Being a young adult in today's world has got to be one of the most confusing tasks a person will have to complete. There's an endless supply of expectations: anywhere from what your body should look like, how great your social life should be, how much money you have, and so on.
Having just graduated high school, I've had my fair share of experiences with this. If I could go back in time and speak to myself, I'd tell myself not to worry, because everything would eventually be alright, and what others thought of me just did not matter.
Growing up with separated parents, a small amount of money, frequent moves, mean kids at school, and the 21st century's society is one way to mold a very insecure teenage girl. It took 18 years for me to find what I think to be my identity, my real interests, my true friends, and what I want in life. As I've grown older, I've realized that to love another is impossible if you don't love yourself. Life is so much more vibrant and colorful when you love yourself, because when you love yourself, you are happy. As I have become happier, I'm a lot more independent. I don't check my phone for a text from my boyfriend every ten minutes, I let the small things slide way more often, and I don't rely on others company to take away my own loneliness. I've finally started to accept myself the way I am; I don't always wear makeup anymore and I don't always care how I dress.
This carefree attitude has actually given me a lot more confidence. I've learned to focus on what's actually important. Becoming happy is like putting on a fresh pair of prescription glasses. My best words of advice for any teenage girl would be to find balance, do what excites you, find beauty within yourself, others, and the world. Be honest, have respect, treat others well, and you'll be honest with yourself, respect yourself, and you'll treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated. Loving yourself is definitely the best gift you can ever give yourself.
