To all those who think they are missing out,

You're not missing out. You're not missing out because you didn't go to that party. You're not missing out because they didn't invite you to the movies. You're not missing out if you don't have a girlfriend or boyfriend. You're just simply not missing out. Maybe high school or college are not the best years of your life. Trust me when I say it's OK. You will have your time to shine regardless of what age you are.

The most dangerous game you can play is the one of comparison. Each of our paths through life is going to be different, and we are going to struggle at different times, and we are going to thrive at different times. There is not a set agenda we have to follow. Living up to the teenage American dream is nearly impossiblem and let me just tell you, it's just not as perfect as all of those freaking fantastic 90's movies make it out to be.

Just because your journey is different does not mean it is any less exciting or fulfilling.

Your glory days are far from over. Regardless of your age, it is never too late to live a fulfilling life. There is no time limit to finding happiness.

My years in junior high and high school were indefinitely some of the worst years of my life. You couldn't pay me to relive them. I remember constantly being told the "enjoy being young" or "you're missing out these are the best years of your life" or even "you'll wish you could go back," and let me just tell you, I don't. In fact, with each year that passes, I feel a little bit victorious that time of my life it just a little bit further in the past.

I grew up pretty fast, and my struggle with an eating disorder took me far away from "normal." Most of the years I was supposed to be living the teenage American dream, I spent sick and alone, and I felt like I missed out on an entire lifetime of experiences but in reality, I was just experiencing a part of my journey. The part where I had to completely unravel to get where I am today is why I refuse to regret a single second of the way I chose to grow up because my "glory days" will be every day I walk around being thankful to be alive — grateful for every step I take on the journey of life.

"In a society that profits from your self-doubt, loving yourself is a rebellious act."

Be a rebel. After all, your journey is yours, so own it.

Love,

The girl who thought she missed it all but really missed nothing at all