What I Would Tell My Younger Self...

Do you ever have a running commentary in your head about what you'd tell your younger self if you could?

The other day I was reflecting about my life over the past 48 years and I came up with this list:

Middle school doesn't freaking matter. Everyone of your classmates (and teachers) are dysfunctional. They all have skeletons in their closet and things to be embarrassed about.

Don't let anyone (ie - stupid boys) get in the way of your dreams. If you want to travel the world and live out of your back pack don't let sex, a penis, or promises of picket fences and children stand in your way. That also goes for your parents. If you don't want to be a doctor or a lawyer then don't. If you'd rather be a baker, an artist, or a dancer, then do it.

Take care of your body, as in what you put into it. It's much harder to lose weight than to gain weight. Stay active, view your body as a machine. If you care for it your body will care for you.

Your virginity is yours to keep and a gift to give, don't feel like you owe it to anyone to give it up for dinner and a movie. And you don't have to fuck someone to prove you love them.

You can get pregnant the first time you have sex. Always be safe and use birth control and/or a condom until you are ready to have children on your terms.

Don't get pressured to live in a state, city, town, or country you aren't comfortable with just because your partner says you must. It has to be a decision you both make together and agree upon.

Therapy isn't going to hurt you, it might help.

Take care of your teeth they are the only ones you have.

When you choose a mate regardless of what they say when you marry your mate you are marrying their family.

Those zip all the way around jeans -- while you had a nice figure so show them off, they probably weren't the best fashion choice for you.

Don't ever drive drunk, not even once.

Guard your credit score with your life. Pay your bills on time. A great credit score will open the doors for you all over the world.

Drugs are bad. Mkay?

You have to learn to say NO and not feel guilty about it.

If it doesn't matter to you in five years, don't worry about it.

Prepare yourself for hardship and sorrow. It's going to happen.

Don't wish away your life. Don't shoulda, woulda, or coulda. Embrace each day, because life is short, there are no do overs.

Suffering isn't a contest.

Your parents really are smart. Give them a chance.

Finish what you start.

You cannot have a relationship with food. Use food for fuel not to sooth your feelings about love, men, and broken relationships.

Don't allow anyone to abuse you. Speak up for yourself. It's okay to tell your first boyfriends mother to go screw herself even if it means you and your first boyfriend break up. You will be better off for it later.

Learn not to fear death.

Don't ever pick up a cigarette.

If you want that tattoo then by all means go get it.

Do what you want.

Chase your dreams.

Choose your battles.

Save for the future.

Finish your college education now.

Regardless of how old you are remember what it was like to be foot loose fancy free and nine years old.

Your no means no.

Education is important. Pay attention in school.

FALL IN LOVE -- it's wonderful. Don't be afraid of love.

Love is love. And sex is sex. THEY ARE NOT ONE IN THE SAME.

Always wear a seat belt and make sure your underwear is always clean. You could get hit by a bus.

It's okay to have a small circle of friends. The only people who matter in your life are the ones who are going to be around your death bed singing you to heaven.

If you want to believe in God, then do it with pride. Don't allow anyone to make you feel badly or weird, or awkward because they don't have the same belief system as yourself.

Same with political beliefs, see above.

You don't have to like everyone you meet. And in the same regard it's okay not to be liked by everyone you meet.

It's okay to be afraid of things. Don't feel badly because there are things you are afraid of.

Love yourself. Love yourself. Love yourself.

You are loved.

You are beautiful. You really are.