Words of Wisdom to my Younger Self

Through the years, I’ve always found that you tend to look back and face a lot of regret. Things you should have done but didn’t, and things you did and shouldn’t have. I, for one, have a ton of helpful tips for my younger self. Middle school me was a disaster, y’all. An absolute terror. I don’t even remember my middle school years, that’s how bad I was as a small child.
There have always been thoughts in the back of my mind about my past self. What my life could be like now if I could have heard these thoughts back when I needed them.

• Take more selfies. Love yourself, and adore how you look. You are beautiful, no matter what.
• Know that there are more pronouns than just she/her and he/him. Embrace them. Learn their pronunciations. Not knowing what pronouns you prefer is perfectly fine. Experiment, do your research, figure it out.
• Draw. Write. Read. Do what you love to do, regardless of judgement. You will wish you did later on in life.
• Not knowing what you are or who you like is okay. You’re young: experiment, figure it out.
• Always make sure that when you date someone, they aren’t too old for you. Someone saying that you are “mature for your age” should be an alarm bell, not a compliment.
• It is okay to be uncertain about dating. You do not have to date anyone if you do not wish to, especially if you feel like you “have to” to fit in.
• Artists crave feedback on their art. Share exactly what you like about art, regardless of how embarrassed or flustered it makes the artist. They need to hear it far more than you need to say it.
• You are nobody’s therapist. You are young and should not have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
• Research mental illnesses in your own time. Take note of their symptoms and ask yourself if you may be suffering from one. Share this information with your parents as soon as possible—as much as you don’t want them to hurt, they will hurt more from not knowing.
• Taking care of yourself is important. Your mental health should always come first, regardless of what you may be missing.
• An abundance of individuals attracted to you does not make you overly sexualized. Learn to tell the difference between those who like you for your personality versus those who want you for your looks.
• Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength, as you are able to tell when you need help. Do not listen to those who say otherwise.
• Enjoying gay literature does not make you “sinful” or “a sinner” for the simple fact that you enjoy it. Do not fall for the lies of those who claim otherwise, especially when straight fanfiction of the same genre is not given the same treatment.
• Know that even though your parents want what’s best for you that they aren’t quite sure how to go about doing it. This does not require you to cherish and respect them if they have not earned it.
• Just because you can eat an entire ten pound bag of m&m’s in one sitting does not mean you should.

These are just a fraction of the things I wish I could tell my younger self. I had my ups and downs, but there are so many things I wish my younger self would know. Because my past self wouldn’t listen to this advice anyways (stubborn little kid, I know) I leave this advice with all of you. Perhaps others can learn from my mistakes.
- Wheatley S. 2421