There are a few things I understand would make a world of difference had I known them before. A sort of “Back to the Future” moment. Would that change the current path I am on? Would I have been a different person? Would I not have met the people I call my friends? Would I still be able to sleep at night and express gratitude for the choices I made and the details that came with it? Let’s see. But, if I could, I would have told my younger self a few things.
I remember being a little fussy. So, to make myself read the things I have to say, I made a list of 22 things that would help my teenage self
- You are good enough and anyone who disagrees is just a jerk
- You are beautiful – in your messed up hair, pimples, awkward gait
- Speak for yourself
- Dreams come true; do not let anyone let you that your dreams are too big or too funny. Only you know what you are capable of achieving.
- Be patient and preserve. Hard work pays off. Results take time. Never lose sight of your goals.
- Be Positive. This one’s difficult, I know. But chose to smile more and worry less. You never know what good things might be around the corner.
- It is alright to be scared. At times you will be scared. It is alright. Remember the Dew ad? Darr ke agey jeet hai (After fear, there is victory).”
- Life is a rat race. You have to fight. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Be kind to yourself. You are unique. If ever you even feel the need to judge yourself, do it on the basis of what you are capable of. Kyunki Einstein ne kaha tha, you cannot judge a fish by the ability to climb a tree.
- When you are small you want to change the world, but remember you cannot change anyone but yourself.
- Keep a diary, use post-its, scribble—write down your ideas, thoughts, big thing, small things, everything.
- Always find happiness in small things–the sound of the rain, the smell of a new book as you turn its pages, the beauty of the sky at sunset, and most importantly, find happiness in yourself.
- Stretch your boundaries. Try something you always wanted to because when you are older you will get busy with responsibilities and won’t even have time for most things.
- Never be afraid to fail. Fall a hundred times and get back up a hundred times.
- Don’t stress yourself. It is sometimes okay to let things be.
- Contentment is not a destination. It is a voyage.
- Never be a part of the crowd. The road less travelled is not easy, but it is exciting.
- Love is important. Finding it is difficult. Find a soulmate who loves more than just your body. Look for someone who wants you to be the best of yourself.
- You matter.
- Invest in yourself and cut out toxic people. They sap you of energy.
- Learn to love. Learn to accept the unconditional love you deserve and give all the love you have in return.
- And, no matter how old or how young you are, it is never too late to restart and to do what you always wanted to.
Featured Image source: Pixabay.