23 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self

23 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self

12.04.2017

1. Take care of your skin! - Moisturize your face. Drink a lot of water. Stop picking at it! Spend a couple more minutes before heading out the door and before going to bed to just moisturize!
2. High school isn't all that terrible! - High school is only 4 years of your life. It's going to feel like the most important years of your life, but it honestly is. It's the time to explore who you are. It's the time to see what you like and don't like whether it comes to subjects, relationships, and even friendships. Embrace this time. It'll help you in the future.
3. Your parents aren't your enemies! - There's a lot of times now when I think, "Man, I'm glad my parents raised me like this." You might get into a lot of arguments almost every night, but instead of retaliating, actually think about what they're saying. They're not out to get you. They've been through a tougher environment, a tougher childhood, a different country even. Everything that they're saying to you is what they wish they could have told themselves.
4. If you don't like something, say it! - You're going to meet a lot of unpleasant people who disguise themselves as caring friends. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up. 
5. Stay optimistic! - Pessimism doesn't get you past the door. Optimism will take you places. I can do it. Everything will be okay. And don't worry, everything will be better than okay.
6. Remember to take a step back to breathe! - You're so motivated. Everything is always full steam ahead, but don't forget to take a step back. Mental health is no joke. If your body needs to rest every night, so does your mind.
7. Be yourself! - So cliché, but stay true to yourself. If you're not liking the trends, why follow it? If your friends want to do something that doesn't interest you, why go? Don't conform. Stay open-minded, of course, but don't change so that people will like you. No one likes that.
8. Don't stop pushing yourself! - Keep your mind going! Learn as much as you can. Read. Read more. Grow your mind and your imagination to new heights. 
9. Rock what you're wearing! - Don't be shy. If you like what you're wearing, then rock it. Style is the outfit, of course, but more so how you're wearing it. You look fine great, keep going!
10. You're not the only one! - Everyone goes through the same emotions as you. Keep going. If they can get through it, so can you.
11. Adult life moves so fast! - I barely have time to breathe. Me-time is nonexistent. Enjoy every day of your life. Especially your summers! I'd give anything to have three months off every year.
12. Love yourself first! - Love yourself before getting into a relationship. Know your worth. Know what you like and dislike. Don't let someone dictate that for you.
13. Sometimes, things don't go according to plan! - And that's okay! Learn to adapt to all situations. 
14. Don't take things for granted! - Every night, reflect on what you have: your family, your education, your living situation... everything. More things will go than come, so appreciate it all.
15. Nobody cares about you! - In a good way, of course. You're going to meet hundreds of people and encounter thousands. Can you remember each and every one of them? No? They won't remember you either. Don't be afraid to just be yourself every second.
16. Ask for help! - No one knows what they're doing, honestly, so don't act like you know how to do everything. Don't be prideful. Ask for help. Ask for clarification. You'd be a fool not to ask.
17. Retain your piano skills! - Especially your piano playing skills. You've been playing for so long. Play often.
18. Life is not a movie! - I've never had an experience that made me think of a moment on the big screen. Be your own director of your life.
19. Stop constantly saying sorry! - It's not your fault. And stop saying it so often for the smallest pettiest things. 
20. Forgive yourself! - Everyone makes mistakes. Forgive yourself, but learn from your mistakes.
21. Relationships are a two-way street! - If you're putting more into it than he is, something's not right. 
22. Learn to express your emotions! - Don't downplay or hide your emotions. Learn to cry. Learn to be angry. Learn how to outwardly express your happiness. Feel.
23. You're enough! - You're beautiful. You're creative. You're strong. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is the one looking back at in the mirror. Think of how you can better yourself to be greater than the person you were yesterday. You are your own competition.