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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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For the first time in history, a woman is Vice Pre For the first time in history, a woman is Vice President. Today is a historical day. ⁣
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This post is about the little girl I am standing next to. A little girl who has her entire life ahead of her to see women in powerful positions, women in charge and female leadership that is celebrated. ⁣
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We are celebrating National Popcorn Day (who knew that was actually a thing?!) with you guessed it; homemade popcorn!⁣
It is one of our go to snacks and a must every time we go to the movies! ⁣
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Anyone else have kids that are obsessed with popcorn?! ⁣
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 ⁣
The extra caffeine (20% to be exact) is derived from green coffee extract giving that extra boost of energy! It is available in hot or iced and through January 16, a medium is only $2. So, head to @Dunkin to try it out today.!⁣
How are you getting your energy boost to keep up with your busy lifestyle?⁣
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Our family uses salsa on just about everything from tacos to omelets. Our go to salsa? @freshcravingssalsa ⁣
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Made from small batch recipes with vine ripened tomatoes and hand cut vegetables, @freshcravingssalsa is a smooth blend of authentic, bold flavors. So good even my kids love it! ⁣
You can find Fresh Cravings In the dips and dressing section of the produce aisle at your local Walmart or grocery store. ⁣
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It’s also a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities I have and the power of my light I send out into this world. I glance at it everyday, hanging in my office reminding me to be the grateful warrior that I am.⁣
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For the first time in history, a woman is Vice Pre For the first time in history, a woman is Vice President. Today is a historical day. ⁣
⁣
This post isn’t about how you feel about politics or how you feel about or if you think the Vice President is a role model nor is it about who you or I voted for. ⁣
This post is about the little girl I am standing next to. A little girl who has her entire life ahead of her to see women in powerful positions, women in charge and female leadership that is celebrated. ⁣
⁣
A little girl who may grow up and want to pursue becoming a doctor, a writer, a politician, a professional athlete, a teacher , an accountant or take after her mom and become a nurse. Whatever her dreams may be; today signifies that the sky is the limit, that she and all the other little girls out there watching this historic day, can become whatever they want. ⁣
⁣
So no matter what you think about today, let’s celebrate encouraging our children to pursue their dreams and someday making history of their own. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#womensupportingwomen ⁣
#girltribe ⁣
#girlmomlife ⁣
#thefutureisfemale ⁣
#themommydiary
🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣ ⁣ An 🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣
⁣
Anyone else have children that fight over the bowl of popcorn?! ⁣
We are celebrating National Popcorn Day (who knew that was actually a thing?!) with you guessed it; homemade popcorn!⁣
It is one of our go to snacks and a must every time we go to the movies! ⁣
⁣
Anyone else have kids that are obsessed with popcorn?! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
Follow along with the hashtag #MamasWhoHoliday to see all the things me and some of my favorite mamas come up with to celebrate all these fun and different holidays! 😄 ⁣
⁣
If you’d like to join in on the fun, post your own photo and use our hashtag so we can check it out! ❤️⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#momswhoblog ⁣
#lifewithlittles ⁣
#motherhoodlens ⁣
#motherhoodlife
Anyone else feel like they are constantly chasing Anyone else feel like they are constantly chasing around a toddler in the mornings? Thankfully @Dunkin is helping me have a little bit more energy with their Extra Charged Coffee. Just in time to keep up with this very busy lady and if you couldn’t tell she loves mornings as much as I do.⁣
 ⁣
The extra caffeine (20% to be exact) is derived from green coffee extract giving that extra boost of energy! It is available in hot or iced and through January 16, a medium is only $2. So, head to @Dunkin to try it out today.!⁣
How are you getting your energy boost to keep up with your busy lifestyle?⁣
 ⁣
 ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#DunkinMaine⁣
#DunkinPartner
#momlifestyle 
#motherhoodunfiltered 
#coffeemom
Raise your hand if you love salsa! 🙋🏻‍♀️⁣
Our family uses salsa on just about everything from tacos to omelets. Our go to salsa? @freshcravingssalsa ⁣
⁣
Made from small batch recipes with vine ripened tomatoes and hand cut vegetables, @freshcravingssalsa is a smooth blend of authentic, bold flavors. So good even my kids love it! ⁣
You can find Fresh Cravings In the dips and dressing section of the produce aisle at your local Walmart or grocery store. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#freshcravings ⁣
#salsabrate2021 ⁣
#freshcravingssalsa ⁣
#healthyjourney ⁣
#easysnackideas
9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 sin 9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 since my second and I have to say I still have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to parenting. ⁣
⁣
The great thing is; these two have no idea that most days I’m just winging it. Now more then ever, it’s important we admit to ourselves this motherhood thing is hard and as long as we keep the small humans happy and fed we are totally winning at this #momlife ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#thisismotherhood ⁣
#thisisparenthood ⁣
#momlifeunfiltered ⁣
#motherhoodintheraw ⁣
#mombloggers
Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and tale Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and talented @lindsey.erin. A wonderful artist (for real check out her stuff) and person who inspires me daily with her creativity and positivity. ⁣
⁣
This print means so many different things to me in this season of my life. ⁣
It’s a reminder that I am a strong woman who doesn’t give up easily. Someone who aspires to do more, be more. As a partner, mother, friend. ⁣
⁣
It’s also a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities I have and the power of my light I send out into this world. I glance at it everyday, hanging in my office reminding me to be the grateful warrior that I am.⁣
What is inspiring you during this time in your life? ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#fineartprints ⁣
#maineartist ⁣
#motivatedmindset ⁣
#motherhoodunfiltered
Getting organized is on my to do list this year be Getting organized is on my to do list this year because if I’m being honest my life is a mess most days. ⁣
⁣
@zulily has everything I need to do just that. From now until Friday, they have amazing deals on items to help you get more organized in every aspect of your home. Check out my stories for all my favorite organization items and where you can grab them! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#zulilyfinds ⁣
#organizedhome ⁣
#realmomlife ⁣
#organizedhome
It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do tod It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do today is take this photo and drink some wine so I would say I’m already winning at 2021.⁣
⁣
Here’s to a better year then last. Cheers! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#newyearsgoals⁣
#bye2020⁣
#mamaneedswine⁣
#momlifeunfiltered⁣
#mombloggerlife
Follow Me on Instagram
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