A Second Letter to My Teenage Self: More I Wish I Knew as a Kid

Jul 5, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2024

Dear Teenage Me,

Reflecting on the turbulent journey of my youth, I can't shake the thought that knowing these life hacks earlier could have prevented many of my stumbles. Thus, I present a follow-up to my previous memo, brimming with additional pearls of wisdom I wish I had during my younger years.

Buckle up because the change to adulting is like that nosy neighbor who just won't leave you alone (at the moment in 2024, yours is named Janet but she's nice). You have to deal with them, whether you like it or not; or it's like a roller-coaster ride through a maze of surprises and challenges that make you go, "Wait, what the heck just happened?!" Yeah, adulting sucks, but you will come to the realization that, it is what you make it. Embrace the punches life throws at you, and get up.... Sometimes you swing back harder, sometimes... you just let it go.

Every experience, whether it's a fun party or a pity party, will teach you something. Even when you feel like you're on a runaway train fueled by the drama of your past, remember that each wobbly step is a victory lap towards healing and self-realization. Don't be shy to ditch the disguise you wear to impress others, 'cause real glow-up vibes come from embracing your quirky self and rocking out to your own tune. You're in such a flight mode from our trauma we faced. Try to slow down and become better aware of your surroundings.

In the bustling chaos of teenage-hood, it's easy to feel lost in the crowd. But remember, your vibe attracts your tribe. Seek out friends who uplift you, support you, and bring out the best in you. Quality over quantity, always. Surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you can't see it yourself. You will have a good friendship with Jennifer. Though you lose the communication with her, she will be your family forever. She is the only one person from high school that never showed any betrayal to you in any way. You'll respect her for life, though you will never tell her.

You will find many friendships of different kinds and closeness. There will be a couple girls that are only friends with you because they want to be you. They will try and screw your boyfriends, and both your husband, & ex-husband (yeah, you get married twice) in the future. They will act like a friend but talk a lot of crap with others, making fun of you. Like you are their cheap entertainment. ----- Don't waste your energy trying to prove yourself to the ones they spread lies to..... It only will cause your physical & mental body to be sick. Just stay away from them. I would write their names here, but the skanks know who they are, and this is still the internet. You will find that high school drama needs to stay in high school. No matter how much they throw at you with their drunken attitudes.

Oh, how I wish I could go back and tell you that it's okay not to be okay. I know though you push it back in your mind, you're falling apart. You will seek social atmospheres to try and heal yourself. You will find drug dealers & drunks as your crowd, trying to find your place. Those are all NOT IT!

Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. Don't shy away from seeking help when you need it. You can/will pass that crap down to your kids. Talking about your feelings is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to your strength. For every traumatic experience you endure, tell someone. Don't keep it in. If one person doesn't listen to you, the next will. If they don't, keep looking until someone listens. Being in flight mode, is sort of your thing after how our childhood went. Don't let it define you in a negative way. The negative already happened, turn it around so the enemy doesn't win over your life.

Those dreams that keep you up at night? Pursue them with unwavering determination. The only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself. Yes, you will become pregnant, that will make changes to your career plans. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and chase after what sets your soul on fire. You are capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible. When you want to start the blog in 2002.... start it! Don't wait until 2025 to post and market your site. Do it then! Start that charity to help others heal, like you.

No matter how many times you stumble and fall, what truly matters is how many times you get back up. Failure is not the final destination but a necessary part of the journey towards success. Embrace your setbacks, gain wisdom from them, and let them drive you forward.

Amidst the chaos of teenage drama and growing pains, it's easy to overlook the little moments of joy and blessings that surround you. Practice gratitude daily. Pause to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, the warmth of a hug, or the sound of laughter. Gratitude has the power to shift your perspective and fill your heart with joy. Love your parents, despite any negativity you have. They will always be there for you. The will always have your back, though you may not feel it now.

Dear teenage self, as you navigate the roller-coaster of adolescence, remember that you are resilient, you are worthy, and you are capable of creating a life that fills you with purpose and happiness. Embrace each moment with open arms, for the best is yet to come.

Stay away from the drugs & alcohol - you will have friends hooked on it & they will look 20 years older than you when you are in your 30's. You will date a drug dealer.... don't... that was just plain ass stupid. Stay away from that nonsense. However, it does lead you to your first husband and have the first 2 daughters.. but that's another letter.

With love and wisdom,

Your Older (and Wiser) Self

P.S. - DO NOT ACCEPT ANY DRINKS FROM ANYONE! - It will be laced