5 Pieces of Advice I Would Give My Younger Self
Just a couple of words to ease the journey through life.
I look back on my younger self and I’m sad for all the things that she missed out on. I sad for all the bad situations that she was involved in. I’m sad because she didn’t have friends that were the best and didn’t have a significant other that truly loved her.
At an early age, I thought I would be so much more than I am now. I’m talking about my career. I never would have guessed that I would manage a gas station for five years, or go back to Sonic in my late twenties while trying to discover myself. I also didn’t realize how much I would change through my twenties. I didn’t realize that I wouldn’t be the same person or that I would change so much.
With all that being said, let’s jump into this life advice.
5 Pieces of Advice I Would Give My Younger Self
1. None of them will matter.
I grew up and I was bullied through a part of my high school experience. I wasn’t pretty enough or small enough. I was weird. I chose reading and staying to myself more than going out and socializing and having fun. I remember feeling just awful about myself. I remember feeling less than everyone around me. I think what bothered them the most was that I didn’t respond and I looked as if it didn’t bother me, but it did. It damaged parts of my self-esteem. They stole portions of my confidence.
Young me, they don’t matter. In fact, you’ll graduate and you will never have to deal with it again. You will see them in stores, gas stations and even restaurants. Yours eyes will meet, but nothing will be said. They remember the way they treated you. They remember the awful comments that were made and they will have nothing to say to you. Even wilder than this, some will even try to be nice and talk to you as if nothing happened. You know what we do? We respond with kindness and have this small, unimportant conversation. That power that they had over you will be gone.
2. Be who you are, and screw ANYONE who tries to change you.
You are unique and eccentric. You hold values within yourself that surpass everyone your age. You are beautiful. You are funny. You are important. People will try to change you and you will give in to some of them, but you will always falter back to who you truly are. You are strong and independent. You will make a way for yourself, and if there isn’t a path for your ambitions, you will build one.
You are so very smart and your heart is in the right place. You will fail and fail again, but you will always get back up. You will reach your mid twenties and fight for who you are. You will win.
3. Boys are over-rated.
Leave them alone. You will search for someone to be by your side. You will make an attempt to not be single and most of all, to not be alone. You will do things to impress certain boys and I just want you to know, they’re not worth it. You are a catch. You are special and until someone realizes this, you do you. You deserve someone that loves you. You deserve someone that is loyal. You deserve someone that respects you and gives you their time and attention. You should never beg for the affections of a boy/man.
Basically what I’m trying to tell you is LEAVE HIM. You are not his momma. You are not his keeper. He will bring you down. He will hurt you just like all those bullies in high school did. He will verbally abuse you. Mentally abuse you. Let’s be honest, we only stayed because of our fear of being alone. Honey, the sooner you figure out that being alone is actually quite wonderful, the better your life will be. The happier you will be.
4. Your health is VERY important.
I know how much you love Chinese and Soda. I know you love watching your favorite shows and just lounging around the house. It’s not good for you. You need to understand that
GET UP! and move more. Exercise. Treat your body like a temple. Feed it the foods that it needs. Fuel your body for success. Trust me, you’ll be so much happier.
And for the love of god, when your best friend offers you a cigarette, say no. Don’t do it. Choosing to smoke in the beginning is most definitely a choice. You put this on yourself. However, quitting is so hard. Just don’t ever start.
5. Be Young while you can. Stop trying to grow up so fast.
I know you dreamed of the day when you would have a job and not be forced to live at home. However, you will regret moving out at 17. You will miss living at home with your family. You will suffer through college because of this choice. Do not let him bully you into moving out with him. Stay home.
Stay young. Have fun with your friends. Enjoy the smaller moments of life. Spend time with your parents. Spend time with your siblings. Stop worrying so much. Sweetheart, you’re only 17. You have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy ALL of it!
I made mistakes in my earlier years. I can’t tell you that if I went back, I wouldn’t change some parts and decisions. I think that my biggest issues was my fear of being alone and this urge to want to grow up. I didn’t want to be a kid anymore. I wanted to be on my own, and I didn’t realize how hard that would be.
I’ve been though some tough situations. I’ve lost friends and I’ve gained new ones. I’ve had my heart broken and I’ve broken a heart. I’ve experienced a lot and it has made me the person I am today.
I just wish I could’ve got here with less bruises and less damage done to myself. But we live and we learn. The most important part to take from all of this is that I made it.
