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10 Things I Wish I Could Tell my 16-Year-Old Self
1.Heartbreak is real, but it is necessary.
There will be a day in your life, where you date someone and you understand that it was absolutely necessary to go through what you did. If I never dated the boys I did and went through the painful experiences I did, I would have never understood the difference between a boy and a man. Dating the good, bad, and going through the good, and ugly times, I was able to recognize what I deserved, and how to determine whether or not the boys I dated were good or bad for me. Sometimes it will be hard, and very heartbreaking to let go of someone you loved, but allow yourself to move forward. If you thought you loved them, just imagine the love you will have for the man who truly is the one.
2.Popularity looks important now, but it is not.
The second you graduate from High School, you will come to find that popularity NEVER mattered. Everyone moves on with their own individual lives and the gossip spread will NOT matter. You will look bad in 3 years and notice that some of the "cool kids" you were jealous of, are far more behind than you. On top of that, the experiences you look back on, are not about "being popular". Instead, they are the moments where you are truly having fun and being happy.
3.Get involved in clubs!
If there is one thing that I regret, it is not participating more in clubs! So if there is something that looks fun, or even interesting, try it out!! Better to have tried it than look back and not have ever known what it would have been like!
4.It doesn't matter how many friends you have, all that matters is that the friends you have are real.
After graduation, friendships and relationships instantly get tested. You will attend different schools, live in different states, and experience very big and life altering decisions. It is only those true friends that stick around. So, instead of focusing on the popularity and number of people who know your name, focus more on who you can rely on, and who can rely on you. Be a good friend, and have good friends.
5.Kindness is much more important than gossip.
I remember finding that taking part in gossip and allowing myself to be involved in drama helped me be more "included". I did not care how it made other people feel. Looking back now, I realize that it was never worth it. Attention is not everything, and negative attention is not something you want. Look for ways of building others up. It is the positivity that builds yourself and others up, and that is something that will be recognized, and remembered. You can save a life by being kind, but you can also destroy one by deciding to be rude. It is ultimately in your hands.
6.Spend time with your family!
Never stop talking to your family. Always turn to them, make them aware of what is going on in your life, and ask them about their's. When you grow up, you will be thankful that you appreciated the time with your family rather than spending it away from them. Family is important, and sometimes you only realize that when it is too late. Don't let it be too late.
7.Do not settle, know your worth.
There will be many people, boys, and even some friends who will test you. Boys will want to see how far they can talk you into going, friends will question and test your standards just for a little fun on the weekend. Do not allow anyone to talk you into doing something you do not want to do. Do not believe what you have is the best you can get. Determine your standards early, and allow them to be solid. It is okay to say no, and it is okay to wait until you have someone you feel you deserve.
8.Save your money!
YOU'RE WELCOME.
9.Maintain a relationship with God.
There is definitely going to be trials sent your way at this time in your life. It is going to be easy to be angry with God, blaming Him for your pain. Please do not allow yourself to do this! God does not want you hurting, he wants to help you, lead you, and guide you through your pain and tribulations. Pain is necessary to feel strength, sorrow is necessary to feel happiness, and weakness is necessary to feel strength. Allow God to help you through your every day lives, it will be the best decision you can make.
10. Your parents are smarter than you think!
Even if it seems like they do not know what they are talking about, remember that they have already been through the stages of life that you are going through now. They know what they are talking about, and they want the best for you. Although they may not know everything, they will do everything they can to help you. Turn to them, thank them, and listen to their council.