10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger

Dear younger me,
There are so many things I wish I knew when I was your age. There are a lot of things that you will unfortunately learn the hard way, but I wish I had someone to tell me (and if they did tell me, I wish I really listened).

1) The friends you make in high school will not be your friends forever. No matter how much you tell yourselves that you will, many of you will drift apart and that's totally okay. Don't bring yourself down trying to hold onto a friendship that's run its course. Not everyone you meet is meant to be in your life forever and you will meet other people who will fill that space.

2) The only person you should be wearing makeup for, or dressing up for, is yourself. If it makes you feel happy, go for it. But don't change your appearance because you think people will like you better for it or pay more attention to you. Believe me, those aren't the kind of people you want in your life anyway.

3) Do not be in a rush for your "firsts" (first kiss, first date, etc.). Better to wait and have an incredible one that was so worth it than to just waste it. Believe me, you will regret it. There's no deadline for your firsts and there's no shame in waiting a bit. It will be so worth it.

4) Don't fall for every boy who says sweet things to you and pays attention to you. Just because he is kind to you doesn't mean he isn't the same with every other girl. And even if his intentions are honest, don't fall face first. There's never a need to be all in, all at once. If someone is really interested in you, they'll hang around for a while. If they lose interest in a week, then they weren't really all that interested to begin with, were they?

5) Be cautious with your heart but don't be afraid to love. By this I mean, don't hand out your heart to just anyone and take your time, but sometimes the best things are worth taking a risk for.

6) Develop good study habits early on. Yeah, I know it sucks, but believe me, you'll thank me when you're in college.

7) Save your money. Seriously, the security of knowing you have a bit of cash in the bank is so much more comforting than whatever thing you need to have right now. (side note: also don't be afraid to spend some of it too. Life's too short to save every penny and never have any fun)

8) Be nice to everyone. You don't know what they're dealing with right now.

9) If something is bothering you, SAY IT. Keeping inside will not only not change anything, but it will make you miserable at the same time. I know sometimes it's hard to express what you're feeling but you will feel so so so much better after.

10) Take care of yourself. You are your harshest critic. Remember that sometimes you need to take a break and relax. Love yourself, even when you're feeling at your most unlovable. Especially when you're feeling at your most unlovable.

You are capable of so much. Go out and do it. Never doubt your abilities.
xo