I remember my teen years vividly, because they were so painful. I struggled with depression for most of my life, and I didn’t find peace until fairly recently. The good news is that my life is amazing now. I’ve become the kind of person I really needed in my youth.
So, I want to offer 5 things that would have helped me so much back then. They may be exactly what you need to hear NOW… at any age!
1. Your ideas matter.
Just because you’re younger than the people in authority, and even most people in your life, doesn’t mean that you can’t add value with your thoughts, ideas, perceptions, and opinions.
2. You can be whatever you want to be.
Yes, even an artist, a musician, an actor, a poet, a stand-up comic, a veterinarian, a race-car driver… ANY-thing. The amount of money it will make you, if any, should be the least important thing to you. If it interests you or lights you up, go for it! Incidentally, this is one of the best ways to actually make money.
3. There’s nothing wrong with your body.
Whether it’s shorter, taller, bigger, thinner, freckled, darker, lighter, whatever… it’s your body and it’s a miracle! No one has a right to do anything to it that you don’t want, to comment on it if you don’t want them to, or to judge it without YOUR permission. People will still do these things, but you have a right to do whatever it takes to feel safe and comfortable in your own skin.
4. You have a great smile, but you don’t owe it to anyone to be happy.
Lots of people are uncomfortable with their own feelings, and your big emotions can make them uneasy as well. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. Feel sad, get mad, be loud, zany, silly, angsty, introverted, subdued, depressed, and nervous. You have permission to feel it all without it being a problem. There are ways to feel better, when you’re ready, that aren’t about fixing you or making you more palatable for others. And when you’re ready, you deserve to feel good.
5. This will pass. It will get better.
There is a life waiting for you that is so profoundly amazing and wonderful and full of love and beauty and adventure. It will bring you to tears with its awesomeness! You only have to hold on, let things change around you, and give yourself the patience and time to change and grow. You are good, you are worthy, and life will be very great for you. Give it some time.
