And now I know...

Ten Things I Would Tell My 16 Year Old Self

1. No matter how hard you try you will never please everyone. That doesn't mean you stop trying. It means that you don't beat yourself up about it if you run into someone that just can't be please. It's not you. It's them. 
2. Hang on to the one thing you really love to do. Don't listen to other people if they try to dissuade you from doing it. But, if you do listen to them and forget how much you love it for a while, remember it's never too late to do it again. Never. 
3. Your mom is right. I know at 16 it doesn't seem like your mom and dad know anything. How could they? They're soooo old! But the truth is there will come that day when you realize just how wise they really are. Especially mom. So listen to her more than you do.
4. No, you are not going to die because your boyfriend broke up with you. Really, you're not. It is very, very, very rare that anyone stays with the person they meet when they're 16. There will be other boys and, later, when you're older, men. Be choosy. You're worth it. The right one is out there. And he's worth the wait. 
5. Never, ever allow anyone to take your personal strength. It's okay to go along with your friends on some things but stand up for your own thoughts and convictions. You have a good brain and a truck load of common sense so use it. 
6. Laugh. Every day. The world is a funny ironic place most of the time. Some stuff will happen that is so weird you just can't make it up! So enjoy the moment and laugh out loud. Turns out it's really good for your health too. 
7. Be kind. When you're 16 the world seems like a very small place and it revolves around you. Thing is, it really doesn't. It's quite large and full of a wide variety of wonderfully diverse people. If you're kind, they will open their hearts to you and you will learn so much.
8. Give back. Look around you. See all that you have? Be grateful and realize that not everyone is as fortunate as you. Find a way to give back. Share. There really is enough for everyone. 
9. Remember to breathe. You're 16 and in the next ten or so years of your life you will be on a whirlwind roller coaster of high school, college, and employment. It's stressful so remember to stop once in a while and just breathe. Take a break. Close your eyes. And breathe. 
10. Be spontaneous. Keep your eyes on the future and keep moving but when the chance to have some fun, make a change or do something different presents itself - take it! If you stay grounded those short spontaneous excursions can be fun and even eye opening!

And if I could add one more thing, I would tell my 16 year old self -

Look around you. See all these people who have your last name and look like you? They are your family. And they are the most important people who will ever have in your life. They will always be there for you - always - no matter what. There is very little you will do or would do that would ever make them turn away from you. All they ask is that you try to be the best you that you can every single day of your life. And, if there are days when that seems too hard to do, they will hold you up and help you through it. Love them with all your heart, even when it might be difficult to do so. Because you know what? That's how they love you. You will never be alone, lonely. hungry, lost, homeless or helpless because you have this great family around you. Always remember that.