If you could tell your 16-year-old self something, what would you say?

I asked my Instagram followers if they could tell their 16-year-old self anything, what would they say?

Below are some of my favorite responses:

“C’s get degrees and that’s okay”

“You’re going to be okay”

“It’s all gonna be okay when you’re 22”

“A bad hour doesn’t mean it needs to be a bad day”

“You are strong, be patient and everything will come together”

“Be confident in doing things alone”

“High school really doesn’t matter as soon as you leave”

“Dress better”

“High school is so small. Just wait for the world to open up”

“Nobody but you cares what your body looks like - eat when you’re hungry”

“You are in the right place with the right people. Don’t doubt yourself”

“You belong”

I received some insightful and uplifting responses which let me reflect on my high school journey. The phrase "C’s get degrees and that’s okay" stood out to me as it reminds us that success is not solely determined by grades. The amount of times I sobbed from stress because I was so worried I wouldn’t be perfect or have the perfect GPA is uncountable. Sometimes to this day I struggle to relax when it comes to my grades and academic success. Let yourself step away from your work and productivity and do something for yourself.

This sentiment is echoed in the response "high school really doesn’t matter as soon as you leave," emphasizing the importance of not getting too caught up in the stress of academic performance. Other responses, such as "you're going to be okay" and "you belong," provide a reassuring and supportive message to one's younger self, reminding them that they are not alone and have value.

The advice to "be confident in doing things alone" is also a powerful reminder that it is important to cultivate self-reliance and independence. I let myself miss out on so much because I was too scared to be my own friend. Embrace your own company and do things for you.

Similarly, the response "nobody but you cares what your body looks like - eat when you’re hungry" highlights the importance of self-acceptance and not worrying too much about the opinions of others.

Overall, these responses are a testament to the wisdom that comes with experience and the value of reflecting on one's journey. If I had to give my 16-year-old self advice, I would tell myself to be kind to everyone - including me - and trust in my abilities. Life is an unpredictable mess of stress, but with patience, perseverance, and acceptance, everything will work out in the end.