14 Life Lessons I Would Tell My Teenage Self

My teen years were not easy. Maybe you can relate? They were some of the hardest most empty years of my life. I was riddled with self-doubt, loneliness, and fear. Fear of each day. Fear of the future. Fear that I would never be loved. Never be accepted. Fear of being “found out” for portraying on the outside what was not really happening on the inside.

And what would I tell this young girl who was worried she’d never be loved, and trying to hide who she really was?

14 Curious Points

• You will marry young. Yes, it will be hard, but it will be so worth it in the end. Don’t give up on your marriage…ever. God has great things in store for you, and in the end you will have a magical marriage. Yes, you will, and don’t dismay those times where you doubt God will make beauty from ashes. He will do it. Trust God with your marriage and do what HE says. You will have a marriage that’s filled with love, beauty and delight. Just trust.
• You’re going to be a pastor’s wife. SURPRISE! Hang on because God is going to do a huge work there.
• Stay away from the boys who only have their own self-interest in mind. They will hurt you. Listen, you don’t need a boyfriend. Focus on friendships and creating relationships which will bring you joy. You don’t need a boyfriend. Did I already say that? Well, I’m going to repeat myself again, you don’t need a boyfriend. But I know you’re not going to listen to me. Just in case you do, one last thing, you don’t need a boyfriend. 
• High school will end. This will end. High school ends. This is only a short time in the span of your life.
• You will have lifelong friends who love you and stand by you. Nurture those friendships.
• Be more careful with your decisions, they follow you forever. Don’t be stupid. Think before you do dumb stuff.
• It’s okay to not be part of the parties and “in crowd.” That will not matter one tiny bit when you pass this season in your life.
• You are going to create the family you always wanted. Yes, it is possible to make your dreams come true, especially with regard to family. And by the way, you are going to be super proud of your kids, so much so that most days you will hardly believe they came from you.
• You are going to be an author. Shocker alert. You can close your mouth now. Considering you’ve always struggled with reading and writing, this comes with disbelief, but one day you’re going to be okay at this, alright, maybe a little more than okay.
• Don’t focus on “success” and money. Joy comes from the people you love and the people who love you.
• Preserve your body. REVELATION: Only eat when you’re hungry and stop when you feel satisfied. Don’t starve yourself or stuff yourself. Be kind to your body, you’re going to need it later. I promise!
• Oh and, that neighborhood you love and walk around in wishing you lived there? Ready? You will live in a neighborhood very similar, actually, even better, one day.
• Your life is going to turn out great, and you are going to love your life. Hard to believe now, I know, but it’s true.
• Be thankful every day for all the blessings God gives you in each day. Thankfulness is the key to fulfillment and contentment and joy.

What would you tell your younger self? Along with this question I’m compelled to ask, what if I were 10, 20, or 30 years older, what would I tell my current self? That’ll keep you contemplating all day.

Be amazing today, there’s no other way to be.

Fondly,

Lu

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