15 Things I Wish My 20-Something Self Could Tell My Teenage Self

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1.

If you don’t go out tonight you aren’t missing out on anything.

2.

If it doesn’t work out with him in end, don’t put your life on hold over it.

3.

The drama never really ends, but the way you handle it does. It won’t matter who’s dating who, who said what about who. It just won’t be important to you anymore. You’ll learn to focus on your own sh*t and won’t have time to be bothered with anything else.

4.

Being different is cool. Being the “weird” kid has replaced being the cool kid. While I was growing up I was constantly put down for being different. Stop worrying how you look in the eyes of others because in the end, their opinions don’t matter. The only opinion that matters is your own.

5.

It may not be easy to speak out in a crowd and stand up for what’s important to you, but you will realize how empowering it can be. Standing up for what you believe in gives you a voice in this world. Use that voice.

6.

Boys are useless. Wait until they are men. You might be waiting forever, though.

7.

Sometimes terrible things happen. And although we will never fully understand as to why this happens, have faith in the idea that everything does happen for a reason. Even if that reason isn’t clear yet.

8.

Nothing is worth sacrificing your health. Listen to your body. Be mindful of your needs (physically or mentally. Take a break and a breather when you need to. Slow down. Pay attention to this stuff, because your health is one of the most important things you have in life.

9.

Don’t let anyone else’s perception influence your decisions. Be you. And make your choices in life based on what you want, not what somebody else wants. Don’t allow the opinions of others persuade your ability to make decisions for yourself.

10.

Curiosity is the key to never being bored. Or never being complacent. Always be curious. Let your mind wander to faraway places. Don’t allow yourself fall into a life filled with mediocrity.

11.

You’ll always learn more from listening than you will from talking. Pay attention to your surroundings. Listen with the intent to understand. Listen with purpose. You will be surprised at how much you can learn from someone if you take the time to truly listen to what they’re saying.

12.

The only person you are responsible for is yourself. You don’t need to waste time justifying someone else’s behavior. You are in control of yourself, and yourself only.

13.

Gratitude is the best medicine. Practicing gratitude in your life will change it in unimaginable ways. Always take the time to count your blessing each and every day. And nurture the things you’re most grateful for.

14.

Doubt will hold you back 10x more than another person ever will. The only person that’s getting in the way of accomplishing something is you. Stop worrying if you’re good enough. Or if you’ve reached a certain standard that’s been set by the rest of the world.

15.

Forgiveness is a gift that keeps giving. Holding a grudge will eventually eat you alive. And often, the inability to forgive is really just an indication you struggle to forgive yourself.