What's some advice you would tell your 16 year old self ?

Dear 16 yr old Artsy,


--Stop caring what others think.

--Don't smoke weed and not inhale. You're wasting good weed. Actually, just don't smoke weed because you're one of the few people who gets bored and that won't change as an adult, no matter how many times you spark it up. Plus you'll have plenty of pothead artist/hippie/yuppy friends as an adult and can enjoy the contact high.

--Don't throw a big party at Steph's house when house sitting. Her parents will find a ton of beer bottles in the back yard when they come back on Monday.

--Take wood shop, theater, pottery, and drawing as elective classes.

--Dump Laura as a friend. She's a real life sociopath.

--Hook up with Luis, the hot server you worked with at that restaurant that summer. There's a reason he came to your house at 11pm on a Saturday night to drop off your server apron and the apron wasn't the real reason.

--Know that what happens in high school doesn't matter in the long run.

--You're ADHD. Get diagnosed.

--RELAX.

Hey, 16 yr old idiot.....that girl you like, quit thinking about it and go ask her out. Quit thinking this is any big thing and making yourself nervous, just go for it. She may say no, but that's ok. If she says yes, you'll have a lot of fun. Meeting women doesn't get easier in 20 years so act now!

Oh yeah, when you get to college in a couple years please pull your head out of your @ss and do some freaking studying. You're smart and will be a very good engineer, but you almost won't make it if you don't wake up!

Dear Self,

No matter what anyone says there is not a thing wrong with you. Eat healthily and exercise daily; also go to the gyno because you have PCOS and you really need to keep it in check. No matter what happens, do NOT marry the first man that comes along, because you will have to deal with the worst hell you could imagine. When you're 19 move to Luling TX. And find Ryan M. Because he is your true soulmate.....your current boyfriend is not meant for you.

Not everyone is going to like you all the time so stop trying to make it happen. It's OK that some people don't like you and it's OK not to like some people. Relax.

Good one. I am 23 years old and still trying to learn this lesson...

Dear Me

Get rid of that loser guy you are about to marry at age 19. He's a womaniser and will eventually leave after wasting the best years of your life. Stop trying to feel loved and enjoy your life. You will meet the love of your life just before you turn 30 anyway, so stop worrying about that.

Go to uni and get a decent paying job.

You are slim now because you walk a lot. Don't fall into the trap of eating for emotions, and don't stop exercising.

Just because you can't make everyone like you doesn't mean you're worthless.

When you get a job, and the boss is an *kitten*. Leave, don't stay there and put up with it.

Stop thinking you are not attractive. You are. And when you're 40, you'll regret not enjoying your youth.

Buy a house and pay it off early !! Don't dip into redraw. Invest if you can !

Don't leave that fabulous church with the fabulous caring people just because one person there pisses you off.

Go to singing lessons, you will regret it later if you don't.

Be giving and loving to your friends. You may not realise it, but right now, sometimes you act rather selfish.

Follow your dreams. Dream big. You can be whatever you want. Don't listen to others' limitations. Just because you are quiet, doesn't mean you are stupid. They don't know you. You are MORE than that.

There is no such thing as perfection. Persistence and consistency will get you where you want to go.

Love
Me

Only 4 years later, but...hey me:

Love your parents, but don't let them dictate your life. They grew up in different times, in a different country, surrounded by stupid customs. They still believe in them, but that doesn't mean you don't know better and have to too. You're allowed to make your own decisions about who you want to become.

And just because you exercise doesn't mean you won't be able to have children. Really. I promise.

Love,

Leyla four years older.

dont be so self concious! wear a bikini and be ruthless about it!!!!....and QUIT SMOKING!

Dear 16 year old me,
You'll be fine. Take care of yourself please and keep lookout for a guy you'll meet in 09 right after you graduate. He's really bad news.

Dear Peggy,
Stay away from fast food, and anyone named Steve.

Hey, 16-year old me,

Don't graduate at 16, stay a bit longer in high school. College can wait! Great grades! Love that boyfriend like you do in the future. He's one of the best thing that will happen to you in the future. Don't cry over spilled milk. Don't be afraid of driving shift-stick, it's fun as hell! Next time, try to get your sister to try out for the hockey team... that way you won't be the only girl. Oh, don't be a prude. Have sex with him. He will become your husband, so it's all right! Safe sex is the best!! It's amazing! Ha!

Dear my 16 self-
1. You're much to mature @ the age of 16. You've already been working for years. You bought your own car with no help. You're worried sick, because your trying to figure out how to break a cycle in generation of poverty. So, I would tell you now little girl --- is to stop and enjoy being 16. Laugh alot and don't worry . It will ok!
2. Think outside of the box , you could have done anything you put your mind to - but your family crippled you some. Reach for your dreams!
3. Dont be scared ....

Keep up the good skin care. You'll thank me when you're 51 each time someone can't believe you're a grandmother.

You think you're heavy now!? You're outta your mind, kid.

Dear 16 year old self,

You are not fat no matter how much you think you are. You want to see fat, look in the mirror when you are 26.

Dear 16 year old DJ TJ (yah i started spinnin records when i was 15 and im 27 now lol)...

Stop eating like crap! start being active! whatever you do, dont fall "in love" with the girl you meet when ur 17.. she turns out to be a cheater 4 years later!!!!

eat healthy and start getting fit because you waited toooo long to get on that bandwagon...

Thats what I would tell my 16 year old self.

Dear 16 Year Old Me,
Your mother is always, ALWAYS right. Listen to her, and show her more respect. One day you'll realize that you can't take back those words you said to her, and regret it terribly.
Always tell her you love her before walking out the door. And always give her plenty of hugs and kisses.
She loves you more than anyone else ever will. And she will be your superhero in years to come.