I know what you're thinking...being a teenager is rough. If trying to figure out who you are as a person wasn't hard enough, you are constantly pressured by your peers and parents to behave and appear in ways that may be out of your nature. The best you can do is be yourself. Here are a few tips I have developed throughout my teenage years.
1. Wearing makeup is an option based on what you feel like for the day, not to impress someone else or to fit in. Dress for yourself not for someone else. If you want to be fancy and wear makeup cause it makes you feel good, do it! If you want to wear sweats and have messy hair and no makeup, do it!
2. Your opinion of yourself matters more than anyone else's opinion of you.
3. Don't be afraid to show your weirdness; some of your best friends may share those quirks
4. Laugh at dumb jokes and don't get offended so easily. Have a good sense of humor and don't be afraid to laugh things off.
5. Set your own standards and keep strong to your own morals.
6. You're in control of your own life, don't let anyone tell you differently.
7. Choose to be nice. When you're stuck between being rude or mean to another individual because they're different from you or rude themselves; be nice. "Kill 'em with kindness" works every time.
8. Don't be afraid to be different. Be a leader not a follower. Your life will be much more interesting.
9. Include everyone. People may surprise you and you'll never truly know a person until you give them a chance. Include everyone. People may surprise you and you'll never truly know a person until you give them a chance.
10. Your boobs will come in when you least expect it so don't worry and if they stay small- own it.
11. Own you! You're the only you in the world, so own it
12. Be confident; not cocky. People like a strong, charismatic, confident individual who is kind to everyone and has a strong sense of who they are while staying humble. Staying humble is key because there will always be someone better than you at something.
13. Be happy. Happiness rubs off on others. It may take extra effort at first but in the end it'll be easier and you'll find yourself enjoying life much more. Stay positive and find the brighter side in every situation no matter how hard it may be.
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14. Know that everything happens for a reason and trust in God. He knows what's up.
15. Don't worry about dating. You're a teen- you have PLENTY of time to date.
16. Know that your parents are there to support and help you. They love you and are just looking out for you because they want you to be happy. Don't be afraid to talk to them. They've already gone through this part of life; they know what you're feeling.
17. Have a small but mighty set of friends that you can be vulnerable with.
18. Say thank you. This may seem simple but by merely showing your gratitude in a situation or to another individual will not only make you feel better, but the person you're saying it to feels appreciated as well.
19. Family comes first. Don't forget your roots. Spend time with the people who love you most.
20. Pick your battles. What is really important to fight about and what can you just let go of and forget about? Is this really gonna matter in 5 years? If yes, then fight it but if it really isn't, then just let it go.
21. Don't hold grudges. This may be one of the hardest pieces of advice to follow but you'll be happier the sooner you can let things go and get over it.
22. Know you're not alone. Every girl is lost and has questions at some point in her life and most of the time it's in her teen years. Don't be afraid to try new things but remember to stick to being you. You are special and as Sierra Boggess says, "You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you are."
