People grow and change as the years go on. Looking back five years, I don’t think anyone can say that they are the exact same person now as they were before. When I think back to my life five years or so ago, I can think of everything that I would say to my past self. I wish that the younger me was wiser, and was aware of the advice that I’ve developed from all of my experiences. Below are just a few things that I would say to the younger me, and what I wish they knew.
1. You don’t always have to follow the leader.
You've got your own opinions, thoughts, and ways of doing things. Just because the "cool" kids in school are doing something, doesn't mean you have to. You do you, because you're awesome! Being different and unique is a lot more interesting than just trying to fit in. If you want to go your own way, do it.
2. Wear what you want!
You don't need to shop at those expensive stores at the mall. You don't need to buy those $40 jeans. You don't need to wear those shoes that hurt your ankles. Fitting that supposed image of what style is, well it's just not who you are. In fact, that outfit you got at Target is a lot nicer and comfier than the one from Abercrombie & Fitch (that place sucks anyways).
3. Your body is fine just the way it is.
Okay, enough, you're not fat. Your stomach looks fine, and so do your legs. Don't be afraid to wear that new bikini to the beach. You are beautiful. If people stare, it's at how gorgeous you look. Be confident about your body, you'll have it forever.
4. Getting an A on every single thing does not define you.
We get it, you may have raised yourself to a high standard at a young age. But let's face it, nothing is as easy as elementary school was. I'm not saying don't strive yourself from doing your absolute best, but don't overly stress about it. Don't think that the only people who constantly get high honor roll are better than everyone else, and don't think you're better than those who get lower grades than you. Obviously, that's not true.
5. Just because you don’t get the grade you wanted doesn’t mean you’re a failure.
Okay, you failed a math quiz. Then again, math is hard and you can't really study for math. Don't beat yourself up about it! No matter what, if you don't get that desired high grade, it doesn't mean you should give up. Grades do not define who you are! Honestly, grades don't even define how intelligent someone is! Don't cry over that low grade. If anything, remind yourself that "C's get degrees!"
6. You’re gonna make friends and lose friends. It’s a part of life. You’ll find your people soon.
You make a friend. You lose a friend. It's like a cycle in a sense. You may think the friends you have right now are your forever friends, but things change. If you drift away from a friend or end up fighting with them, it's not the end of the world. You will make more friends. Once you open yourself to some more experiences and put yourself out there, your true friends will find you. I must say, the friends you've got now? They're pretty cool.
7. Love is love.
Yeah, yeah, love is whatever. You may think that dating is stupid and that you'll never date, but you don't need to close yourself off. Turn off that judgmental attitude and don't play off a potential love interest just because they don't look like a model. Keep an open mind. Believe me you really need to keep an open mind because your love life takes an unexpected turn, but man is it the best.
8. If you need help, ask. Don’t make things worse for yourself.
Whether it be for help in a class or help with how you're feeling, please ask. Don't let those thoughts and feelings linger. Your mind will go crazy, and sitting on the issues you face will only hurt in the end. Don't be afraid to speak up and help yourself, you very well may just need it.
9. Don’t be so critical of yourself.
So what if your eyebrows aren't perfect. So what if your hair isn't perfectly straight. So what if your makeup isn't the best. These things are so trivial, and you shouldn't worry about them. I mean, do you really want to be the person who draws on their eyebrows or has three layers of foundation on their face? No way.
10. It’s okay to put yourself first.
I know, you're a people-pleaser. But let's be real here, sometimes you need to put yourself first. It's fine to do nice things for people, but if something is going on that hurts you in some way, don't do it. Don't do things just to impress people if you'll only get affected negatively in the end. It's not fair to yourself.
11. Just because your friends are doing it, doesn’t mean you have to too.
All of your friends are going to hang out somewhere that you hate? It's okay not to go and tell them you'll hang out another time. Your friends want to skip class? Use your head and don't do it. Your friends are going away to college? You can stay home and commute, you know you're not ready to leave, stick with your instinct! If they really love you, they'll be your friends regardless.
12. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in.
Don't let anyone beat you down. If someone is treating you badly, don't let them. Speak your mind, don't hold back. You may not believe it now, but if you speak up, a bad situation can get a lot better.
13. Keep an open mind about the future.
The future isn't too bad. You're gonna meet some amazing people (some in places you wouldn't expect), learn a lot more about yourself than you thought you could, and expand your horizons. It sounds cheesy, but it gets better.
14. Cherish every moment.
Life is so precious, so don't take it for granted. Make sure you let your loved ones know that you love and appreciate them. Enjoy your life. Love who you are. You never know what could happen, just be positive about it all. Live each day like it's your last.
