideas and be willing to learn. Be open-minded, but don't lose grasp of who you really are by conforming to the standards of everyone else. Doing this will only give you short-term self confidence, and pleasing everybody isn't something we should strive for, because it's not possible. Trust in God, and remember that if you're ever feeling far away from Him it's because you have moved, not Him. If God is your co-pilot, then you need to switch seats.
Don't conform to the ways of the world, but let Christ transform you into a warrior of righteousness. Faith like a flower needs water and room to grow, put in sunlight, not in shadow. Be careful who you trust, and when you are brave enough to trust someone, trust them with your life; this is how true friends are made. Don't pick your nose in public, and remember, just because you're sitting in the privacy of your car flicking boogers out the window doesn't mean you aren't being watched by the prom queen. Be happy with what you have, and never wish for more. A man should be content with what he has without searching for more. If you don't have everything you need within three feet of you, seriously consider changing your outlook on life. You will most likely never put everything you have to use, but it never hurt to try.
Don't hide your emotions, especially from those who love you. They are the ones most likely to comfort you, and can't help when there is a barbed wire around your heart. When it comes down to it, trust God, but trust your instincts. Remember that your character determines your destiny. How will your story end? Don't be scared to be nice to nerds, or help the dweeb with a "kick me" sign on his back when he drops his books. Being nice to people has never reaped any consequeces. If life were meant to be spent partying, Then why would God make it neccessary to sleep? Never forget who your friends are, and don't let something little ruin a great friendship. Trust me, it's not fun losing your best friend. Kiss your mother goodbye and give dad a hug every once and a while. You may notice new doors opening before you.
Don't analize everything. Or do analize everything, but don't come crying to me when your girlfriend dumps you because she says that kissing you is like taking an algebra test. Compete. There's not much for second place, except for the dreaded feeling that comes with not making it to the top. Play sports, and don't be scared to stumble and fall. The greatest athletes of today all had people tell them they couldn't do it. Relish the moments of eating pizza with your team after winning the city-wide championship game, and don't ever forget the awesome feeling of teamwork.Bring your girlfriend flowers, and make your bed every morning. And for gosh's sake, brush your teeth every once and a while. When you give your heart to someone, trust them, and know that you are giving them the power to hurt you. Also know that you are also given that same power when someone falls for you.
Learn to be happy, in the good times and bad. Never be scared, and try not to be sad, Because being happy is a choice, And if happiness is a car, drive a Rolls Royce. Do your homework, and remember that putting things off is the most effective way of not getting things done at all. Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try. Never quit. Never give up, and never lose your confidence. It's much easier to hold onto than to regain, and once you've quit, don't make it a habit. Confidence comes from within. Pleasing the world only brings temporary and instant gratification, whereas true self worth comes from within, not other people's opinions on how your hair looks. Don't worry about your hair too much, because before you know it you'll be fretting over tangled strands instead of your yellowing teeth. Confide in your friends. They will not always be there for you, just like everyone won't, but when the world walks out, your true friends will walk in. Cherish them, and love them for who they are. Be nice to your teachers. Don't beat up on your little brother too much, or you may be surprised with a left hook ten years from now. When you miss someone, don't be sad, but smile, thinking of when you'll be together again. Write your own book, and remember that once it's been printed you'll never be able to edit it. Kyle Pardue 6-12-99