If I could have a chat with my 16-year-old self, this is what I would say...
Don’t stand on a chair on your 21st birthday and yell “Everyone look, it's Bob Marley! Bob Marley is here!” It’s rude.
Use sunscreen. Wear sunglasses. Drink water. Wash your face at night.
You will not have everything figured out by the time you turn 30. But what a relief—how boring would life be if you did?
Your breath will be taken away so many times: Finishing a half marathon, looking up from a scrapbook to see your boyfriend down on one knee, and watching your baby’s heartbeat light up the screen are just a few...
When you’re with someone who’s the life of the party, your laughter will never be enough. Date them anyway—it'll allow you to appreciate the one who makes you laugh when no one else is around.
Quit eating crap. Your fast metabolism doesn’t last forever and bad habits are hard to break.
Thank your parents for making travel/vacations a priority. You've seen more sights than most your age.
Very soon you’ll have a dance party in the garage with Julie and Leslie. Have someone record it because you’ll reminisce about it forever.
Being class president is not necessary to get into college, but I’m proud of you for doing it. 12 years from now, you’ll help throw a pretty fantastic reunion.
The lessons you learn from your college friends will far outweigh the lessons you learn in the classroom. It’s ok to miss a few classes due to the memories you made the night before.
….But don’t miss too many classes, otherwise you’ll have reoccurring nightmares for the rest of your life.
Don’t hold grudges. It’s a waste of time and bitterness is not attractive.
You will not live in Fort Smith forever. Breathe.
Watch some soccer games in college—not all TU soccer players are jerks.
Pay attention in German class. You’ll need it when you live in Deutschland for a month.
Spend more time getting to know John Paul and Matt Richard—their memories will far exceed their lives.
Your thoughts on politics and religion will change. (Hooray!)
Just because someone is a grown up does not mean they've grown up. Immaturity can last a lifetime if you let it. Don’t let it.
Hug your parents every chance you get. You’ll miss those hugs when you live four hours away.
Your brother is better at math. Quit trying to compete and enjoy being the “fun one.”
Marriage is a slumber party every night with your best friend. But that friend will try to steal your pillow, so watch out.
Love yourself. Be proud of yourself. And rock those ridiculously short shorts while you still can.
I wish my 16-year-old self could offer my 29-year-old self some tips as well. Something tells me the thoughts would revolve around a boy, queso, and shopping. I guess some things never change? :)
Stay tuned--Michael put a list together as well!
(I was 17 here--close enough...)
2 weeks shy of 29...
5 comments:
I could give a commentary on just about every point listed here, but I will refrain. Let's just say I did lots of laughing out loud. I'm so glad that you are one of my oldest friends, and that we have just as much fun together now as we did back then (with way more depth and maturity just under the surface, right?) You just get better with time, friend!
oh that was fun! and i believe NOT knowing german had some way cooler moments than if we had known it :) beautiful picture (both!)
My heart literally stopped while reading this. Matt Richard is my cousin. It's amazing how small the world really is. This was a wonderful post that helps put things in perspective.
I nodded affirmatively with SO many of these! I love them all! I dont know if I can offer advice as creative and thoughtful as yours! Really great post. :) Eric had to write a letter to his 28 year old self in high school his senior year...or something along those lines. Anyway, someone actually mailed them out and he got it last year! I should totally scan it and publish it b/c it's the best thing ever! My favorite line is something like "Get yourself a good woman and settle down. Oh and get a yacht. That would be cool." hahah!
Love this!
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