To My 16 Year Old Self

Hello, there.

I'm sure you're wondering what this is all about. Well, it's an open letter, from me to you. This is like a conversation. Read with an open mind and feel free to laugh when you have to.

First, let's talk about your person. Do you remember your first year in secondary school? Do you remember that first day you sat in class and how you were bullied by an older and taller girl? You never allowed that incident to break you. A naïve twelve year old who fought for her right. Now that you're sixteen, I want you to always remember that. I want you to know that you have control over some of the things that happen to you. All you have to do is take it and use it to your advantage. The ones you have no control over, you let life take care of it.

You're in your senior year in secondary school now. One more year and you'll be facing the real world. Remember that the only way to make good grades is by studying. Study like your life depends on it. It depends on it at this moment anyway. Listen to your teachers but don't take everything they say. Some will disgrace you in front of everyone. Some will tell you that you won't make it in life just because you failed a calculus test. And there're some who will say you'll make a good house wife because you're a quiet person. While being a stay at home mum is a decision, they'll say it in a demeaning way. A way of telling you that you're incapable of greatness. Don't listen to them. Let those words be an inspiration to you.

Always think outside the box and don't fail to read. School can make you dumb, but this can only happen when you focus only on what is being taught. You step into the outside world and realise you know nothing. While studying and learning, remember to not hurt people in the process. Sometimes ask yourself, "Am I the bully?" This doesn't mean you have to be a perfect human, no one is. But you can try and be a good person. Goodness costs nothing.

Source- Pixabay

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Remember to listen to Mum and Dad. They love you. They may not be showing it very much at the moment but they do, trust me. Those emotions you bottle up inside, you can actually set yourself free by talking to either one of them. Most times, they're quiet because they think you do not want to talk about it. But inside, they're hurting. They want to help. Do yourself a favour and let them in. You won't regret it.

I want you to know that you can be anything you want to be. Go for what makes your heart beat faster. Nothing is more beautiful than doing what you love and getting paid at the same time. Success isn't limited to a certain kind of people. Anyone can be great but it's all on them. Your work and your content speak for you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Please, make them and learn from them. They help you grow.

Don't forget to live. Keep the right people around you. You need them. They don't necessarily have to share the same views as you. You don't grow that way anyway. Make friends of both sexes. Boys will come and go. Stay focused and love will find you when the time is right.

Remember; You're beautiful. You're smart. You're important. Do not ever apologise for your fire. Live. Learn. Love. Repeat.

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My entry for Talking to Your 16 year old self contest. View original post here https://steemit.com/talking16/@cadawg/my-first-contest-for-red-fishes-or-talking-to-your-16-year-old-self-or-500-followers