Nicole W. Barnes Author

Oh where to begin?! This seems to be the age-old question that we all answer pretty similarly. (At least the people I’ve talked to about it.) But it’s also probably the most real answer anyone could give. Let me elaborate…

The answer I’ve heard the most, and my top answer, is to be kind to the person looking back at you in the mirror. There will be MANY hardships and struggles along the way. Don’t beat yourself up over them. The Golden Rule tells us to treat others how we want to be treated. Shouldn’t that go for ourselves also? We need to treat ourselves with the same kindness and respect that we give others. It’ll go a long way.

Next answer: Go after your dreams. There are so many things that catch your interest when you’re a teenager. Teacher, architect, astronaut…why not aim high and actually work to land there? I’ve always wanted to be an author. Here I am at 37 years-old finally achieving that dream. No, I’m not a bestseller. I’m known mainly by locals. But I’m okay with that. I did something I never thought I’d achieve.

Third, eat the cake. Nobody has ever had a bad day after enjoying dessert. You can worry about walking it off later. Or you can just go with the fact that most people don’t care what you look like. They see you shining through from the inside. (I don’t know about you, but chocolate makes my happiness come through brighter.)

My point is, the advice we’d give our teenage selves is probably the same advice we still need to follow as adults. That broken, bruised, frightened teen is still in there. And only you can mend that spirit.