Sunday 10 April 2016

10 Things I'd Tell My Younger Self

When I think back over the 20 years that I've been around, it occurs to me that there are so many things that I would go back and tell myself, if I could. As a 20 year old, so many things are glaringly obvious to me now, that were at best, a murky pool of confusion back then.

Hey, look! It's 14 year old Nicole! 

1) Life after primary school gets so much better
Primary school was not a good time for you. I know, believe me I do. To be honest, I think it might have been the worst time of my life thus far. But as soon as you get out of that place, things start to get better. You make new friends that you will still be friends with as a 20 year old, and that's pretty amazing.

2) Boys aren't as scary as they appear
Boys have always been something of a mystery to me. They never really crossed my path in any real way until I was in Year 11, and even then it wasn't until I met my boyfriend when I was 18 that I realised that boys aren't that different from other people. They won't laugh in your face as soon as you open your mouth, and most of them are actually pretty nice people.

3) Shit is gonna happen
But that's okay. Apologies for the swearing, but sometimes it's just necessary. Shit does happen, and while it may seem like the end of the world at the time, it'll all work out in the end. Trust me.

4) You are more capable than you give yourself credit for
No matter what situations come your way, you can deal with them. If you can deal with one of your best friends knocking herself out while at a waterpark in Spain, and having to navigate the hospitals and doctors while only speaking basic Spanish, you can deal with anything. You will know what to do when the time comes. You will.

5) You can't make everyone happy, so stop trying
Even as a 20 year old, you will still be trying to please everyone, even though it occurred to you many years ago that it is impossible. IMPOSSIBLE. No matter what you do, you're going to be letting someone down. So just do what you gotta do, and worry about everything else later. This blog post is living proof that everything will work out.

6) Everything that you're worrying about won't matter in a year's time
You're a worrier. You always have been, and you always will be. Thanks for the genes, Dad! But ultimately, everything that you're worrying about right now will not even be an issue eventually. You stay friends with your friends, you get into uni doing the course you want, you're doing fine and your family have your back. Everything is good.

7) Your friendship group will change a lot
From the start of secondary school up to today, you will have so many friends in so many circles, that have come and gone over the years. You're friends with people that you never thought you would be, and you've lost touch with people that you thought you'd be friends with forever. But the friends you have now... damn, they're a good bunch. Hold onto them.

8) People are gonna let you down
It's a fact of life, I'm afraid. No matter how much you do for others, people are gonna let you down. Sometimes it's their fault, sometimes it's not. Just accept this. It will save you so much time and effort in the future.

9) Mum is always right. Always. And Dad will always come through for you, no matter how much he complains about it
Your parents are the best. They have your back and will never let you down. When you're going through your dark period at uni, they will be there for you. No matter how alone you may feel, you are never alone. They're with you.

10) Don't be in a rush to grow up
Make the most of your teenage years while they last, because they'll be gone so quickly. Do more things, and study a bit less. Your GCSE's are not the be-all and end-all.

There's six years difference between these pictures. Thank goodness my makeup skills improved!

What would you tell your younger self, given the chance?

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