Yesterday was my birthday. I’ve lived 31 kind of awesome years on this planet, and I’ve learned at least a few things along the way. There is something about Birthdays and growing older that always makes me introspective. Today as I was celebrating a relaxed, chill kind of day, and I started thinking about the things I wish I had known when I was younger. So in honor of turning 31 on the 13, here are 31 things I would tell my 13 year old self.
- Forget about boys. They’re dumb, especially when they’re young.
- Family comes first. Period.
- Focus on being HEALTHY, not skinny.
- Save money so you can see the world.
- Enjoy each and every moment. You’ll be 31 before you know it!
- Stop focusing on perfection. Its overrated and impossible to achieve.
- Eat chocolate if you want to.
- Always be on time, if not at least 5 minutes early.
- Real friends won’t judge you. No matter whats going on.
- Tell your Nana you love her every single chance you get.
- Don’t take no for an answer.
- Tell the truth, even when you know you’re not going to like the results.
- Its okay to stop taking care of everyone else and focus on yourself every now and then.
- Cowboys are the best!
- Its okay to make mistakes.
- Don’t obsess about the mistakes you make.
- Wear pink. It makes you feel strong and confident.
- Travel.
- Beware of pick-pockets in Romania
- Read. Read lots. Read all the books!
- Ignore the voice telling you that you “can’t”.
- Hug your dad every chance you get.
- Deep Breaths help solve a lot of problems and stress.
- Don’t take your health for granted.
- Listen.
- When family drama happens, remember that its not your fault.
- You’ll never get anything if you don’t ask.
- Be reliable.
- Try not to take anything personally. No one thinks about you as much as you do.
- Look for the little things. They are what make the big things beautiful.
- Have Fun!
I kind of wish I could go back in time and tell myself these things. But I know them now! Older and wiser right?
If you could go back in time and tell your 13 year old self something, what would it be?
joni mitchell says
I love this. My daughter just turned 13 and I wished she would follow #1 for sure…ugh boys!
duchick says
I love your list! If I could tell my 13 year old self something it would be to hang on tight because everything will turn out OK. In a few years your Prince Charming will sweep you off your feet!
Kat Curling says
Amen! hahaha I think my life would've turned out much differently had I know many of these things. It's funny how small your world seems when you're that young. #1 about boys and #27 about asking for help would've been a big life saver for me. This is a great post!
KC @ Average: More or Less says
I'd tell myself to broaden my horizons. I mooned around like a lovesick cow for YEARS over one guy, one place, one idea of how my life could be. I'm not sure I'd've ended up anyplace different (wouldn't want to), but maybe I wouldn't have wasted so much EXPERIENCE along the way.
Great list.
gina says
That was a question on WWHL live last night! Love it. I would add: enjoy school. It's the most fun you'll ever have….the drama really isn't that dramatic!
Lani @ life anchored says
Very wise words! Wouldn’t be nice to know everything we do back then
Patti says
Great list. My contribution: eat more cake.
Brenda @DailyMayo says
I would say, participate more. I was quite a loner at age 13!
alvinacastro3 says
Ive made lists like this in my head. So many things i would tell younger me. but I also wouldnt tell myself anything just because I wouldnt change a thing. Every bad/good experience and challenge has led me to where i am today and im happy so I try not to look in the past. But just for fun these are always fun lists!
Printcess says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Yep, those are spot-on with what I’d tell myself. Not that myself at 13 would listen, of course. 😉
Jill @ Do Try This says
They say youth is wasted on the young. It's too bad, because I bet your 13 year old self could REALLY have used that tip about Romania. 🙂
aimeed23 says
Oh goodness, I would tell my self to be nicer to my mama cause being a mama is a hard job!
Amanda @ FITO Blog says
Love this! Espeically numbers 4 and 29. A great list to share with young women. I found your post through the Sweet Tea Social link-up and I'm glad to be here! oxox, Amanda