As I grow older, I find myself thinking a lot about what has shaped me into who I am today. With the help of TimeHop (thanks, TimeHop), I am also able to realize how stupid I was when it came to a lot of things.
Here's a list of just a few simple things I wish I could tell my younger self.
1. When it comes to makeup, less is more.
Just go ahead and do yourself a favor, please throw away your eyeliner. There is such thing as too much, and if you haven't learned it by now (which, odds are, you haven't), then put it away and try again in a few years. Also, don't waste your money buying the latest form of mascara from places like Sephora. CVS is your best friend, especially when it comes to makeup.
2. Every dollar counts.
Once you hit college, you think of every stupid purchase you have ever made, which mostly consists of those shopping trips to Claire's that you made in middle school, or those big shopping sprees at Abercrombie where you just had to have that $40 tank top. While it may be cool to have five different animal key chains and a furry fake phone, just listen to your mom and do not do it. Your future, broke college self will thank you for it.
3. There will be heartbreaks.
If you are lucky, you will meet someone while you are young, and you may even fall in love with them. As time goes on, however, it seems that things just don't work with you two, and that is okay. You should still consider yourself lucky; because of these failed relationships, you are one step closer to knowing what you want in a relationship. Your world may feel like it's ending, but I promise you, it's not. You will end up learning more about yourself through the breakups than you ever thought possible.
4. Subtweeting is a negative and definitely not necessary.
Do not use social media for negativity. There is no need to tweet about that smelly boy in third period or tell all of Facebook who you are hanging out with or when and why. TimeHop is a thing, and rereading what you posted years ago will make you hate yourself and Th3 W@y YuH tYp3d.
5. Do NOT wear that pencil skirt.
Just don't do it. Trust me.
6. Your family is your rock.
Do not ever think you are "too old" to make cookies with your grandparents or "too cool" to hang out with your parents on the weekend. As you get older, you'll begin to realize that every minute with your family is precious and much needed. It is also important to listen to the advice your parents give you; your mom notices a fake friend before you can and your dad notices a crappy boy before you can, so trust them. They have been through it. They are your rock and you should always remember that.
7. Being cool in high school isn't resume-worthy.
The kids that everyone seemed to put on a pedestal in high school have zero relevance to life in the real world. Don't worry about being cool or hanging out with the cool people, because honestly, nine times out of 10, they aren't good friends to have. Don't stress about not being invited to a party, because a year from now, whether you went to that party or not will not be important. Use your judgment and stick with your real friends. Having four close friends is way better than having 50 people who are kind of your friends, but you know they will ditch you for the next best thing.
8. Love yourself, always.
Through all the hardships and obstacles you will be faced with in your life, remember who you are and always stay true to it. Self-love is the best love. Instead of hating what you see, learn to love it or do something about it. Don't worry about what people think of you. Sadly, people are going to judge you no matter what, but who cares? If you're happy, that is all that matters. If you surround yourself with positive things, thoughts, and people, positive things are sure to happen!
Now, let's be honest. With inventions like TimeHop, I'm sure I'll be writing a similar letter to myself in a few years.
