High school is not an easy time for anyone we are all changing and starting to figure things out for the first time. 16 is a particularly trying time in a girls life, we are constantly being told we need to be smart but not too smart, skinny but not too skinny, to fit into these boxes that society has built for us. Now being 19, I still face many of the same challenges I did three years ago, but in those three years I have learned so many important lessons I wish I could go back and tell myself to make life a little easier.
Here are 16 things I wish I knew then:
1. Friends aren't always forever
People change, you will change, that's a key part of life. The people you thought would be there forever sometimes walk away, and although it hurts like hell you have to let them go. Don't fight for someone who isn't fighting for you too, because you deserve more than that.
2. Never let anyone make you feel inferior
Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." There are going to be people in life who try to tear you down and make you feel small, but no can do that if you believe in yourself and know that you are worthy.
3. Be kind to yourself
Sure there are going to be things you would change about yourself, but that's no reason to always criticize the things you hate and overlook the things you love. Focus on the good because even though you don't always see it you are a good, kind and beautiful person. If you wouldn't say it to a stranger why would you dare say it to yourself?
4. If it won't matter in a year, don't sweat it
In high school every little bump in the road seems like the end of the world, but it is far from it. Things go wrong, people change and we all make mistakes, but that doesn't mean that our lives are completely ruined. All of the little things seem like monumental problems, but I promise you they aren't and in time you will realize all the "huge problems" you have aren't really that important.
5. That boy you are upset about is not worth it
Let's face it: boys suck, but that is no reflection of you as a person. If he didn't like you that's his loss and let me tell you kid, he's really missing out. Wait for the guy that makes you feel loved and wanted not the one who takes hours to answer your texts.
6. It’s cool to be smart
Playing dumb to get a boy to get attention is about the dumbest thing you could possibly do. Someone with Intelligence is so much sexier than someone who doesn't know anything that's going on in the world beside what Kim Kardashian is up to. Playing dumb only hurts you in the end.
7. Be kind to your parents
As much as they nag and get on your nerves be nice to them because everything that they are doing is for you. It may not seem like it, but they are always on your side trying to push you to be the best version of yourself.
8. Try not to fight with your siblings
There is no need to start World War 3 every time your sister steals a shirt from your closet or your brother annoys you. You'll quickly realize that your siblings are built-in best friends and they will always have your back. Who else has seen you at your lowest and is still around?
9. First impressions aren’t everything
Judging people without knowing them might be the worst flaw to ever have. Give everyone a chance, who knows they could end up being your best friend.
10. One test won’t ruin you, but always study
Stressing out to the point of sickness is never healthy, especially over one little test. With that said, it is so important to be properly prepared for everything. The habits you form now will follow you for life so make them ones you want to hold onto
11. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes
Everyone has days where everything seems to be going wrong and on those days feel free to cry and let every emotion out. Bottling up what you are feeling causes more problems than it could every solve.
12. Don’t let fear get in the way of your dreams
Fear is an enviable part of our existence and it when used properly can be a great motivator, but letting fear take over can make you miss out on amazing experiences. Not doing the things you've dreamt of will only lead to regrets.
13. Stop comparing yourself to others
You'll never be the best at everything you do, there will always be someone smarter or prettier or more qualified and that is okay. As long as you are better than you were yesterday that's all that matters.
14. Overthinking will get you no where
Constantly wondering "what could've been" is exhausting and heartbreaking. When you make a decision trust your gut and be happy with your choice or you will just end up bitter, unhappy and full of regrets.
15. Not having the same opinion as everyone else is okay
Not going along with everything someone says is admirable and people will respect you more for forming your own educated opinions. When someone tries to challenge your opinion stand tall and be confident because just because it is a popular opinion doesn't mean it's right.
16. Enjoy everything because you won’t believe how time flies
Some days feel as if they will never end and all you want is to be older or for things to change, stop that. Look around and memorize the details of your high school remember the laughter and tears and the heartache because one day all it will be is a memory from the past.
