If I could sit down with my younger self for an hour, I honestly don’t think she would believe half of what I had to say. If I told her that everything would work out exactly how I wanted and that I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of, I probably would’ve laughed in her face. Growing up, I always felt like I had to have everything figured out. I worried about what people thought of me, whether I was making the right decisions and if I was where I was “supposed” to be or doing what I was “supposed” to be doing. Now, looking back, I realize I was putting so much pressure on myself for no reason.
The first thing I would tell her is to stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks. I know that is much easier said than done, but it really is–in my opinion–a key to happiness. If you stop worrying so much about other people’s opinions, it’ll make you laugh a little harder, smile a little more and worry a lot less. So yes, post that picture, wear that outfit and live your life to the fullest, because I promise you, you think people care more than they really do.
I would also tell her not to force friendships. There are going to be people throughout your entire life who start as your best friend and turn into a stranger. And while this stings at first, everything happens for a reason, and you will find your people. My best friend in the entire world started off as a stranger to me throughout elementary and middle school, and we found our way to each other in high school. I never would have thought that we would find our way to each other, but now I wouldn’t change our friendship for the world. Friendships come and go, but the ones you are meant to hold on to will be forever.
I’d tell her to enjoy the little moments more. The random car rides, sweet treats, movie nights, friend group hangouts, karaoke parties, and family road trips- it really is the little things that create the best memories. You don’t know you’re making memories until you look back and realize that the moments you thought were so ordinary are actually the ones that are truly special.
I’d also tell her to stop rushing to grow up. I used to always be so excited for the next school year, the next birthday, the next summer, the next milestone, but it really is so important to enjoy the moment and realize that every age is an important milestone. There are new beginnings and chapters with every stage of life, so it’s important to take everything in and not constantly think about what’s to come.
Most importantly, I would tell her that she is enough exactly as she is. You don’t have to be the funniest, prettiest, or most perfect person in the room to be worthy of being there. You are perfect just the way you are, and you should never feel like you have to change yourself to fit in or be accepted.
So, to my younger self: trust your gut, live life to the fullest, believe in yourself, love yourself, and try everything. You’re going to make mistakes, change, grow and lose and gain friendships. And that’s okay. You have so much time to figure it all out, so don’t rush anything.