Being a teenager these days can be tough and stressful. I know I had a hard time, especially in my freshman year of high school. I was always worried about what others thought of me, but I never really thought about what made me happy. I kept myself up at night with anxiety over what I would wear, and if I had enough perfume to smell nice all day because, god forbid, a boy came near me and I smell bad. I just wanted to be liked by everyone, I didn't really think about whether or not I liked myself.

Here's some things I wish I had known:

1. No one cares if your clothes are from Hollister.

2. No one cares if your hair is straight or curly.

3. You don't have to be skin and bones.

4. You don't have to look like a supermodel.

5. Because you can't look like a supermodel.

6. If you don't get an A+ in every class, it's not the end of the world.

7. High school is NOT the be-all end-all.

8. College is going to be way better, so don't slack on work ... but don't slave over it either.

9. Being "popular" isn't a thing.

10. Be friends with everyone.

11. You don't have to do a sport every season and be a part of five million clubs.

12. Do what makes you happy.

Also, give your parents a hug every night. Being a teenager is hard for you, but it's also hard for them to see you go through tough times. You may also think you hate them or that they're really annoying, but they'll be your best friends one day. It's hard to believe, but they really do just have your best interests in mind. If your mom tells you that boy isn't worth your time, odds are, he probably isn't.

So basically, you do you, and you'll be far happier in the long run. If you worry too much about what other people think, you'll be living for them. Live for yourself, and life will be wonderful.