I hesitate to write posts like this. They’re campy, cheesy and overdone. So I’m going to write it anyway!

Today is my birthday and I want to share 31 things I would tell my 16 year old self. But first I want to make two very clear points. The first message that I’m yearning to communicate is this: Personal evolution takes time. A lot of time. It might take a full year to unpack a box or hang curtains. So imagine how long it takes to change and grow as a person. Give yourself grace during this process.

The second point I want to make is that you should not give up during this process. In my estimation, hardship is the pathway to peace. So if you’re in a hard place right now. Throw a party because you’re doing life right. So without further delay…

31 Things I’d Tell My 16 Year Old Self

1. You are precious.
2. Protect yourself fiercely.
3. Talk to your mom.
4. Your body is in transition but it is beautiful – stop hating it.
5. You don’t need a boy, his sex, or affection to feel whole.
6. Find a good counselor and see them on the reg.
7. Your art is amazing – you are an amazing artist.
8. Ask for help as often as you feel like it!
9. Everything you think people are thinking about you is wrong – they’re not thinking about you – they’re thinking about themselves. You’re off the hook. Just do your thing girl.
10. Get a tutor.
11. Ask a trusted adult how the world really works.
12. Ask a trusted adult what they’d do differently if they could do it all over again.
13. You have every right to say NO – at anytime – for any reason.
14. Trash the fashion mags – but keep reading your art mags.
15. You’re much smarter than you realize or would even dream of thinking.
16. Yes, everything hurts right now – but if you tell someone what’s really going on  it will hurt less. Stop hiding.
17. You will change radically between now & when you’re 18, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30 – and time will pass so much faster than you know.
18. Be yourself now.
19. Study abroad.
20. Read more.
21. Back to boys – just don’t.
22. Be true to yourself.
23. Love yourself.
24. People who pressure you to smoke, drink or do drugs are idiots – get a different scene.
25. Throw yourself into your music and art – that is your real education.
26. Sex is never an answer to any question.
27. You’re not a f*@k up.
28. There are real non-lame, non-suburban Christians out there who ask the same questions about God as you do – find them – talk to them.
29. You are an amazing spirit.
30. Broaden your mind through falling in love with your education – not rebelling against it.
31. God is listening – keep talking.

Question: Do you think I left anything out? What would you tell your 16 year old self? Know anyone who needs to hear this? Would you share it with them?