A Challenge

Never one to ignore a dare, I've taken up the wonderful MummyNeverSleeps challenge.

As a 40 year old, I am old enough to be my 15 year old self's mother (scary thought!) and feel I should impart my wisdom gained over the last 25 years to my angsty teen self.

Firstly, it is alright to be yourself, in fact that is the only way to be. You do not need to act in a certain way, speak in a certain way or look a certain way to be accepted.  I know you don't follow the crowd, I know that you dress how you want, listen to the music you want, speak in the way your parents have bought you up to, but I also know how you spend time worrying that if you looked this way, spoke like that, listened to that music, etc, you'd be accepted by others/find that special someone.

You do not need to compare yourself to anyone. You aren't blessed with the brain power of your brother, but he isn't blessed with your common sense. You will be alright. You will get your GCSEs, A Levels and degree and become a teacher, just as you plan and you'll be a bloody good teacher.

You are tall, you are slim, you have fab hair, revel in it all. At 40 you'll look back and wished you'd realised how good you looked at the time.

You will get your heart broken, it is part of growing up. Please do not beat yourself up, it's not your fault. I am not going to tell you not to go into a particular relationship a) you won't listen to me and b) it's part of your life, part of your learning, part of who you become. Just know that the 2 years it has an effect on you is really a very short time when you look back. It makes you a stronger woman.

Do not let 1 bad experience colour your view of men. You will meet 2 amazing men who will teach you what love is all about and will always be in your heart if not in your arms.

Tell the important people that they are important, some of them are in your life for such a short time. Value true friendships but do not mourn too long for those who aren't there for you when you need them. Do not be afraid of telling people that you love them. Love is gift.

You will have low times, you will get through them. Depression will be around through the years, it is not weak to ask for help or to take medication. Asking for help is a step towards getting better.

Above all, be true to yourself. 

And stop stooping, be proud of your height....and there, I sound just like a Mum of a teen!