Message to the 16-year-old me

I usually just write whatever comes in to my mind, sticks in my craw or tugs at my heart.  Today I'm going to answer one of the questions posed by NaBloPoMo:

  If you could go back in time and meet your 16-year-old self, what three things would you tell yourself?

This is a tough question.  The irony is that I've thought of this before.  I think, "Argh...If only I could go back and tell Me what I know now!"  The problem is that, like most 16-year-olds, I knew EVERYTHING.  I thought my parents were terribly old and old-fashioned and I couldn't wait to grow up and be an adult.  Ahh, to be so young and ignorant again.

On with the things I would tell that silly, snobby, ignorant girl:

1)  Life is short.  You may only have another 70 years on this earth if you're lucky enough to one day be an old woman, so don't take any day for granted.  I'm sure that sounds like a long time to you, but believe me when I tell you it's not.  Those years go by FAST!  Spend your days laughing often, loving those around you and figuring out what it is that YOU love.  Don't be afraid to try things that are scary.  Some of the best stories come from doing the unexpected thing.

2) Keep a journal (and take more pictures)!  Write it all down.  In 20 years, you will want to remember the ups and downs of life.  If you do this, you will be able relive the joys and successes.  You'll also be able to reconsider the "failures" with a different perspective.  Don't worry about not having a writing "voice".  You will find it and even begin to enjoy writing and story telling.

3)  Take care of your body and appreciate all it does for you.  You are NOT fat!  But if you don't take care of yourself, and instead constantly put yourself down, you will be!  Eat right.  Get off of your butt and get moving.  Find sports and activities that you love and do them...often!  And if you're never a size 2, I guarantee life will go on and you WILL be loved.  I promise!

Oh!  And buy stock in Dell.  In 20 years it will be worth a lot!