Lessons to My Teenage Self
Imagine if you could talk to your teenage self and more importantly, wouldn’t it be amazing if your 
teenage self would listen! What would you say? What would be the important things you would want to reflect upon and share?
I would want to remind myself – Life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you react to it. You will have some challenging times in your life. It could be a traumatic event, the death of someone really close to you or a family incident that takes a long time for your heart to heal. It is really OK to be discouraged and angry but don’t let those feelings consume you, be patient with yourself and surround yourself with people who care. Let these challenges shape you but not define you.
I would want to tell myself – mistakes will happen. Your job is to pay attention when a mistake is made. Apologize to those who need an apology and move on. The reason you want to pay attention is because, often the same mistake will happen until you learn otherwise. Nothing will ever leave you until it gives you what you need.
I would want to repeat over and over to myself that meaningful friendship matters. Friendship is about quality, not quantity. Surround yourself with friends who show up, pay attention and care for you because you are you. It takes time to create friendships and work to sustain them.
I would want to remind my younger self to just accept that you are on a journey. You can look back and say, “If I knew what I know now” but from experience, that still probably won’t change your choices. Think of life as stepping stones. Make sure the stones underneath your feet are stable and then begin to walk.
I would want to reach out to my teenage self and say – Don’t ask “What do I want to be when I grow up?” instead ask “Who do I want to be?” Who you are is defined by the struggles you are willing to fight for. Figure out your values in order to help guide your choices and behaviors. Find ways to be collaborative, to empower others and to build people up instead of tear them down.
I would encourage my teenage self to find ways to give back. Find organizations that resonate with you and that are making a difference. Remember places that were instrumental in helping you become the person you are today – your school, sports organizations, church, camp, theatre groups or clubs. Don’t forget them as you grow older. There are so many organizations that are doing good things and there are several different ways to be involved – give of your time, your talents or your money. In fact, I would suggest you should do all three!
What I know for sure…If I was talking to my teenage self, my final piece of advice would be to never lose sight of the importance of being authentic. Discover who you truly are and then have the courage to show up and be you.
What a neat essay. I love the premise of talking to your teenage self as if you would listen!