16-year-old me, I know you think you know everything already. You think you're "beyond your years" and you roll your eyes a little bit when someone older lectures you. The truth is that you have so much more to learn. You have tons of room to grow.
The guy you're hung up over is an asshole, and you're so sure you love him. You're dating other boys, though, trying to fill the void. I wish you could see your worth. I wish you knew that you don't need attention from other people to define just how amazing you are. Please know that you're going to experience a lot of heartbreak, but it is only to make you tougher and more independent.
One thing I really want to tell you is to always appreciate the special people in your life. You're going to lose someone really close to you and you'll feel like the world is crashing down. But remember all the memories you created with that person, and they'll live inside your heart forever. Don't take people for granted.
Another piece of advice I would give you is be you 100% in all you do and to all you know. You have so many insecurities and they hold you back. In every school talent show or play and in every song cover and poem competition, embrace who you are and what you're capable of. First place or fifth, the things you enjoy doing are what you are going to someday build your life around. Have fun.
Again, you think you know everything so you probably don't care what I have to say. But if you don't listen, you aren't giving yourself a chance to flourish. Take what people say and know that knowledge is power. Through all the trial and error of life, smile and live in every moment. Try to be happy as best you can, but accept the moments of sadness as well. You need some darkness to appreciate the light. You'll be twenty before you know it, living away from home.
High school and teen years will be something of the past, and you'll want that time back. Don't wish away the part of life that you're in. Always be present. I have so much more I'd like to tell you, but I'll leave you to figure some things out on your own. You're going to be just fine.
P.S. You're going to regret those tattoos
