While moving into adulthood, life lessons become an integral of our life. It often resonates with our adolescent days. As each year passes and we grow older, these lessons act as reflections on our past experiences, empowering us to gain wisdom and approach the future with greater vigilance.
Turning 20 in 2024 filled me with joy, confidence and a sense of responsibility. Entering the realm of twenties brings a wave of bittersweet emotions – from shouldering responsibilities to making critical career decisions. It’s incredible how quickly time flies; just five years ago, I was 15, experiencing the peak of teenage life.
Lately, I’ve found myself pondering over things I could have done differently during my teenage years. Life hasn’t been smooth sailing, and it will never be. However, amidst life’s twists and turns, there is ample opportunity for learning and growth. By embracing them, I can step forward confidently, shaping the lifestyle I truly desire.
Thus, to this end, here are eight things I would tell my 15-year-old self — quirky, vulnerable, and full of uncertainty — if ever given a chance.
- Flaunt the ‘SELF’ Within you
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It’s challenging to maintain your authentic self when you feel intimidated by the people around you. You often appear artificial to your peers, masking the true self within you. Embrace who ‘you’ are, and genuine people will embrace you as well. This realization may come off late, as it did for future ‘you’, but it’s never too late to embrace yourself and appreciate your true personality.
- AVOID PRESSURING YOURSELF
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Surrounded by your peers, it is understandable why you feel the pressure to be great in everything you do. But remember, exhausting yourself in the competition gains you nothing but only an unhealthy relationship with your caliber. You are encouraged to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the lifestyle that best suits your interests.
- Build valuable connections
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In an era of social connectivity, staying connected becomes a powerful tool for personal growth and community building. Adolescence is a period where at times, you are lost in balancing your emotions, stress, and relationships. You tend to be overwhelmed by what’s happening around you. Hence, it’s always good to open up to people who you trust and have faith in. They will be there to provide you with a helping hand. Opening up also lessens the burden during rough patches. It shows you the care and love people have once you speak up about the state you’re in.
- PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE
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With the hustle and bustle of schooling, you are constantly occupied with the pressure to perform the best. Sometimes, these activities might lead to a phase challenging our mental and physical health. Hence, taking some time alone is completely okay. You should give yourself the time to check in with your emotions and seek support whenever needed. It becomes essential to start establishing boundaries to protect your time and energy.
- BE PATIENT, Things would eventually pan out
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Everything shall happen at the required time. You might not be getting what you aspire for at the present but this does not imply that your dreams will remain unfulfilled. Instant gratification has been normalized in today’s convoluted and fast-paced lifestyle. Desperately wanting to get everything as per your wish might end up making you more anxious. This ultimately puts a burden and you eventually end up overthinking. Practice optimism and understand that goals require time and effort. Rushing leads to oversight, whereas patience allows for thorough understanding and meaningful growth.
- VALUE TRUE FRIENDSHIPS
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Don’t succumb to the misconception having a large friend group makes to ‘fit in’. Quality friendships outweigh quantity. In school, there’s peer pressure to belong to atleast a friend group. However, true friendships serve to offer unwavering support through all situations. Remember, genuine friendships, even if they involve just a few individuals, foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Real friendships celebrate your successes without envy and offer solace during tough times.
- DREAM BIG!
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Dream big and work hard to achieve your aspirations, despite the obstacles that may arise. Don’t let the fear of failure deter you from pursuing your dreams. Small mistakes do not define your capability, and setbacks are growth opportunities. Trust in your ability to overcome obstacles with patience and resilience.
- Come in terms with FAILURE
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Failure is a crucial aspect of personal development. As a teenager, you struggled to understand why certain endeavors eluded you while your peers succeeded effortlessly. The 20 year-old Kakolika has realized the value of failure in shaping her character. Each setback taught me to take risks and venture outside of my comfort zone, fostering confidence. Embrace failure with a commitment to transform setbacks into stepping stones towards your goals.
Over time, I’ve learnt to realize embrace every situation as it is. Just as any good situation brings happiness and satisfaction, tough situations act as a guiding light, a foundation upon which I I can build my resilience and strength for growth. Showcasing and practicing gratitude goes a long way. I’m ever grateful for the things have in life right now, however big or small. Thus, my 15 year old self, the life lessons you’ve gained along this journey had a profoud impact in shaping the future ‘you’. Be grateful to them. Remember, you got this!