As human beings, we all know that sometimes we have to fail in order to see something we haven't seen before. This is just a part of life - we live and we learn. We know our mistakes teach us how to better ourselves. Of course, this is very important and very true, but I would be kidding myself to say that there aren't things in my life that I wish I had known earlier on. Obviously, we can't just go back and whisper all these things to our younger selves, but it's never too late to accept them. I'm still a teen and have so much still to learn, but here are the things I've learned so far (and continue to work on daily). From elementary school, to middle school, to freshman year - here are the eight things that I wish I could tell my younger self.
1. Be forgiving, but don't let people walk all over you.
This is something that took me a while to learn. It's very important to be able to forgive people for their mistakes - but also remember that if you keep forgiving someone and they keep doing the same hurtful thing, it may be time to cut things off. I'm not saying to be mean to them, just be polite but just distance yourself.
2. Stop worrying so much about fitting in with the "Popular Crowd"!!
Well younger me, please look away from those "cool kids" who can make you feel so insignificant and small. How are we supposed to "belong" in a group that can be so exclusive and make us feel so bad? You will find your sense of belonging to the group of people that openly accepts you and loves you without you having to feel like you have to compete for their approval every day. These people are your people, no matter how "popular" they are.
3. Stop believing that getting tattoos and piercings makes people "bad"
As a younger kid, I thought that people with tattoos or lots of piercings were somehow "bad" people who were mean or dangerous. Turns out, this is just flat out untrue! Tattoos and piercings are actually really cool and a way of self-expression. Hey, younger me, little did you know you'd be rocking six ear piercings later on, and loving it!
4. Always step back and re-evaluate what you are saying when in a disagreement.
Face it - you're not always right. It doesn't make you a bad person, everyone is wrong sometimes! Instead of always being so convinced you are right, make sure you step back and think about the other person's point of view. If you are wrong, just admit it and apologize.
5. Be persistent - some things take time!
Younger me, I know you're artwork looks so bad its funny while you see other people drawing beautifully. Truth is, these things don't magically happen! Stop being impatient and put the time and effort in- it will get there!
6. Stop believing that when a boy is mean to you it means he likes you.
A lot of times, this is just flat out untrue. Yes, sometimes a boy will mess with you because he likes you, but if he is really being mean and hurtful, stop accepting it, its not cool! There are plenty of boys who will show their affection by actually being nice instead of rude.
7. Stop worrying so much about growing and looking older.
Ok, of course, little me got to a point where I was obsessed with the idea of looking older. "When will I hit my growth spurt?" was a very common thought to cross my mind. I constantly complained about being so short., Hey younger me- everyone grows and develops at different paces. It's not a race, just let it be.
8. Best of all- you are ENOUGH!!
Thank you so much for reading my first article! Comment what you wish you could tell your younger self!
