letter to my younger self.

Dear Jordan,

You should know.. you're a dreamer. What's cool about your dreams is that you actually have a lot of potential. For example...
You love to sing. You're going to lose at certain competitions, you're going to be criticized, and you will be surrounded with people who are a lot better than you. But don't ever give up the talent just because of someone else's judgement. You will be told that you're not pretty enough to get somewhere, and that only the best of the best can make music as a career. Just remember that fame isn't necessarily what you want... it's respect and dignity, and a lot of famous musicians don't have that.
You love to play soccer. But lets face it... you just aren't the most talented. You do have something to offer your team though, and that is support and leadership. You won't play it in college, but you will develop a love of running and excercise that can last throughout you're whole life.
As much as a hate to admit it, throughout middle school and high school, you will dream of being "popular." It's such a waste of time. Being "popular" isn't about wearing Abercrombie and Fitch, playing Softball, and sitting at the right table. Don't get me wrong, those things aren't bad things, but they aren't necessary in life. What is necessary is that you are nice to everyone, that you treat everyone the same at all times, don't you dare be two-faced. If you want people to like you, just be loyal and loving. Hold strong to your standards, and pick good friends. You want to be involved in leadership? Go for it. Don't even hold back.
 Something you'll learn when you're older is to see yourself as God sees you. I wish you could learn this younger though. You know He loves you and wants the best for you, but do you know that you never have to settle for anything less than the very best? You think that whole "makes me wanna be a better person" phrase is junk. You will try to pretend its true, and you will see it in certain relationships, but until you enter college, you have no idea what you're talking about. As soon as you enter college though, you are going to meet people that will change your life. They will help you to learn what it means to truly love and value your family, to value yourself, and they will help you have a stronger desire to live according to the teachings of the gospel. You've been taught these things all your life by loving teachers, but it won't sink in until you venture out onto your own.
On a lighter note, you're boy crazy. I'm pretty sure it's been that way since you were a babe. Just remember to be yourself. Do you want to be comfortable and have a guy like you for you? Or trick a guy into liking you for someone you're not? That's not fair to either of you. So just loosen up and take life one day at a time. Don't stress about who you might marry, or when you're going to get kissed. Take things one day at a time. It'll happen when you're ready, and  you never have to feel pressured into doing anything. You'll probably find that kissing is fun, but make sure that you have a couple standard rules. One, don't kiss in public. Especially as a youngster! Two, never leave evidence. It's not classy. And three, kissing is committment. Never take it for granted.
You're kind of a vain girl, I will admit. When people tell you that you'll probably get your heart broken, you won't believe them. Well, it's true! Its a cold, hard world out there... and you will get hurt, but life goes on. The wrong one is the right one to lead you to the best one. If something doesn't work out with one person, then it's good that it ended because if you had continued on, you would never meet the person you're supposed to be with.
Obey your parents, and obey them willingly. You're sisters and brother are watching you. Do you want them to end up as wrotten bums? No. So set them a good example. Remember that your family loves you so much. When it becomes hard to think that anyone else does, you have your family.
You're going to do great things, Jordan. You have so much potential! Every person you meet you will influence in some way or another. You be happy or sad in any situation. Don't judge. Love. Give mercy. Read influential books. Don't stress. Dress modestly. Respect others. Respect yourself.
Come what may and love it.
Yours truly,
Jordan

On the right.

8th grade.

sophomore year.

wittle babe.

bruthaly sistaly love.

i was the cutest high school freshman.

middle school.

best friends.

see how much you'll change over the years?
never give up.