A Letter to My 16 Year Old Self

I've been wanting to write this for ages and thankfully this blog has always been a place where anything goes - I've never stuck to one particular topic (i.e beauty) and feel like I can share whatever the heck I like. I wish someone had told me this stuff when i was 16!

1. Experiences and the memories they create are infinitely more valuable than possessions. You don't need all the 'stuff' you think you need.

2. Feed yourself healthy food. Fruit, vegetables and water are your best friends. Not to be thin and fulfill society's ideals about how you should look but because your body is amazing. It's the only one you've got! You deserve better than to be harmed by too much sugar and bad fats. Likewise, make regular exercise a habit now and never lose sight of the fact that it holds as much importance as brushing your teeth.

3. Always practice good manners and decorum. Other people will notice it! It'll make them feel good and it'll make you feel good too.

4. Alcohol, smoking and drugs may cause irreversible damage to your mind, body and soul. Avoid so far as is possible.

5. Be productive. Explore all of your passions. Keep learning, all the time; and try new things. Seek out these opportunities for yourself - school will only teach you so much. Dream of studying abroad? Then make it happen. You may never be as fearless as you are when you're 16. At this age you should still believe that anything is possible and guess what? It is.

6. Understand what the term balance means. Don't become obsessed with certain areas of life to the detriment of all others. Sure, boys are nice but they should never be your 'everything'. Fashion and shopping is fun, but don't become a slave to it.

7. Learn from your mistakes. You'll make many; that's life. But it's really important that you develop self awareness and recognise when you're in the wrong. Don't make the same mistake twice!

8. Some young men will say anything to get you into bed. If you want more than a bit of fun it pays off to wait a while before giving up the goods. Never believe the hype that all men are bad but keep your wits about you. And remember that every single girl deserves to be treated like a princess - you, yes YOU, are not an exception.

9. Let negative remarks bounce off you. More often than not it says a lot more about the other person than it does about you. That girl at school who said you're ugly? She's obviously preoccupied with physical appearance and worries that she is actually the one who is ugly. It's called insecurity. Always keep these people at arms length and surround yourself with positive people instead.

10. Love yourself. You're not perfect, but neither is anyone else. Give yourself a break. There will never be a more important relationship than the one you have with yourself.

What would you tell your 16 year old self? Drop me a comment and tell all!

(image credit)

♥