What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
Yesterday was my little cousin’s 16th birthday. I love her like a sister. All day I thought about what advice I would give her when we met for her surprise dinner later that evening?
It got me thinking about what I would tell my 16-year-old self, now 16 years later. I remember her, so ambitious and so afraid to let people see the real her because she had this soft under belly covered by a hard shell and was so easily hurt. I love her so much.
I would tell my 16-year-old self: You are enough.
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You are enough, Vernette. Right where you are, just as you are, you are enough.
Forgive your father now. Holding on to the hurt will not change the past. You are going to have to forgive him at least two more times in the future, so get some practise now.
Be more patient with mummy. Enjoy her jokes more. Time with her is shorter than you think.
Forget how big you think your boobs are right now and how awkward you feel. Trust me, their size is a very good thing as you will soon learn.
Don’t be so hard on people, especially the ones closest to you. They are the ones who see the real you and love you just as you are. We are all human, let some things go.
Don’t worry, your first kiss is coming (yes you are a pretty late bloomer in ALL things and that’s perfectly ok) and it’s every bit as awkward as you imagine it’s going to be.
Oh and no matter how cool you think getting a nose piercing is in a year’s time…save yourself the pain. You keep the ring in for all of 8 days and then take it out. It so isn’t worth it.
And finally my love, enjoy being 16 for as long as you can.
Looking back, I have no real regrets about the path my life has taken. I truly believe the experiences I’ve had all brought me to where I am today. Had anything one thing been different I would not have had all the awesome experiences that I was blessed with. I am thankful even for the painful moments, the heartbreak and sadness because they all helped me to grow forward in some way. I am right where I am supposed to be and I am at peace. I am happy.
My toast to my cousin Azaria: You are enough.
Now it’s your turn. What would you tell your 16-year-old self?