Laura

Advice to my younger self

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

God, what a dork I (still) am 😂

When I was 13 –

“You are beautiful, inside and out. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than, ever. Always remember not everyone has your best interest at heart, like you do for others. Keep writing, you are so good at it.”

When I was 14 –

“You are different. You are more mature. You won’t always get along with people your age. It’s ok to be different. Enjoy your time on the swim team because swimming everyday for 2 hours after school is not something you’ll have the leisure time to do everyday in your adult life.”

When I was 15 –

“It’s great that you’re working a job at such a young age, but try to focus on school so your adult life will be much easier. I know it’s hard to focus with what’s going on at home – but try, because 20 years from now, you’ll wish you had dedicated more time to it.”

When I was 16 –

“You are so independent for your age. Try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember to ask for help. You don’t have to do drugs or drink alcohol just because all the other people your age are doing it.”

When I was 17 –

“You don’t have to have sex with him if you don’t want to. Guys are going to find you physically attractive, and just because they want to have sex, doesn’t always mean they love you, even when he calls himself your boyfriend.”

When I was 18 –

“You CAN go to college. Just because you don’t like math, doesn’t mean you’re bad at it or stupid. I know, you don’t have all the money to pay for college right now and you’re so busy working full-time. But it’ll be much easier now, rather than later on.”

When I was 19 –

“Don’t allow men to take advantage of you. Enjoy dating, because you’re going to get married at 28 and marriage isn’t always rainbows and butterflies like it’s portrayed in movies.”

And overall:

“In your lifetime, you are going to develop into an amazing, strong, secure and happy woman. I know it maybe doesn’t always seem that way now, but you will eventually have everything you’ve ever desired. You are so loved and appreciated. Never forget, you are a badass bitch!”

20 comments

  1. I appreciate the positive and empowering message for teenagers. It’s crucial to remind young individuals of their potential and worth. Encouraging self-confidence and resilience can contribute to their personal growth.

    Thanks for sharing…. 🌹👍

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  2. I was reading your age flashbacks and thinking of Frank Sinatras it was a very good year. Different era if you grew up on social media same voices however Different pressures. Funny thing you still can apply all that being grown

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  7. Great message!

    A lot of teens I knew back in high school (I’m Gen Z, recent graduate) seemed dedicated to giving up on school/work and I’m glad to see someone encourage them to take the time to work hard while still staying true to themselves.

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  9. This post brought tears to my eyes. I love how you broke down advice for different ages. We need varied guidance at each stage of our lives, and the teenage years are particularly full of transitions. Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing this with us!

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