As we dive into this new year, I'm sure many of us have taken the time to think back on what we've done in our pasts. Everyone has things they wish they could go back and change, if they could. Everyone makes mistakes. If I could go back in time, there would be so many things I would tell my past self. But, it's these mistakes that often shape who we are today. I wouldn't want to change a lot of my past, but if I could, I think I'd like to go back to my freshman year in high school. Here is what I'd tell myself.

Dear me,

First, respect yourself. Don't let people walk all over you. Don't let people treat you in a way any less than you deserve. Don't listen to people who try to make you feel bad about yourself, especially when it's someone who's supposed to care about you. Be proud of everything you are and everything you're not. As cliche as it might sound, you're the only you in the whole wide world. Respect that.

Honestly, I probably shouldn't be giving advice that I still have trouble taking, but here it goes -- Speak up. You've got a voice, and you've got ideas. I know it's hard, and I know you're scared that you won't have anything good to say. The fact is, you're gonna have all kinds of good ideas as well as bad ones. Sometimes, you'll have great ones. But how are you going to know which ones are which if you never express them? Take a chance. Take a deep breath and just speak.

Speak, but do so kindly. I know you don't think of yourself as a mean person, but believe me, everyone can stand to be a little bit kinder. Talk to that kid in class that no one seems to talk to. Offer some of your lunch to someone without any food. Lend someone a pencil. Smile at someone. Just be kind.

Kindness to and from others comes in handy, especially since your angst-ridden teenage years are coming full speed ahead. You're going to feel like no one really understands. Honestly? No one's ever going to really get everything that's going on in your head, not completely. But you've got people who care about you, please believe me in that. You'll meet the best friends of your life, soon, and they'll understand you better than you'd ever thought possible.

And, as important as friends are, don't forget about family. I know, I know. You love your family. You always will. But, just talk to mom and dad more. They'll support you through thick and thin, and they'll be understanding of a lot more than you're probably giving them credit for (they're "cool" parents, remember?). Spend more time with Anthony and Noah. They might be annoying, but you're their big sister; whether they will ever admit it, they look up to you. Just really take the time to appreciate everyone because days are coming when you might feel like you're too busy for family. I'm here to tell you, you are never too busy.

Lastly, enjoy it while it lasts. I'm serious. High school is going to fly by in a flash and next thing you know, you're a junior in college. You're almost a full-fledged grown up, and it's going to be really scary but exciting all at the same time. Hang out with your friends. Go to the school dances. Sing your heart out in choir -- that's one of the things you'll miss the most. Don't forget to enjoy your classes, too. Really! They're great experiences, whether you believe me right now or not.

There are a million other things I could tell you that might make your high school years easier. But hey, if I had to go through it then so do you. I can't promise that if you remember to do these six things, it'll make your life perfect, but I can say it'll definitely make it better. Good luck. Don't worry. We'll do great.