Turning 16 can be the best or worst moment of your life. It's a milestone for everyone, whether you have a huge party, finally get your driver's license, or find the love of your life, the day is a momentous occasion Turning sixteen can also be one of the craziest times of your life; you start to make bigger mistakes, some of them life altering, you lose friends, you gain friends, you have your first love and you might lose your first love but it's all part of being a young adult.
The point in all this mumble jumble is that, no matter how old you are now, a lot of us sometimes wish we could go back in time and whisper a bit of advice in your younger self's ear. Whether you want to prevent a decision gone wrong or you just want to help your younger self make it through a hard time, we can all admit that maybe having the ability to turn your wrongs into rights could be helpful down the road.
These are the 16 things I wish I could have told myself when I was sixteen.
1. You're going to be emotional over literally everything.
The age of sixteen is literally the prime of puberty. So yes you are going to be sad, angry, happy, annoyed but you have to just roll with it and whatever you do, don't swallow your feelings.
2. You are going to lose friends, some that you might have known for forever.
It's all a part of growing up and finding yourself. As you grow and change you eventually find out that sometimes you and your preschool best friend don't have anything in common anymore. And that's a-okay. It's going to happen a lot but just remember they are all learning opportunities and when you find your forever friends you're going to forget all of those past failed friendships.
3. You are going to make friends. Lot's of friends.
For all the friends you lose, you are going to gain probably five more. And they are going to be so great.
4. Don't worry about boys. They aren't worth it.
They literally aren't worth it... at all. Like don't waste your time.
5. Eat your fruits and vegetables.
Seriously. Start now. You don't realize how important it is until you are all grown up and gained more weight than you can remember.
6. Don't work your life away.
Like for real... you have your whole life to work. Enjoy high school while you still can! Because once you graduate, it's three jobs from here on out.
7. Stand up for your beliefs.
You're going to change your mind on so many things and that's okay. As long as you stand up for what you believe in. But also respect other people's beliefs because not everyone thinks the same way and believes in the same things.
8. Keep reading and collecting books.
You used to love to read, don't forget that, and don't let time restrictions get in the way of taking those adventures in the pages of the books you love.
9. Volunteer for something.
There is nothing better than helping out people who are not as fortunate as you are. If you can bring anyone a little bit of sunshine on a cloudy day, make it possible.
10. Do not let bullies break your spirit.
You are so much more than what they try to reduce you to. It's going to happen a lot in life because people can be so horrible for absolutely no reason.
11. Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them.
Something bad can happen out of nowhere. You might not see it coming or it could have been coming for a long time. But whatever you do, call your grandparents, parents, siblings and friends once a day and make sure they know that you love them.
12. Throw yourself into the things you love.
Whether you love music, art, reading, collecting something, makeup... give all you can to the thing you love and you will never regret it.
13. Don't worry about drinking or partying.
You aren't missing much. And there will be plenty of that in college... trust me.
14. Apply yourself more in school.
It doesn't matter how high your GPA is in the school you are going to graduate from. If you are not involved in after school activities or sports... you are not getting those scholarships.
15. Be respectful to your elders.
But only if they in turn show you respect. If they do not... they do not deserve yours.
But most importantly...
16. Love yourself.
Above all else, love yourself. You will get nowhere in life if you cannot love your mind, body and spirit. You will never be able to fully love someone else until you love yourself. Never forget this!
