My Advice to My 16-Year Old Self

Summary

The article provides introspective advice to a 16-year-old self, emphasizing self-trust, intuition, and embracing one's uniqueness.

Abstract

The author reflects on personal growth and decision-making, advising their younger self that the answers to life's questions are already within. They stress the importance of patience and listening to one's gut feelings to differentiate between nervousness and genuine discomfort. The text encourages embracing nonconformity as a true expression of self, rather than for the sake of rebellion, and suggests that finding the right environment is crucial for personal fit and avoiding unnecessary struggles.

Opinions

Trust in one's own intuition is paramount, as it guides towards what is genuinely right.
Making mistakes is a natural part of learning and should not be feared.
Nonconformity should be embraced as an inherent part of one's identity.
It is important to find a compatible environment that aligns with one's unique qualities to thrive without friction.
The author believes in the significance of distinguishing between rational doubts and deeper gut feelings.

DO NOT TRUST YOUR FATHER.

“YOUR SOUL IS YOUR WHOLE WORLD” — HESSE

Every answer you need in life is already known to you. Be patient, sit with decisions until it not only seems right but feels right. Trust your gut. There is a difference between doubts in your head and feelings in your gut. There is a difference between being nervous in your gut and something really not feeling right in your gut. You will need to discern for yourself how to discern those differences; everybody is different.

It’s OK to make mistakes. You don’t learn from being correct.

Embrace your nonconformity — not to be a rebel — because it is who you are.

BREAK THE MOLDS.

Find the correctly sized round hole for your round peg.

A round peg will fit a square hole, or too large a round hole, but not well. It will endlessly slide around and get bruised banging into the walls.

PROMPTED SHORTFORM

My Advice to My 16-Year Old Self

DO NOT TRUST YOUR FATHER.