By Nada Hamouda
Adolescence is typically a transitional stage from childhood to adulthood with all the development changes that lead to an intense emotional stress. Hence, many of us would probably give anything to go back in time to redo our teenhood life making different decisions.
However, time-traveling is not an option in the universe we’re living in. Though the teenhood journey is practically a never-ending sea of adjustments, a lot could change over time. So, here’re some home truths we probably wish we could share with our 16-year-old self:
Read, Read, and Read!
Though we may be living in the digital age, reading books is still a big part of growing up whether it’s in a PDF format or through the traditional way. However, we mainly grow up hearing that the only thing we need to do is studying hard. But that’s not always the case as reading would be more helpful taking your mind off some harsh reality, Besides, it would offer you plenty of broader perspectives in life.
Visit Your Grandparents More
While parents are usually the disciplinarians who make sure to raise a responsible child, grandparents can be the one who enjoys having fun with their grandchildren. However, life changes and when the time comes, you’ll never be ready for their loss. So, always make sure you have had a lot of memories well-spent with them.
Understand and Appreciate Your Parents’ Concerns
When you consider that the teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but emotionally, it’s understandable that it’s a time of confusion for many families. However, this phase could fasten or break a family trust. So, bear in mind that the strongest love and bond you could experience during this life stage, without waiting for anything in return, is the family bond.
Do Not Hate Yourself
Being a teenager is hard and challenging in so many ways as you’re constantly trying to figure out who you are and what role you should play. However, let me tell you that life still has a lot to offer you and this stage is only part of the person you would become ten years later. Therefore, your 16-year-old self is not necessarily the person you would be identified as later on. So, just quit hating the poor 16-year-old version of yourself!
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Sometimes our stubborn 16-year-old nature stands in the way of asking for help. However, let’s all agree that asking for help has never been a weak thing but it’s actually a very mature thing. Therefore, when you feel a bit down and things seem darker than usual, try to get past the barriers and find at least someone you trust and just talk to him/her. The cure might surprisingly be in the communication itself.
Take Lots and Lots of Pictures
I know I know! probably one of the second very embarrassing photo shots, right after those when our parents used to dress us like dolls, are those of our teenage selves. However, I do believe that taking images of your teenage years will not only give you a visual growth chart but will allow you to capture glimpses into the personal development that we might occasionally want to look back on for years to come.
Listen To Different Types of Music
Recent studies revealed that the music choices made during one’s teenage years are not only influential but formative of one’s music taste as an adult. Therefore, make sure that you’re not sticking with only one genre and try to be a well-rounded music lover who always leaves space for new diverse things in life.