Letter To My Young Self,
Hindsight is 20/20. If I had the teen years to do it all over again, and I’m grateful that I do not, things would be different. I wouldn’t waste time with people who bring me down. I wouldn’t spend all my money on a single pair of sunglasses and I wouldn’t be afraid to pursue the guy that my friends think is “nerdy.” There is much I would do differently if I could turn back time and re-live those years, with what I know now. However, you only get one chance at being a teenager. Use this time to be free, make mistakes and create who you want to be. As one who has been there, I offer this advice. Take what feels right and disregard the rest. No matter what, you will figure it out.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. If you take life too seriously, it’s going to be really hard.
- Say “yes” more often, but don’t be afraid to say “no”
- Figure out who your true friends are.
- Be generous enough to offer second chances, and confident enough not to give a third.
- Do what you say you’re going to do. Without integrity, you have little.
- If you think it will lead to trouble, it probably will. Listen to your gut.
- Learn to accept a compliment. You don’t have to agree, but “Thank You” is an acceptable answer and doesn’t mean you’re conceited.
- Your parents only want you to be happy and safe. They aren’t out to make you miserable.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Just because someone said it, doesn’t mean it’s true.
- Ask the new kid to hang out at lunch. You will absolutely make her day.
- You can have a happy and productive life, even if you don’t get into the college of your choice.
- Don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
- 14. Not having a boyfriend means nothing about you.
- Learn a foreign language. Seriously.
- Just because you didn’t before, doesn’t mean you can’t now.
- Just because you did it before, doesn’t mean you have to again.
- Don’t take everything personally
- Be silly
- The “cool” kids aren’t who you think they are.
- Don’t hold a grudge. Hanging on to old wounds doesn’t hurt anyone but you.
- Read Catcher in the Rye
- You don’t always have to be right.
- Find your passion
- There really are two sides to every story.
- As much as you think so, you truly don’t know what the other person is going to say. Be open to a surprise response.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself.
- You’re NEVER the only one
- Don’t forget to breathe.
Despite what the songs say, this is likely not “The best time of your life.” Now is just the prelude to whatever you chose to create. The possibilities are endless and you are amazing.
Love,
An older and wiser Staci
