Hey
and Welcome back to my blog. I hope you are all well, Today's post is all about the things I would tell my teenage self. My early teenage years were full of horrible memories, my later teenage years were full of fun and happiness.
Don't worry about fitting in: I would tell my teenage self that fitting in with the 'popular' crowd isn't what you are about, you don't need the drama that they bring. You have a place with your friends and don't try and replace them with other people
Know who your real friends are: I would tell my teenage self to pick your friends better, don't drop your best friend because some else doesn't like her, because you will soon fall out with that friend and you will become friends again with your best friend. Real friends are the ones who will make the effort with you, just as much as you make the effort with them. You had a really good friend who you would do everything with before she decided not to be your friend anymore because you didnt want to stay at her house. She isnt a real friend
Get rid of the ones who don't matter: I would tell my teenage self that the friends you think are your true friends are not always that. If you have fallen out with them more then twice then why the hell are you going back and being friends with them. You let go of the friends that were perfect and not the ones who were not.
The bullying will eventually stop: I would tell my teenage self that the bullying will stop, and that you dont have to take such drastic measures and that I can survive it, because one day it will be them apologizing to you for there actions and you will become stronger then you ever were
Stay in school and Learn something: I would tell my teenage self to stop and think about your future, acting about and not learning will ruin it and its not good enough.
Get some help: I would tell my teenage self to get some help from teachers, or just let them know that you are struggling with your work. Don't keep struggling. You need some help, ask for it,
Sort you hair and makeup out: I would tell my younger teenage self between 13 and 16 that your hair is a mess, don't keep going back to the cheap hairdresser's because they are doing a really bad job. Regarding your makeup, blending is key, that orange line around your face his hideous
Don't start smoking: I would tell my teenage self that smoking isn't a good idea, it is bad, and people don't find it cool. I would also tell myself that because of my addictive personality you'll get addicted to it
Enjoy yourself a lot more: Your having a rough time as a teenager, you are finding it really hard to stay positive all the time, just have more fun, and don't worry about all the negative people that have come into your life, they will soon fade away and be a distant memory
Falling in love hurts: I would tell myself that falling in love though it seems great will hurt you. I was blindsided by love, that when people would tell me to stay away I just couldn't. I was so in love and I still am with my first love even though we are now miles apart. He will always say nasty things to you and make you feel like you are worthless, and loving him always hurt but you couldn't help it. No matter how horrid the words were you would still fall or his charm.
Double and Extra shifts will pay off: I would always complain at the time that I was tired after working 15-16 hour day's, but I would tell my teenage self that working the double shifts, and picking them up will pay off, because you love your job, the challenge that everyday held, you had enough days off to offer help where your mum worked before, and you had enough time to spend with your friends
Just because someone else has their life all mapped out doesn't mean you do: I would tell my teenage self that just because the A* Head Boy of your school has a 20 year plan mapped out doesn't mean that you have to have it. He is good at school, he has no problems understanding what teachers say, he will do really well in life. You however don't want to be a doctor.
You are stronger then you think: I would tell my teenage self that I am stronger then I think. All that I went through - bullying, self harm, self hate, moving (schools and new areas) making new friends,
You are worth it: As a teenager you had people around you who were a lot smarter, funnier, prettier and all the things as an teen you never saw in yourself, but you are worth it, you are smart in your own way, you have a weird scene of humor, and you are pretty in your own way, you will have your friends that will treat you right.
You had the best parents ever: As a teen I was hardly at home, weekends from the ages of 11-13 were spent in the park or at youth club, most days from 14-19 were spent at school then hoping on buses or trains going some where different, having time of your life with your friends, drinking, smoking, laughing, getting in trouble, take outs, and just having fun. Your parents are there to guide you, and help you, and they are the best parents you could have asked for.
Don't take anything for granted: As a teenager I would take things for granted, the fact that I had parents, that I could do what I wanted when I wanted and not give it a second glance. It wasn't until I was 20 and lost my mother just how much I realized that I was quite selfish.
So to you teenagers out there that are unhappy, confused, hurt and alone, you are not alone, you will look back on your teenage years and will see just how much you have achieved. I personally never thought that I would become so happy, not feeling alone as much, not so much hurt, I couldn't see past the days that I was bullied, or the people who I thought were my friends not being there, I couldn't see past the self harm or self hatred. But I have my parents and my very few close friendships for the fact that I am still around, that I am who I have become
Lauren
xoxo