Words of Wisdom

I’ve been playing a game with some friends where we alternate asking a question to get to know the other person–and ourselves–better. One of my favorites was: what advice would you give to your 16 year old self? My answer was not to date someone just because you’re afraid of being alone, because that habit gets harder to break with age.

I enjoyed hearing people’s answers so much that I decided to ask the same question to followers on my Facebook page and to share their answers on my blog so that we may all benefit from other people’s wisdom. Many of the answers were similar, so I’ve grouped them into categories and have given some of the actual responses.

1. Be yourself.
   • Find acceptance within yourself first. Don’t look for acceptance from anyone but you.
   • Don’t believe all you hear about what others think, they may be jealous of what you have accomplished.
   • My 16 year old self would just need to be told that she is loved! That’s ALL! The rest will come.
2. Be mindful.
   • Slow down!!!! I was in such a rush to be “grown”! Now I miss having just One Day where I don’t have to be an adult!
   • Life is a marathon…not a sprint…be patient and stay focused…the best is yet to come..
   • Enjoy every moment…don’t wish time away!
3. Be kind.
   •  Kindness is magical; it is a real superpower that saves the world one little life at a time.
   • Love much and forgive often.
   • Whether you are struggling or at your very best, turn around and lend a hand to someone behind you.
4. Be discerning.
   •  Wait a while longer for intimacy; it’s still too early and a decent guy will understand that.
   • You can’t make someone love you if they don’t.
   • Be careful who you choose as friends… not everyone is your friend.
   • You aren’t going to be an old maid….no really, trust me. Don’t cruise in cars with strangers, as the world isn’t a safe place.
   • Don’t believe any boy when he says “I love you”!
5. Be open to advice.
   • Listen to the people who truly love you…they know life and will never steer you on a wrong path!
   • Listen to advice from your elders or parents but at the same time search for what is best for yourself.
   • You are not the best driver in the world, the ink isn’t even dry yet.
6. Be prepared.
   • Study harder, do better in school, it only happens once!
   • Wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.
   •  Invest in Google, Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, etc. And I’d give myself a list of the winners of every Superbowl, and World Series for 20 years.
7. Be brave.
   • Take chances- you may not ever get the opportunity again.
   • Don’t be so self conscious! Go for it!!
   • Take setbacks with a grain of salt. Things happen for a reason.
   • Don’t be afraid to go to prom alone.

Thanks to all of the readers who offered advice! If you’re reading this post and your words of wisdom are not represented above, feel free to include yours in the comments section.