Linking up with Mama Kat today using her prompt "If I could tell my teenage self..."
This month I find myself the mother of a 16 year old girl and I've been thinking a lot. Dropping her off at the same high school I attended, listening to the same music I was listening to then on the radio now is almost surreal. It's like I've got a clone to educate, a second chance, an opportunity to set things straight. It's an opportunity to tell her all the things I would tell myself, were I able to tele-port myself back in time.
I tell her these things All. The. Time. I want to be sure she knows. I want her to have NO regrets. I want her to follow her dreams and reach her goals.
I tell her these things every day.
It's all you. No one is going to do things for you. Attending this school is an opportunity, a blessing a chance to prove yourself. It's a gift. Embrace it. Be who you are. This one is the hardest. There is so much criticism to worry about. Remember that most people are worrying about what other people are saying about themselves. Say things about them, to them. Things like, "your hair looks nice today" and "love your socks". People need to feel good. People like people who make them feel that way. Again, though, always be yourself and don't forget to smile. Your smile is a gift.
Dr. Seuss said "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Remember that. You don't have to "fit in". After high school everyone will be walking around asking themselves what the hell just happened? High school is only a path to a destination. It's not the destination. You'll get through it, but do more than just bide your time there. Use it up. Give 110%. Trust that your teachers want to help you, but know yourself. Trust yourself and follow your instincts.
Above all else, remember that one day does not define you. You are in charge of you. If you make a mistake, fix it. If you can't fix it, learn from it and move on. Tomorrow is always a new day. A new opportunity to shine. Take charge of your destiny. Make it yours.
You are strong enough, smart enough, pretty enough, talented enough, kind enough, good enough... YOU ARE ENOUGH.
Own it. It's all you.
Hi, over from Mama Kat's and we wrote about the same topic. But, then, I have a 16 yr old girl as well.
ReplyDeleteWhile I did not write to myself about bullying, simply because I wasn't that kind of adolescent,, and while my 16 year old is not a bully either, one thing I say to her EVERY morning before dropping her off (though she drives now) is "befriend someone unpopular today; even if it is simple as complimenting her/him. You cannot know how your kindness today can affect someone years later. Be extra kind to those less popular."
Then, she, sighs, "ughh, mom, ya , , k,,by"
And I drive home knowing the seed is planted. Bullying has really taken off with the ease of communicating anonymously via social media.
And, I have no idea how I got off on that topic. lol, have a great day - hoping your 16 yr old has a successfull school year :)
Well done!
ReplyDeleteI love what you said, "One day does not define you." I will be reflecting on this for quite awhile ...
If only high schoolers realized that "High school is only a path to a destination. It's not the destination." I wish I had said that to my kids!
Good advice! "One day does not define you" is something all of us should think about in any stage of life.
ReplyDelete