So I thought I'd share the pain!
If you could sit down with your 15-year old self, what would you say?
I think I'd say, "You are going to live, live, LIVE like you want. You rock!"
And you?
Linda's Literary Lair! Books for the intelligent, sexy, and curious.
Learn to manage your money wisely, and don't think credit is like an ATM machine! I would be so much farther ahead in life if I'd only known ....
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! Credit cards are sooooo seductive.
DeleteThere are a number of things I would tell her, some of which came from my great-auntie:
ReplyDeleteThere is more to life beyond high school. Yes, it is as stupid as you think it is, and yes, you are smarter than most in your class although your grades might not reflect it.
There is a reason your heart pounds with fear when you take exams - it's called text anxiety. By no means is an exam full measure for what you will remember years from now. But do know, there is a name for it and one day you will gain the upper hand but will always spar with it. It will never break you, but you need to know it will try, but you are stronger.
Tolerate your family without compromising yourself. BE FIRM and UNWAVERING in your boundaries. The time will come when your family is gone (and there is no easy way to process grief), but know that you're never alone.
Friends will become closer than family. You will find circles of friends that you never thought you had - embrace them. When 2 or more people say, "Gee, this isn't a good thing, you need to do XYZ" Don't hesitate. Act on it. The universe will provide for you in unknown and unimagined ways.
Always be careful with money and plan for a 'rainy day' for they come when you least expect them. ALWAYS have a nest egg. DO NOT spend on a credit card what you CANNOT pay off before it's due. Keep an eye on your credit bureaus. Become really close friends with Sallie Mae and other Student Loan lenders. Yes, the doctorate you want is worth it, but damn, girl, try and find some scholarships and matching funds.
Academically - get a damn certification in under-grad. Work in your chosen field EARLY. Establish yourself professionally EARLY. Be humble when others mentor you and thank them for their time.
Live within your means. Yes, splurge on that treat on payday and always buy yourself a fabulous birthday gift, but be prudent so those splurges mean more.
Always maintain your car, have a stocked pantry, and a suit with heels that is timeless and fits. Along the same line, buy the best you can afford. Quality matters. And do buy that red velvet dress. :) You'll know the one. It was made for you. :)
Those boys that come along and are cute but don't respect you for your brain - don't give them second glance. That family friend that is creepy (you know who I'm talking about), avoid him like the plague.
Don't be so caught up in academics that you forget to meditate and be human. Take time to play and play as hard as you work.
Watch now, the health issues women in your family have. Frequent the gym. Be well. Deal with stress before it harms you.
Those church people your family idolizes? Yes, they are as foolish as you think. Stand back and watch their demise and know you will NEVER be like them.
Repeat after me: "Avoid asshattery". Yes. Say it again. And again. When you realize what the word means, you won't need the phrase anymore. Enough said.
When you have an opportunity to learn about yourself, take it. Take those psych classes and seminars!
Finally - respect yourself enough, that when in the middle of the Cat 5 Hurricane of Life that hits when you're 40, that you GFTO and let people help you. When you can't see straight, know that people love you and care about you and would NEVER steer you wrong. Take that leap of faith and step off that cliff. You will be so glad you did.
Hugs to you, my 15 year old self. You will grow into an amazing badass woman. Keep that inner flame ALIVE and no one can take it from you.
Woman, you just made me weep. You are beautiful.
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