What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

By | August 16, 2012
What I Would Say To My Teenage Self
Circa 2001

Dear Teenage Me,

If I could I would reach through space and time I’d give you a hug. While I kind of laugh at your wardrobe and foibles, or just wardrobe foibles,  I like you. You didn’t do anything really wrong or embarrassing in high school. You tried to be good, you tried to make things semi-easy for your parents, and you weren’t that mean to your younger sister.

You had some great times and some not so great times. I want to tell you to just relax. That new school you’re going to? Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. No, you’re not the ugliest girl in the school–not even close. I know you feel chunkier than all your twiggy friends, but I promise the weight will even out. There will even come a time in your life where you’ll lose weight without trying! And ultimately, you’re really not fat. Really. You’re not.

Silly teenage me.

I want to tell you that that acne is building character. And so is the extra ten pounds. And so is your dad losing his job.

I wish Chuck didn’t die. You’ll always wish that and it will never cease to shock you that he’s gone.

That’s why I’d like to give you a hug. I remember how much you carried those sorrows every day and how you’d sneak in the bathroom to cry. It’s ok.

Now, I just want to give you a little practical advice, mkay?

1.) I know you’re excited that your braces are off, but you don’t have to show every single canine, eye tooth, and molar in each picture. Yes, your teeth are straight. No, not everyone needs to see that.

2.) Buy a pair of decent jeans. Your Sears Canyon River Blues are just not cutting it. I promise it would make the world of a difference if you’d just go to a nice store and spend a small bundle on making that butt of yours look like it belongs to a 15 year old and not a 40 year old mom.

3.) Don’t diet. Did I say that already?

4.) Don’t try to play softball. I know a lot of your friends are doing it, but it’s going to be a miserable experience for you. You’re terrible at it–so just go do something else. Like drama club.

5.) You and Amber should seriously stop writing down all your daydreams. You’re not going to like that they are on paper someday. Oh, and that guy that you have an insanely creepy crush on? Amber’s gonna marry him, so yah. Look elsewhere.

What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

6.) Speaking of boys, you know the One is just around the corner? Actually, he’s sitting next to you. Yep, the guy that makes you laugh more than anyone else you’ve ever met–he’s the one you’re going to marry. The spikey hair and Pooka shells are only temporary.

What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

7.) You guys should really be more careful when you realize that you are passionately in love. You’re gonna piss off a few people. Namely, the girl that he dated before and some of her friends. So tread lightly, ok? You might hurt some people and you won’t feel great about that.

8.) Don’t let that doctor operate on your foot. Believe it or not, that’s gonna be the start of a series of NINE foot surgeries. Find a better doctor. Oh, and don’t let any of them fuse your toe. It’s not going to work. You’re gonna get it fused anyway, regardless of my advice from your future. So hear this: after they fuse it, DON’T wear those high heels. That’s gonna end in another foot surgery.

9.) That wonderful friend, Candace, the one person at your new school who really understands you and knows everything that’s going on in your life–welp, she’s gonna be around forever so don’t fret when you have to move. In fact, she’s gonna marry your brother so yah. She’ll be around.

What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

10.) There are certainly some hard things in your life right now. I wouldn’t take any of that away because it’s making you stronger and teaching you important lessons. There is a payoff. You scored some really great friendships and a wonderful husband. I’d say you’re doing pretty well.

What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

Well, that’s pretty much all I wanted to say to you. Hang in there.

Love,

Your Future Self.

***
Linking up today with this sweet site.

Mama’s Losin’ It

18 thoughts on “What I Would Say To My Teenage Self

  1. hilljean

    ha. that hair of mine! YIKES! Great memories Hill. And meeting you and befriending you was one of the best decisions of my life! LOVE YOU!

    Reply
  2. hilljean

    Love this! “The spikey hair and pooka shells will not last forever”! So true ????

    Reply
  3. hilljean

    I saw someone wearing pooka shells the other day and I was like, “Wait. Really? These can’t be coming back!” I don’t think they are, but then again I never thought the 80’s would come back. Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully your move goes well–link up with everyone next week ????

    Reply
  4. hilljean

    Aww, you are beautiful! And I love how you mentioned the guy you’re going to marry (and to tread lightly not to hurt others). 9 foot surgeries? Oh OUCH!!
    Great post!
    http://www.fleurdealeta.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. hilljean

    I’d forgotten about pooka shells. I can’t remember if I had a pooka necklace now, or if my high school bf did. Maybe both? Great post! I wanted to participate this week in MK’s writing challenge and write this post, but I was moving and didn’t have a chance to. Oh well.

    Reply
  6. Student Mommy

    That’s awesome! Mostly that the BF is the out-Law! How awesome is that?!

    Reply
  7. hilljean

    cute…if only we could really travel back and avoid some of the mistakes!
    Michelle
    http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/08/home-again-home-again.html

    Reply
  8. hilljean

    Aww, you were a nice girl! I love that you stayed close with your friends!

    Reply
  9. hilljean

    This is great! I wrote a letter to my 18 year old self for another blog. Actually just reposted it on my blog this week.

    Reply
  10. hilljean

    Yes, nine foot surgeries. It all started in high school too. Wish I could go back and fix that! But I guess I came away with quite a lot since I managed to find such a nice guy!

    Reply
  11. hilljean

    One of the other best decisions you ever made was letting your hair out of those Nazi-tight ponytails! Hahaha

    Reply
  12. hilljean

    Can you write a letter to my past self cause that’s all really great advice!

    Reply
  13. hilljean

    Thanks. I had my moments, but overall I’d say I was an easy teen. I was NOT, however, an easy child. I gave my parents plenty of trouble from ages 2-10, so it sorta evened out that I was nice as a teenager!

    Reply

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