45 Things I Would Tell My Teenage Self

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?