Things I would like to tell my 16-year-old self

If given a chance what are the things you would like to tell your 16-year-old self?

People often say that when you’re 16 years old you are at the best time of your life. Indeed, when I was that age, I thought I was on top of the world. I thought I know anything and everything I need to know to live. All things were planned out and I thought I already prepared everything I need to grow. I was just having the best time of my life.

Then, here I am… in my twenties and still not quite sure where I am heading. I did not know that shifting to adulthood is this difficult.

Now, I only wish I could go back and tell my 16-year-old self some things. I wish I could warn her about her decisions. Tell her all the knowledge and wisdom I have now. Maybe if I could do that, I could save myself from some of the things that happened and I could be more sure of what to do now.

If I could tell anything to my 16-year-old self, it would be:

To not hesitate on the things you want to pursue.

This is the first thing I would like to tell my younger self.

Do not be swayed by others. You do not have to please anyone. Do the things you want even if some people do not support you. If you want to pursue and do something that will be good for you, do it. If you fail, it is definitely better than not trying. Because if not, you will regret not trying. It will add to your long list of “what ifs” and you will always think about it.

To stop impulsive buying and start saving more.

I know you are saving now, however; you also spend a lot on things you do not really need. Your impulsiveness will only get worse in your twenties so try to stop it now.

Start saving. Do not buy that panda hat, because you will never wear it again. Save that money, you will need it more when you go to college.

To not get into a relationship you are not sure of.

Peer pressure gets you really hard, but believe me, you have to be firm on your principles. Do not get into a relationship you are not a hundred percent sure of. You will just hurt someone and yourself.

That it is okay to end some toxic friendships. Do not be afraid to free yourself from toxicity.

I know you are afraid to lose friends, it is scary indeed. However, if a friendship does not make you a good person anymore, you have to end it. You do not have to stay in a toxic friendship and be a friend of convenience. You will meet wonderful people in the future and they will be good friends to you.

To take care of yourself more.

This is the most important of all the things I would like to tell you. Take care of your skin, and eat healthily. Start working out. Go for walks. Sleep early.

You are going to have your heart broken and you might lose yourself sometimes, but please, do not forget to take care of yourself. After all, you will benefit more in the end.

I know it is impossible to tell these things to my 16-year-old self, but maybe some of you who are still in your teenage years or in your early twenties might get some useful advice here. Somehow, I still regret some things I have done in the past, but I am still thankful because everything that happened made me the person I am today.