We all wish we could go back in time and talk to ourselves when we were younger. Whether it's to give a warning, or to give reassurance, everyone has looked back and said, "Man, I really wish I knew this then." I'm no different. I've been thinking about this a lot recently. In twenty years, I've experienced a lot of highs and lows-- sometimes it feels like the lows outweigh the highs, but I've survived every low point I've ever reached. To remind myself of this, I've compiled a list of 23 things I wish I could tell my younger self.
1. Don't stress about the boys in your town.
The boy you're probably going to wind up with lives 400 miles away.
2. Your dad is going to leave and it's going to hurt like hell, but you'll be stronger because of it.
3. Your mom is trying her best.
It's not easy to be a single parent, and you don't always make it easy. Give her a break,
4. Your little brother is a pain, but be nice to him.
One day he'll be one of your best friends-- and at some points, your only friend.
5. You are not too cool to worry about school.
Don't blow off high school if you want to get into your dream college.
6. Stop buying useless crap, dammit.
You're going to need that money soon.
7. Emergencies happen, but you can handle them.
Your car was stolen, your engine blew out on the side of the road, you've lived for weeks with eleven cents in your bank account... you can survive literally anything, girl. Don't stress.
8. Don't give so much of yourself to everyone you meet.
Most people don't deserve it.
9. Appreciate your high school friends.
They put up with you at your lowest points; do not push them to the side over nothing.
10. Being poor sucks, but you're thrifty.
You can make it paycheck to paycheck if you have to. But for the love of god, stop buying useless crap. See #6.
11. Kids aren't so awful.
I know you hate them now, but you might not hate them so much in the future. One day you might want one.
12. There are highs and lows in life.
You're not going to be at a low for the rest of your life. Things will get so much worse, but from there they'll get so much better.
13. Don't let people walk all over you just because you feel attached to them.
You don't need toxic people in your life. Cut them off and don't look back.
14. It's not you, it's them.
When all your friends have left and you feel alone, it's easy to think you're the problem. You're not. Don't tell yourself you are.
15. Don't try to compete with others.
People grow and accomplish things at different paces. It's okay if you're a little behind sometimes.
16. Don't work with your best friend.
That literally never ends well.
17. Be blunt. Be loud.
Forget anyone who tells you to quiet down. Say what you need to say and don't let anyone stop you.
18. Recycle, dammit.
Seriously, the planet will thank you.
19. Appreciate the world around you.
Remember that the world isn't such a terrible place. There's beauty in the people and places around you. Look for it, and hold on to it. Fight to keep the world beautiful.
20. Don't let boys make you feel bad.
See #1. Nothing a boy says about you matters. You are strong, beautiful and independent.
21. Go to more concerts.
You've found some of the most amazing bands by going to concerts. Watch live music. Support local artists. Give their art a chance-- they might become your new favorite band.
22. Make a difference in someone's life.
Anyone's life. Change the world, one step at a time.
23. Never stop writing for anyone.
In high school, someone you loved told you were a good writer. He gave you the confidence to write again. Never stop. Write that book. One day you'll finish it. You won't be able to tell him you did it, but he'll know. Keep going.
