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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Lifestyle

Dear 16 year old me….

September 25, 2018 Comments : 21

Ever wondered what advice you would give your teenage self? Find out what I want to tell my former self. | Teen | Growing up | Life changes |
Ever thought about what advice you would give yourself during high school? Check out what I would tell my former self and why it is important to always be yourself. | Teenager | Life changes | Getting older |

Dear 16 year old me,

You are now 17 years older and wiser. You have been through the many ups and downs that come with life and have come out on the other side stronger and at times a little more jaded.

I can’t go back in time and change your path but I can tell you you’ve learned and grown from the mistakes as well as the victories.

Despite this there are a few things I want you to know about life, love and friendships.

Be your own, independent self

Too many times it is easy to follow the crowd and lose your own individual identity. You wear what’s trendy even if you don’t like the style, join the popular crowd even if you don’t like the people, and and mute your ideals because someone may not agree with you. You should dress and act how you want to. You are your own person and nobody, not even the popular crowd, can take that away from you.

Don’t be a mean girl

There will be so many girls who will try to bring you down. Girls who will make fun of you for the way you look, the way you dress, even your weight. Don’t be one of those girls. Be better then them. Be the girl that is remembered as being kind, the one that people like because you made them feel good. Those mean girls in high school will most likely stay mean girls into college and then become the mean girls on the PTA. My point is, be kind to everyone. You’ll feel better about yourself in the end.

You are not fat

You are not overweight. You may look in the mirror and not feel comfortable in your own skin but I am here to tell you that your body issues are unfounded. Your body will go through many changes as you get older including weight gain, weight loss and creating two tiny, beautiful lives. Embrace your ability to wear whatever the fuck you want to now while your still a size 4 and your metabolism is sky high.

That boy you thought was the one, was not and will never be the one

In fact, you will meet a man who will be everything you wanted and more later on in life. Stop focusing on trying to get this guy in high school who will most likely end up meaning nothing to you later on. Also with that said, if a guy wants to be with you he will be with you. He won’t wait to call for days on end, blow you off or make comments about how he’s just not ready for a relationship right now. If he does any of these things: run. Don’t settle for anything less then you deserve. This is one thing you will learn the hard way.

Chase your dreams

If you want to become a lawyer or try to go to the Olympics for high jump: chase after it. It’s okay to have big goals in life. These dreams may come crashing down but you will always regret not trying. In my opinion regret is worse then failure.

It’s okay not to have your entire life planned out

I spent many sleepless, panic filled nights wondering what I was going to do with my life. Which college to go to, which career path to take, questioning if I was making the right choice. I’m here to tell you that none of that mattered. You will eventually find your way and it may be doing something you never thought you would do like becoming a nurse.

No one in the real world gives a shit if you were the most popular in your class

They give a shit about your character, your work ethic and your personality. Sure it feels good to be liked and have people know your name long after you graduated but in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter 10 years down the road.

You’ve hit a few bumps along the road but you’ve managed to find a job you love, become a mom and find the man of your dreams. Is your life what you pictured it to be at 16? No, but in some ways it’s better. So hang in there. You’ll get to all the good and the bad that growing up has to offer.

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Comments

  1. sarah garden says

    September 25, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Yes yes yes! That part about high school boys 🙂 Awesome! Know your worth!

    Reply
  2. Monidipa Dutta says

    September 25, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    I am 25. If I could go back to 16 I would just say to myself, “Vent out your pain, don’t repress it. Close people die and it is a part of life”.

    Reply
  3. Tammy Staley says

    September 25, 2018 at 3:59 pm

    You will have many more of these dear you letter throughout your life. As long as you keep learning about yourself you will be fine!

    Reply
  4. Carmen Edwards says

    September 25, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    Such great tips to a younger you. I wish we had these tips when we needed them most. By the way you gave away your age lol.

    Reply
  5. GiGi Eats says

    September 25, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    Oh man, a letter to 16-year-old me would say – DO NOT GIVE A CRAP WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK because THEY DO NOT MATTER AT ALL!

    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    September 26, 2018 at 4:03 am

    Such a great post. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and give myself a talking to.

    Reply
  7. Maartje says

    September 26, 2018 at 6:49 am

    This is lovely. I should probably write one of these myself. My life is not at all like the way I thought it was when I was younger…

    Reply
  8. Laura says

    September 26, 2018 at 9:37 am

    This resonates so much. Every 16 year old girl should read this. I believe in a time of social media influences that that have it even Harder than we did

    Reply
  9. Megan says

    September 26, 2018 at 9:50 am

    This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing. I’d like to say a lot of this to my 16 year old self too.

    Reply
  10. Rachel Bli says

    September 26, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    I remember being 16 and how insecure I felt as a teenager. But I also remember that confidence and self esteem grows and you care less about what people think as you get older.

    Reply
  11. The Tale of Mummyhood says

    September 26, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    It’s definitely so important to be yourself, it’s taken me a long time to believe it but it’s so important!

    Reply
  12. Britney says

    September 26, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    I love this! I would have so much to say to my 16 year old self.

    Reply
  13. Evelyn Hernandez says

    September 26, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    Wish I could talk to my 16 year old self, I would surely tell her to chase her dreams as well.

    Reply
  14. Lindsay says

    September 26, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    I just love reading these! Don’t you wish we really could go back in time and speak to our younger selves. All that time wasted worrying about “popularity” and feeling fat. Beautiful post!

    Reply
  15. Emily Fata says

    September 26, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    What a beautiful reflection. It inspired me to look back on how much I’ve changed since 16 (I’m 24 years old now), and think about what I would have told her. One thing for sure, would be to follow my gut!

    Reply
  16. HilLesha says

    September 26, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    I can relate to this! I was such an insecure teenager. There’s a lot I could tell my 16-year-old-self if I could turn back the hands of time!

    Reply
  17. Catherine Santiago Jose says

    September 27, 2018 at 1:53 am

    Wow, this is such a nice article to read and if I am going to say something about my 16-year-old self I would rather say be happy and contented in what you have and love without asking any conditions.

    Reply
  18. Geraline Batarra says

    September 27, 2018 at 3:25 am

    This is such a nice post to read and I am glad that at the young age you are able to understand everything in your life. Thanks for sharing this with us!

    Reply
  19. Preet says

    September 27, 2018 at 4:06 am

    This is a great post to think of a younger me. I would to write as for myself .

    Reply
  20. Trina Dinnar says

    September 27, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    What an interesting and insightful post! I really enjoyed your perspective and look forward to reading more from you in the future!

    Reply
  21. Jen says

    September 29, 2018 at 4:39 am

    Yes! I especially love the bit about no-one caring about whether you were most popular. The real world doesn’t care!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
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#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; how I manage kid’s schedules, work schedules, graduate school and blogging all at once.

Here’s the truth: I don’t. 

I am the least organized person you will meet. I have calendars everywhere and a planner filled with post it reminders and lists. The fact that we make it places on time, I get my school work done and meet deadlines for myself and brands is a small miracle with a little last minute panic thrown in when I remember something I forgot. 
So today I sat down. Updated my life and organized the next couple months so things feel a little bit calmer. Here’s to hoping this small bit of sanity continues. 

What do you do to keep you and your family organized?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#realmotherhood 
#targethome 
#officedesk 
#organizedliving 
#momstruggles
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“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; how I manage kid’s schedules, work schedules, graduate school and blogging all at once.

Here’s the truth: I don’t. 

I am the least organized person you will meet. I have calendars everywhere and a planner filled with post it reminders and lists. The fact that we make it places on time, I get my school work done and meet deadlines for myself and brands is a small miracle with a little last minute panic thrown in when I remember something I forgot. 
So today I sat down. Updated my life and organized the next couple months so things feel a little bit calmer. Here’s to hoping this small bit of sanity continues. 

What do you do to keep you and your family organized?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#realmotherhood 
#targethome 
#officedesk 
#organizedliving 
#momstruggles
Follow Me on Instagram
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