9 things I’d tell my 13-year-old self

Photo by Andy Teo

During a recent dinner with friends, one casually posed the question, “What would you tell your 13-year-old self?” I’d heard this question before, and typically dismissed it with a silly or smart-ass response (“Spiral perms are never a good idea!”), but this time I took a minute to think about it. And a bunch of ideas flooded my mind – all serious advice that I wish someone had given me when I was a scared, newbie teen who was anxious about everything and struggling with an eating disorder.

So I decided to share, in the hopes you’ll show it to a teen in need of some advice from the future – or that something will resonate with you.

1. Don’t be afraid. It will all work out.
2. Be who you are. Make yourself happy first.
3. Everyone else is insecure about something, too.
4. Be a child as long as possible. Your dreams will come true. But enjoy today first.
5. You’re not dying. It’s an anxiety attack.
6. Don’t do things hoping you will be rewarded with love or acceptance. The right people will love you for who you are, not what you look like, wear or accomplish.
7. If you need help, there are places you can go and people to talk to. Get the help – demand it – now.
8. Know your worth. You deserve happiness. You are perfect as you are, but…
9. Remember that there’s no such thing as perfect.

So what am I missing? What do you wish you’d known all along? Add to the list by posting a comment below.