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?
I love this. My daughter just turned 13 and I wished she would follow #1 for sure…ugh boys!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Very wise words! Wouldn’t be nice to know everything we do back then
Great list. My contribution: eat more cake.
I would say, participate more. I was quite a loner at age 13!
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!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Yep, those are spot-on with what I’d tell myself. Not that myself at 13 would listen, of course. 😉
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. 🙂
Oh goodness, I would tell my self to be nicer to my mama cause being a mama is a hard job!
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