Dear Me

I was browsing borders Books this morning, I so could spend hours and hours in there. One book caught my eye on a good topic to blog about. Dear Me: Letters to my sixteen year old self. This book has letters from celebrities written to their younger self. The idea is to provide the younger self with advice and tips that would avoid them making the mistakes they did.

So that's what I am going to do today.

Dear me at age 16,

I wish I could tell you that everything will be smooth sailing, but it won't be. Life isn't supposed to be easy. You will persevere and things do get better, there are many, many things I want to ward you away from but it won't change where you are 30. Things are supposed to happen for a reason and you need to know that now as there is lots of crappy things that happen in your life. To other people they may seem insignificant and small but to you they are huge and life changing events. 

I do want to tell you that you will regret "having a social life" instead of doing your school work, it takes you until 2004 to get where you want. On the upside though you are still friends with all your high school friends. Some through face-to-face contact, others through facebook. You gain new friends so don't stress about those you loose.

Don't worry so much about boys. A couple are a-holes but you do meet Mr Right (I think). Things don't go to your plans. No you don't marry at 21 and have kids by 24, that is what your parents did. You are not them. 

Pay attention to your body, when it tells you things listen. You don't want to go blind at 19, as I nearly did. You will struggle with body image and self esteem but you already know that. Eat vegetables and try new things. (I know your cringing at the thought of eating salad and even tomato but you like them and its better if you start now). Learn to love exercise, trust me it makes life easier when you do. Don't think you can just eat ANYTHING and stay thin, you have your mothers genes. It takes a lot of effort and money to become thin again (almost as thin as you are now).

The bullies WILL apologise but not until 2008. You hold your head up high and don't let them get to you. Your friends will be instrumental in helping you get through school.  

One important thing DO NOT spend all you money on silverchair, it is SO not worth it! Just think what you could do with the thousands you spend. 

Be kind to your family, although there are troubles and disagreements; know that they love and care for you. They are all the family you have. Don't be so mean to your little sister, it takes until you are 19 to stop fighting. Make the most of the time you spend with your Aunt and Uncle they eventually don't speak to our family. So make sure you make the time for your family, although they still drive me nuts they help define who you are.

Stick with things don't give up so easily. I'll let you in on a secret; you become a teacher just like your parents. Don't worry the first few years of teaching are hard but it does get better and you teach some beautiful and inspiring kids. 

Be strong your friends and family need you to be. Have fun but don't go to wild. Remember that what ever life throws at you that you do get over it an move on!