5 Things I Would Tell My Teenage Self.

My 14 year old self (one on the left). *giggle*

I've noticed a lot in the media lately that more and more stories are about young people becoming ill while trying to fit into the 'perfect' category. Eating disorders from trying to be 'the right size'. Skin cancer from trying to have 'the perfect tan'. Botched and sometimes fatal plastic surgeries to 'fix' what is 'wrong' with you. Mental health problems from bullying. Sometimes I wish I could go and talk to teenagers and younger people and help them feel better about their natural selves. So here are 5 things I would tell my teenage self today!

The girls that make fun of you because you don't wash your hair EVERY single day and your skin wasn't perfect, they'll be nothing but memories once you leave school. Best thing to do is ignore them. They'll soon find something else to do other than put others down. Most of the time bullies turn on each other anyway, soon they'll see how it feels to be in your shoes.

Focus on school. I know its said a lot, 'if I could do school again, I would do it so much better'. It's true though. Are all those old MSN conversations more important now? They may have seemed so then but when you're older and need those high grades for a job you want, you won't even remember what those conversations were about.

Don't worry that you don't have all the new stuff that everyone else has. What does it matter if your 'friend' has a better phone than you? Just be grateful for what Mum and Dad have given you, they work hard for their money. You'll understand when you have your own family one day.

Join in. You loved playing hockey and netball but you never joined the clubs. You'll regret it. You could have made so many more friends and experienced so much more if you had just put yourself out there a little bit more. Push yourself.

Boys are not important. Girls calling you 'frigid' just because they have 'done more' than you is not an insult. Be proud that you value your body. Spend time on yourself and the boys will come and go but when its right, it'll happen. You don't fall in love at 14,15,16. It's 'puppy love'. It sounds harsh but it's true. When you're older you will meet Daryl, keep a hold of him. He's the best thing that will happen to you (apart from your kids).

If I knew what I know now, then, I think my life would be totally different today. I've been on antidepressants since I was 18 years old because of the things that have happened in my life. I won't go into it as that would be an extremely long post! 

If you are in school now try giving the 'quiet' girl/boy a compliment. Say you like their bag or how they've done their hair that day. It takes seconds for you to do but I guarantee it will make their whole day.