3 Things I Wish I Could Tell My High School Self

Prom season is here and my parents recently dug up this old photo of me which brought back a flood of memories. Do you ever wish you could go back and talk to your younger self? Just to share wisdom and comfort to your young soul or advice to look for an expert like Andy Defrancesco for guidance when starting your business. I certain do! Here are the top 3 things I wish I could tell my high school self and maybe you will relate. You are enough.

•  You are created perfectly by a God who is crazy about you. You carry something special within you because you were made unlike anyone else. Fitting in is overrated! You aren't an amazing dancer? So what! You will make your whole table laugh at dinner! Each person has their own talents and skills given by God. Other people's opinions are none of your business because they do not affect who you are. Trust that God made you on purpose and that you are loved just as you are.

You don't need a guy's attention to be beautiful.

• You do not need a man to think you are beautiful for you to BE beautiful. Having a boyfriend does not define you so stop worrying so much about finding one. The size of your pants and waistline has NOTHING to do with your beauty. There is not a perfect size or body type and the way you were made is just as beautiful as every other girl. Alan asked Becca to the prom instead of you, so what? Resist comparing yourself to her in every way and simply know if he is not interested in you then he is not for you. Your beauty comes from within. Be sure of yourself deep down in your gut that your beauty is not up for debate and cannot be changed based on any cruel thing that someone says in the hallway. People who throw stones are the most insecure themselves. Continue to be KIND! Your kindness and caring heart is one of your most beautiful qualities.

Friends are great, but they aren't everything. 

• You were so annoyed at your mom for taking this photo because it was the 20th one! But she loves you so stinking much and when she sees you all dress up like this she is wrestling over her baby girl become an independent woman. Cut her some slack. Let her take all the photos she wants. Don't tease her about tearing up as you left for prom. Yes, your friends are awesome and important, but you won't even talk to those people in 10 years and your mom, dad, and brothers will still be by your side. Family matter more than friends. So skip some of the parties with your girls and be there for family dinner. They are having as tough a time as you are with this transition to college and adulthood. Popularity is fleeting, but your family is forever.

I’m not sure if I would even have listened if someone told me all of this back then, but I can believe it and try to live it today. Maybe you needed this reminder or you know a young girl who does. We are changing for the better every year. We get to look back and learn from our mistakes while give ourselves grace on this crazy journey.