The Bittersweet Opening of My Eyes

August 26th, 2013

In December of 2012 I turned 16. To most teenagers turning 16 means a sweet 16 party and the newfound freedom of a drivers license and a car. None of that applied for me. I spent my sixteenth birthday with my mom and I wouldn't have it any other way. However, my life did take a dramatic turn. An emotional turn. I started realizing that my youth is quickly disappearing. It keeps me up at night. I have those days that every teenager has. The ones where I thirst for freedom. I want nothing more than my license and to go away to my college of choice. I want to go out and do things. On the other hand, I just want to slow it all down. I lay awake and think about my childhood. Waking up at 7 AM and sitting on the livingroom floor watching Rugrats on the TV with my little sister and my two cousins waiting until the clock hit 10 so that we could play outside until the sunset. Mudpies, sprinklers, treeclimbing, bike riding, the whole mix. The innocence of being young is the most pure feeling. My friends were selected by my mom. The definition of a friend was someone who was willing to play with you. Now I have no idea what a true friend is and I always have to watch my back and keep my guard up. How can you even trust anybody that you haven't grown up with, you have no idea of their true pasts? Could it be anymore difficult? My biggest worry use to be whether or not I'd loose a game of tag. Now my worries include loosing my parents and sister, where I'll attend college, and how I will achieve success. My mom use to be my worst enemy and now she is my bestfriend, thats a different story, but if i lose my mom i lose myself. We do everything together. My dad is my biggest cheerleader. He wants the absolute best for me and is working his life away to provide for my family and I. I could never repay him. He doesn't get enough appreciation for all he does. My sister and I grew up hating each other. We faught and never got along. That all changed thankfully and now we do everything together. To sum this short story up, being 16 has opened up my eyes and showed me how bittersweet growing up really can be. Hug your family a little tighter, say I love you a little louder, and tell them how much you appreciate them a little more often. xoxo

Reviews

[reeyce smythe wilder]

You've brought back so many memories for me. If I may, let me offer some words of advice. I can't comment on your writing style and all of that because it felt more of a journal entry to me, one that I enjoyed reading. All I can say is that you're young. Young and beautiful and you have a lifetime ahead of you. So don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't be afraid to live and enjoy life. Worrying takes away from the living - and that's something that has taken me many years to learn. Good reading your thoughts. It's nice to know that at sixteen, you're serious minded. But just remember to have fun on the way.

[Ellie Brewster]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for opening my eyes even more. That review was something that I really needed to hear, you have no idea.

[Wolfwind]

These words are the sign of an inteligent young person. One who recognizes the need for a balance between the hard stuffs and the play. That understanding will go far to keep the larger potholes from tipping you over down the road.

I believe in what you've said about family, blood will always be thicker.

As you step out into life there are three thoughts that one should keep in mind....

Never lose sight of your dreams and goals.
Remember that your heart is your heart first, before it's anyone elses, don't let go of it easily
And lastly... no matter how hard life might seem, it's okay to take time and breathe for yourself.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Aaron - Wolfwind