Looking back through the years, I most likely could have saved myself a lot of growing pains and heartaches but I definitely wouldn't have become the person I am today. If I had the opportunity to have a conversation with my younger self and offer her some advice, that stubborn little bitch probably wouldn't listen to me, but here's what I would tell her to help with her confidence:
What other people say about you has nothing to do with you so don’t dwell on it. It’s only a reflection of their own insecurities.
Failing isn’t permanent. It’s a growth opportunity. Fail away and keep going.
Stop the comparison crap. It’s a game you’ll never win.
There will always be people who are prettier than you and fitter than you. Those qualities are the least interesting thing about you.
Stop worrying and getting overwhelmed about every single thing. These fears rarely come to fruition anyway.
Don’t just wear sunscreen on your face! Also: Coppertone SPF 2? Really?
Stop loving people who don’t love you back.
Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have.
Being kind doesn’t mean taking bullshit from anyone.
It’s ok to enjoy food and adult beverages but maybe put down that fourth vodka cran. Eventually, you’ll earn the nickname Boozilla.
You’ll hide the fact that you’re smart by being funny and downplay your gifts. Don’t. Be funny because you are.
No one gives a shit about what college you went to, what you majored in, or what your GPA or SAT score was.
Your relationship status is a ridiculous measure of self-worth.
You’ll get hurt. By friends, by boyfriends. You’ll cling to things that aren’t meant to be and then you’ll put up walls and maintain a tough girl exterior. Don’t.
Don’t be afraid of being different and feeling that you can’t always relate to everyone. You will understand why soon.
Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable.
Stop covering your butt with long shirts. It’s going to be one of your best ASS-ets one day.
You’re going to fuck up. A lot. You’re going to drive too fast, hit one too many objects, date the wrong people, say the hurtful thing, not study enough, cheat on tests, accept the wrong job, get fired. Remember- you’re a human.
Life is too short to live it doing what others expect of you or think you should be doing.
Things worth giving: the benefit of the doubt, second chances, and genuine compliments.
You get to choose how you react to things, so choose wisely.
I'm sure I could come up with a few more, too! What's one lesson you wish you could share with your younger self?
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