This is the advice I’d like to give my younger self. It’s advised that I think is of benefit to anyone – young and old.
It’s quite simple. Let’s talk about it.
1. Be yourself
I know, at times that’s easier said than done and yet it’s so incredibly important. Be yourself at all times, no matter what it takes. That’s the most important advice I’d like to give my younger self. While I didn’t have a terrible childhood, it was definitely a rocky one.
There was the divorce of my parents, meeting mum’s new partner and well .. lots of things that I am not yet ready to talk about. Being yourself isn’t always easy, especially not when you are young. I know what it means to get bullied by those who are closest to you. I feel you, I’ve been there and boy was it tough.
No matter what’s going on, stay true to yourself.
2. Follow your path
This is in my humble opinion crucial and yet it can be so difficult. When I was a kid and later on as a teenager certain expectations were thrown at me. Expectations that I was simply not willing to meet or live up to.
Don’t get the wrong idea here, I was young and didn’t really know what I was doing. That being said, I knew what I didn’t want to be doing and rebelled against anyone who’s sole interest it was to push their ideals onto me.
I love learning and knew that I wanted to go to university. To my surprise, I was met with a lot of resistant. “University? Why would you want to study? Start working instead!”. It’s worth noting that studying in Austria is either free or almost free.
Whatever it is that you may be struggling through, stay through to yourself and follow your path.
3. You are very much on time
Growing up and being a teenager isn’t always easy. This is one of the best advice I’ve ever been given and advice I’d like to give my younger self: You are very much on time.
A friend of mine posted the below on Facebook and it resonated so much with me:
There is no need to rush or stress over things that may never happen. Do things at your own pace, because you truly want to be doing them and follow your gut. Whatever you are doing, give your all and don’t compare yourself to everyone around you.
4. You are enough
Stop comparing yourself to others. Look at others for inspiration and guidance and do what you truly want to be doing. You are enough just as you are. Always remember that.
No matter what happens, no matter what other people may tell you, always remember that you are enough. This is one of the most important bits of advice I’d like to give my younger self.
5. Practice makes perfect
No matter what it is you want to be doing, always remember that practice makes perfect. The more often you do something, the better at it you will get.
While there are of course exceptions to the rule, you can get better at a lot of the things that you are doing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you won’t be able to do something. Simply try it out, give it time and practice, practice, practice.
6. Stand up for what you believe in
Stand up for what you believe, regardless of what those around you may think about it. When I decided to move to New York City my decision to do so was met with the following question:
“Why would you want to live anywhere else?”
I lived in Austria at the time, where I was born and raised. I was completely taken aback, to say the least. Other people’s opinions and approval was not what I was looking for mine. My mind was made up, my decision was made and my flights were booked.
When it comes down to it you need to stand up for what you truly believe in. Your life choices and lifestyle may be met with resistance, absolutely, and that’s 100x better than
not doing what you truly want to be doing.
There will always be someone, somewhere, who will disapprove of your actions, heck, your very being. So? Do what you believe is right and go for the gold.
7. When family hurts, let go
Don’t ever let anyone else’s behavior change who you are as a person. As mentioned earlier, my childhood was a little rocky and family was the cause of my distress.
Leaving isn’t always an option and even if it is, it may not be easy. I spent countless hours crying, feeling very uncomfortable and at times I was plain scared. I wanted to get out, so bad.
The advice I’d like to give my younger self is this: You are stronger then you think. Hang in there, love, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t let what’s happening get to you. They don’t know what they are doing.
Reach out to others and get help. I’ve learned that it’s not always the best idea to reach out fo family .. when the problem lies within your family. Reach out to a friend, reach out in school – reach out to anyone who’s worthy of your trust and willing to listen.
When family hurts, let go. Today, I am in a much better place and I learned the importance of keeping my distance. Just because someone is family doesn’t mean they get to treat you in however they want .. and get away with it. When family hurts, you are so much better off, saying goodbye.
Even if it’s just in your head and you don’t actually have that conversation. Let go, move on and keep your distance.
To my younger self: Stay strong
This was advice I’d like to give my younger self. It’s advised that I could have used badly when I was younger. Whatever you may be going through, know that there is an end to it all.