8 Things I Would Tell My 16 Year Old Self

When I think of myself as a 16 year old girl I see a young person just starting to gain some self-assurance, excited about her future in the big, wide world. Now that the road has travelled some distance since that time, with all kinds of twists and turns, I look back and offer this advice to my 16 year old self.

• You are stronger and more capable and smarter than you ever imagined. You have enormous reserves of strength and resilience. You have a ton of great ideas. So don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. Grab interesting opportunities when they arise. Live life fully!

• You are unique. There is no-one else on earth quite like you. And that’s wonderful. Use your talents and strengths to do what you love. You have so much to offer.

• It’s okay to be different. You don’t have to like the same things as everyone else. Do what you want to do and what makes you happy. If it doesn’t please everyone, that’s okay.

• Get outside and exercise! Try to spend 30 minutes a day to go for a walk, or do a sport or exercise you enjoy. Your mind and body will thank you for it.  And treat your body well. Enjoy good food that is freshly prepared, and choose healthy and delicious snacks. Eat meals that look appealing and attractive. Avoid highly processed, sugary or salty snacks that deplete you of energy and have no nutritional content.

• Choose your friends wisely. Friendship is an ‘upper’. You should feel better about yourself after spending time with friends. Choose to be with people who are supportive, fun and care about you. Stay away from people who try to pull you down. You don’t need their negative energy.

• Recognise that not all times will be rosy. You will have challenges and difficult times. Remind yourself that every event is a learning experience. Sometimes you will feel tested to the brink, so hold on tight and stay the course, because just when you think you can’t take anymore – that’s when the tide will turn.

• Realise there is a difference between being right and being happy. You don’t have to win every single argument. Sometimes you value the relationship more than being right, and you choose to be happy.

• Enjoy life and don’t take things too seriously. So something happened that was embarrassing? Forget about it! It doesn’t matter. Think kindly and generously about yourself and others. Laugh. Smile. Relax. Be confident.

The world IS an amazing place. Take pleasure in moments big and small. Live and love your life!

Image source: Flickr