A Letter to my Teenage Self

To my shy 16-yr old self,

Hey, you. You’re a full-fledged adult now! Can you believe it? Back then, all you wanted was for time to move fast and to grow up quickly. Well, here I am, all grown up but missing my childhood and hoping I would do some things differently. You thought life was tough at 16? Let 20s roll in, you’ll get your answer. All I know is that together, we’ll figure out the best for us.

It’s not all bad. Being an adult, means unlimited supply of freedom and 3am pizzas. It’s better than what you imagined it to be. Meeting new people, taking chances, exploring different places whilst managing your work/career, home chores and social relationships will be your life. You will love every bit of it but at the same time you will also dwell on things that you could’ve changed- risks you could’ve taken and decisions you could’ve turned.

I can sense it through the time zones that you are probably stressing over some minute stuff- I guess some things never change XD.

I am writing to you to remind you that the moment-the life- the memories you’re living right now will not come back again-so cherish it for as long as you can. That’s the beauty of life. It just happens once. So you gotta take that chance.

*I can imagine you rolling your eyes at me, ‘yolo’*

I know you’re shy and that you prefer staying at home, curled up in your blanket- binging on F.R.I.E.N.D.S than going out and socializing. But, I also know that you love clubbing and hanging out with your close friends in pajamas- sipping coffee and talking. Your mind is a warzone where you’re torn between having fun and caring about others think of you. So, take a deep breath and think about what will actually matter 5 years from now.

The guitar class you wanted to join? Do it. The crush you never got the guts to text? Do it. Not dancing your heart out at a club because you’re scared of judgement? Don’t be, and do it. I just want you to take the first step, get out of your comfort zone and learn new skills. People will keep talking, that’s their job, but don’t let that stop you from chasing that childhood dream of yours. You never know what’s going to happen. A pandemic might hit the world and time will pause. College will be online. Human interaction will be limited. Everything will change so now while you’re on the other side- I want you to experience everything because trust me, adulting is glorified. No doubt, it will change you as a person completely but you’ll no longer have someone to guide you or have a path mapped out for you. So no matter what you do, where you go; give your 100% and be patient for the best to unfold.

Spend less time on social media like Instagram, add meditation to your daily routine, travel, spend time with family, choose friends carefully, dream big and practice gratitude. Addiction of any type is injurious to health so don’t choose the wrong path. Don’t be afraid of failure, because if you don’t fall how will you ever learn to rise? Love yourself, appreciate yourself and celebrate every small accomplishment. Take help if needed and always remember that I am there, looking down and guiding you in every step because without your sense of dedication and passion, I would probably be nowhere.

I am insanely proud of how far you’ve come- how far I’ve come and I know that future has planned a crazy-adventurous ride for you. Don’t worry, you love roller-coasters so you’ll definitely enjoy this journey. Trust yourself, trust your instinct, love deeply and choose your priorities smartly. And if you ever feel stuck like nothing is working out - pray to God, have faith in yourself and give yourself time. Life will figure out a way by itself. Trust the process and be happy.

Just remember that everything happens for the best and maybe you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Thank you for making me, me.

Yours,

Always and Forever.