Thirty Things...blog #4.

Today's blog topic is this.


4.  List ten things you would tell your sixteen year old self if you could.


Every now and again, you hear someone say, "if I had only known then what I know now", or "hindsight is 20/20".  Today's topic made me wonder....if I could go back and fill my own 16 year old head with wisdom, would I do it?  Actually, probably not.  Sure, I've made mistakes in life.  Every lesson I've learned I've learned the hard way.  I think that it's the mistakes that I've made in the past that have shaped me into the person I am today.  Each twist and turn on this road called Life has left bumps and bruises, but I wouldn't change much.  But for the sake of the blog, and this topic, here are some things I would tell any sixteen year old.

1.  Slow down.
Don't be in such a hurry to grow up and become an adult.  Think about it--you've got it made. You have a responsible parent or parents who keep a roof over your head, food in the fridge, all of what you need and most of the things that you want.  Your responsibilities include making good grades, helping out around the house, and possibly working at a part-time job.  Why in the world are you so determined to jump out in the "real world" when you have it so good?  Sure, I know you're itching to reach the typical rites of passage, but enjoy the journey along the way.  Don't rush the rest of your adolescence.  Enjoy each second of it.  When you get my age, it will feel like a blip of time.  And you'll never get this time of your life back.

2.  Respect your parent(s).
I realize that you think everything is about you.  Being self-centered is part of adolescence.  But please show some respect to the people who have raised you.  Arguing and belittling them will only add to your stress.  And you'll look back at your behavior one day and be ashamed that you ever acted the way you did.

3.  Remember that even if you don't agree with your parents, they have your best interest in mind.
I know this is hard to understand.  Until you're a parent yourself, you will never realize that sometimes we as parents have to make some really hard decisions about you.  We do it because we love you more than anything in the world.  It might not make sense to you now, but it will as you get older.  You have to trust us!

4.  Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
So what if not "everyone" is doing something new that you want to try?  Try it anyway!  Explore.  Take a risk.  (None that will hurt you, though--please!)  Being adventurous now will help to shape your life later.  Realize that there's more to life than a typical routine.  Volunteer.  Help out a neighbor.  Do something that you wouldn't typically do, like signing up for a summer class in a subject you'd not normally take.  You might just find that you actually really like some new things.

5.  Start learning how to save money, even if you're not making any yet.
So many people approach adulthood with no knowledge of saving money.  They've never had to worry about money because their parents always provided.  Once they reach a certain age, they're forced to go through the stress of trying to learn how to budget and live independently.  Don't be afraid to ask your parents for some good tips and remember them!  It will really help you once you get older.

6.  Don't take boyfriend/girlfriend relationships too seriously.
Being in different relationships help build the foundation for ones you will have when you get older.  There's no use to feel tied down to just one person.  Get out and safely explore a variety of people.  Learn as much as you can about them, good and bad.  And please, please.....respect your body and others too.  No need to rush into anything.  You'll have plenty of time when you get older.  Refer to suggestion #1.

7.  Take time to learn about your family.
When you're young, you don't think about death a lot.  Unfortunately, it happens to all of us....since there's a 10 in 10 chance we'll all die eventually.  With that said, sit down and talk to the older members of your family.  Chances are that aunt, uncle, or grandparent did some pretty amazing stuff when they were younger, and I bet they'd love to share their stories with you.  These are stories that one day you will pass to your own children.  It's a very cool concept!

8.  Be a positive role model.
Whether it's mentoring a youth member in church, talking to a younger person in school, or volunteering your time as a big brother/big sister, know that you can be someone that a younger kid can look up to.  Even if it's setting a good example for younger family members.  Showing someone how to "keep their nose clean" can help you too.  Seeing someone's life and attitude change because you had an impact will help increase your self-esteem and make you feel great, and you help someone else out in the process.

9.  Know that you are not alone.
Being a teenager is so hard.  There are so many emotions, hormones, life situations involved....sometimes life is overwhelming.  And sometimes there are situations that can make you feel lonely, angry, tired, depressed or anxious.  Please don't be afraid to reach out and talk to someone about how you feel.  There are so many adults at school, people in church or in the community who are more than willing to sit and listen.  And if you're a teenager and you're reading this, talk to ME!  I'll be more than happy to lend an ear.  Might even give you a hug if you want one.

10.  Being a teenager is one of the hardest times of your life.
Seriously.  I look back at all the challenges in my life, and I can tell you for sure that being a teenager was TOUGH!  Just remember, though, that life in this turbulent time isn't permanent.  Even though it may seem that you'll always be a teenager, remember what I said earlier: it's over in a blink of an eye.  If you can get through this, it gets easier.  Sure, life always has its challenges.  But the teenage years aren't for the faint of heart.
So in closing, keep your head up.  Keep smiling.  And know that you're gonna go far, kid!!!