We never thought we’d say this, but you know who had it figured out?
Sure, we’ve come a long way and probably wouldn’t trade our past for anything, but knowing what we know now could have really helped us when we were just about to hit our adolescent stride.
Here are a few pieces of advice we wish we could share with our 13-year-old selves:
1. Don’t Be Such a Bully
We understand that others have said mean things to you in the past and that these words were very hurtful. It’s important that you stand up for yourself, but it’s also important to know that your words can be hurtful, too. Be the better person and be kind. Karma’s a bitch, so you will be better off for this.
2. Welcome the Fact that the Future is Unknown
Your life goals will change and people that are important to you now may not be in a few years. You will have many happy moments, but you will also experience heartache. This may sound scary, but you can handle it.
3. Appreciate the House You Grow Up in
Living with your parents and siblings can be annoying at times, but some of your best memories will be from the days when you all lived together under the same roof. One day, you will really miss living together as a family.
4. Get in the Habit of Being on Time
Nothing will frustrate you more in your future years than when people keep you waiting for unnecessary reasons. Always arrive early. Punctuality is a great trait.
5. Take Lots of Pictures
Your memory won’t be as sharp when you’re older, and pictures will be the best way to remind yourself of all the great times you had growing up. Always take pictures of the times you want to remember, and write about them too.
6. That Boy/Girl That Broke Your Heart? You Will Get Over Them
It will take a long time, a few years even, but you will move on. You will also run into them several years later and understand that the two of you were never meant to be together. In fact, you’re better off without them.
7. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of yourself, so don’t let negative people influence your decisions. They may seem cool at the time, but you’ll thank yourself later for this.
8. You Will Grow Up to Be a Direct Replica of Your Parents
And you will be proud of this. Your mom and dad will also become some of the most important people in your life. You will thank them for passing on their good genes and will be honoured that people will one day compare you to them.
9. Work Hard in High School, But Not Too Hard
Having a high average in high school will mean nothing to your future employers. Spend lots of time in high school discovering what you are interested in and making memories with your friends.
10. Your Friends Will Become Your Family
Your friends are the ones who you will lean on during the toughest times, so make sure you hang onto the good ones. They will be in your wedding party one day.
11. Enjoy the Perks of Being Young
Having very little responsibility and the best metabolism ever – these are two perks that you should enjoy now. They will go away very soon.
12. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help When You Need it
It’s important that you take care of yourself.
13. Things Will Be Okay
There will be some dark times where it will feel like your world has ended. But you will find strength within you that will help you get through them. You will be okay; in fact, you will be more than okay. You will find happiness and will learn to love yourself.
The best is yet to come.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from: 13 Going on 30 Movie
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.