I visit home once a month and almost NEVER run into any of my high school classmates. This excludes my friends that have been down with me since the 7th grade. Well, this past weekend I ran into just about everyone and their uncle John John. Some of them were pleasant surprises while others were just a downright chuckle fest. I couldn’t help but to think back on all of the stress I put on myself years ago, just to impress a group of people who are now irrelevant to me in 2015. Looking back, I wish I was able to save myself from some heartache.
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing, however I would whisper a few things to 16-year-old Tyler Young.
7. CALM THE “EFF” DOWN
Strong language? Yes, I am well aware. When I was 16, I stressed out about EVERYTHING. “Who will I go to prom with? OMG, I am not as skinny as my friends. My face is breaking out AGAIN. Ugh, I made a 97 instead of a 100 on my test. What if the college I want doesn’t want me? Who will I marry? Will Usher still be available” All trivial matters that subtracted years from my youth. Now that I am 26, I barely have things figured out for the future while I am having a blast just enjoying the ride.
6. WHAT YOU LIKE AT 16, YOU WON’T LIKE AT 19, AND THE SAME WILL GO FOR 23 AND 26
I was set in my ways at a very young age. I was a know it all (yes, mother if you’re reading this I have finally admitted it) and thought I had things figured out. Then time began to move and I noticed a shift in my responses to my surroundings. With that, I have learned that time will reveal answers to some of life’s greatest mysteries.Changing your mind doesn’t make you fickle, it just represents your willingness to enhance your preferences.
5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY, IT IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE
I had horrible self-esteem and body image issues, which I’m now having to deal with well into my adulthood. Oh the things I would do just to look like the girls who were stick figures. Sadly, millions of young women never recognize their true beauty because of unrealistic standards that are told to follow. One day, I’ll probably blog about the unhealthy measures I took to try to fit in. Today, I can say that I’m the healthiest I’ve been in years!
4. YOUR TRUE FRIENDS WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME
Don’t force interactions. Either there’s a spark or there isn’t one. In high school, you are forced to sit with people for up to 9 hours, thinking that they are your friends because you were magically placed in a class together. Some friendships in high school are merely for survival. Shout out to the ONLY women I have associated myself with in the last decade. I can proudly call ya’ll my lifelong friends.
3. BE WISE ABOUT WHO YOU GIVE YOUR VIRGINITY AWAY TO
I NEVER talk about my sex life on the web. I am proud to say that I was a virgin at 16. My virginity was something that I held closely, mainly because of my religious upbringing. It was the years to follow where I was led astray and caved to peer pressure. What looks good to you may not be so good for you. Life happens. I do hope that you are enjoying the image above from “Waiting to Exhale”.
2. YOU DON’T OWE THESE PEOPLE SH*T
More strong language, I know. I used to go home in tears over not being able to fit in and eat away at my emotions with loads of unhealthy foods. The guys who blatantly told me I wasn’t pretty enough to date and the girls who said I couldn’t sit with them at lunch all sing my praises when they see me. Young Tyler didn’t see that one coming.
1. LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER
She warned me about all of these things. Mother knows best and I love her for giving me the space to screw up. If you get close to a hot stove enough times, you’ll eventually get burned. Trust me, when she speaks nowadays, I take notes!
