As I get older I think of so many things that I would tell my teenage self. Actually, some of these things apply to yesterday but for the sake of the title, let’s just address my teen years.
Things I Would Tell My Teenage Self
1.) Hurt feelings are inevitable, but always keep your intentions pure.
2.) Do not dumb yourself down for anyone.
3.) You do not have to get married or have children. You do however, have to pay bills and taxes. Plan for that.
4.) Never say never. It’s the quickest way to challenge the universe.
5.) Keep a notepad in the shower. Seriously, they make them.
6.) No, you did not always want to live in a tree house. Don’t be a relationship chameleon.
7.) Just. Calm. Down.
8.) Common sense is extremely underrated.
9.) In the privacy of your own home, it’s okay to try rapping like Nicki Minaj or belly dancing like Shakira, but for the love of everything, please remember you are not them when you are #whitegirlwasted in the club.
10.) Practice good grocery shopping cart etiquette.
11.) Go ahead and eat from the pint.
12.) Self loathing is stifling. Learn to forgive yourself quickly.
13.) Books are brain food. Devour them.
14.) Learn something daily.
15.) Set goals. Accomplish them. Repeat.
16.) Be curious, not judgmental.
17.) There’s a fine line between being friendly/flirty, reserved/snobby, confident/cocky, sexy/slutty, helpful/push over, informative/one-upper, adventurous/reckless … Make sure to walk on the intended side.
18.) Life has a funny way of teaching us compassion. The day you judge another person, you essentially place an order to fill their shoes. (See #4)
19.) Exercise for life, not looks.
20.) Two words: Focus and balance.
21.) Enjoy your own company.
22.) Dream.
23.) Learn how to make a proper apology and don’t ever be too proud to apologize when necessary.
24.) People respond well to accountability. Own your actions.
25.) Listen more and talk less.
26.) Write.
27.) Don’t ignore your conscience. It’s there to protect you.
28.) “No, thank you” is a perfect response to many invitations.
29.) Talk about ideas, not other people.
30.) Less is more in so many instances.
31.) Be courteous and gracious.
32.) Stand up for the young, elderly, and animals.
33.) Stay firm in your beliefs but keep an open mind.
34.) Baby oil + iodine while laying out = a horrible idea.
35.) Enjoy your body while you are young. You will miss it one day.
36.) Under-promise, over-deliver.
37.) Harming another living creature will make you feel hideous. Put the spiders and bugs outside. Wasps are an exception to this rule.
38.) It’s okay to just do nothing some days.
39.) Life is short, enjoy it.
40.) Life can be very long to live with certain consequences.
41.) Keep a friend’s secret.
42.) You are not going to change him.
43.) Don’t rebel against braces.
44.) Revenge never feels good.
45.) Believe in karma. Regardless of its existence, it will make you behave better.
I try not to live with regrets, but it’s difficult. There are many times in my life where I wish there was a reset button. I know each bad decision during our younger years is a learning experience, but sometimes it’s hard to escape the pain of the consequences.
What would you say to your teenage self?
Dawn Lopez says
This is awesome! Not only did I laugh, but my eyes watered up. You really nailed a lot of not only what I would have liked to tell myself as a teenager… but what every teenager should hear. Love this!
Daisy says
LOL – this is a great list! I like the “Just Calm Down” point.
Rachee says
I would tell my teen self that you ARE good enough, you are pretty and you do not have to be a size two.
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
There is only one word I have to describe this post. LOVE!
I agree with pretty much everything on it, too. Well, except for the baby oil + iodine part cause I’ve never done that before. Lol
Rosey says
You’ve got a great list here. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I laughed about the baby oil and Iodine. My big mishap was sunless suntan lotion, whew was I orange for a bit!! And splotchy orange too,lolol
Aimee Smith says
These are AMAZING! I would add- Wear Your Retainer! What a fun idea!
Carlee C says
I think we need to recommend this post for required high school reading. I like “There’s a fine line between being friendly/flirty, reserved/snobby, confident/cocky, sexy/slutty, helpful/push over, informative/one-upper, adventurous/reckless.” Many adults could use that advice.
brett says
this is awesome.
and yes never say never. its a guarantee!
Sofia says
Quite a few of these I could relate to. I’d also tell my self to “not let others’ opinions get you down”.
Marina says
What a great list! Don’t dumb yourself down and talk less…yep, we all needed this back then!
Angela says
Love this! I would definitely tell my teenage self that it’s not the end of the world. I thought everything was so tragic back then. When we get older we realize we are tough and strong, and that life goes on and is great.
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
Go ahead and eat from the pint is my favorite. LOL! I am known for buying me and my daughter our own pints of ice cream. Who has time for bowls?!
Ellen Christian says
#39 is my very favorite one. Too many people work their life away and then it is too late to enjoy it.
kristin says
So totally true, I just love each of these. Totally sharing!
Michele says
You have some great advice here! With the loss of some close family members recently, that were very young, I have vowed to live my life to the fullest with no regrets! I love the become a shark on Shark Tank, made me giggle. Thanks!
Katy Rawson says
This is one of those posts that reminds me that hindsight is 20/20. And then I get to thinking about what I would tell myself and how I get my kids to change their teenage attitude to value things they will appreciate as adults. Great post.
Pam says
Oh, that is hilarious! I laughed at Want to come to my meth party? I would tell my teenage self to dream big, because you can accomplish whatever you want, looks aren’t everything and don’t be snobby to others.
Joanna Sormunen says
I agree so much with 18. I have seen it happen and it has happened to me. Great advice!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Oh if only we could turn back time! The good thing is that we have made mistakes as teenages and they are good for us to use when raising our children.
Nancy L. StyleDecor says
Great advice for any age. I have to have my teens read this. I can relate to every single one of these lessons to learn in life.
Thanks.
Nicole Brady says
I participated in a “What would I tell my teenage self” thing once upon a time. I remember the first thing was acknowledging my stubborness and that I probably wouldn’t listen anyway. 🙂 Some great points there. My favorite is probably #27. That has gotten me through an awful lot.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
You have all this figured out already? We need to clone you and instruct all the youth of the world with your very smart common sense. This list is EXCELLENT. Pinned!
susan says
This is such an awesome list! I love the set goals, then repeat, it is so true!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I think back about how I looked at the world when I was a teenager and I wonder how I made this far LOL. Seriously, I was clueless.