Day 01; 10 Things To Tell My 16 Year Old Self

Let me be clear; I was an idiot when I was 16. Hormonal, a smart ass, thought I knew more than I actually did. Not that much of those things have changed but I learned a couple lessons along the way.

So, 16 year old Matt-Dave, here's a couple things I wish you knew.

1. Heartbreak doesn't last forever

When you're young and having some of your first relationships, the fallout can be devastating. And that can make you do crazy things.

There's nothing quite like your first heartbreak.

Luckily, it doesn't last forever! And each time it gets a little easier. You might end up kind of jaded but that doesn't last either, so just take time to process your emotions and then move on when you feel ready.

2. Keep an open mind

It's fine to tie your identity to something but remember that you don't have to exclude things to be a fan of something else. It's okay to let other things in.

3. Your body is beautiful, as is

Everyone has image problems at some point, and I was no exception. I always felt a little too short or that I had a little too much tum or that I didn't have enough muscle. Nowadays I can drown out that noise but then? It was an issue.

4. Enjoy sleep while you can

Because adult you cannot stick to a sleeping pattern no matter how hard he tries

5. Enjoy being sixteen

You always take your youth for granted. Pretty soon 16 will be as far away as 30 and that's a scary thought. So just enjoy being 16, because you won't be forever.

6. Take your passions more seriously

I wish I had more of a music education, and I wish I was much more proficient at coding. But hey, hindsight is 20/20. I just genuinely wish that at 16, I'd put more hours into those things. So, 16 year old me, take your passions more seriously. You'll wish you had in just a couple years.

7. Explore your sexuality sooner, but still be cautious

It took me time to realize my sexuality, and to then come out. To be fair, I was still struggling with issues of faith and identity but I wish it didn't take me so long. Maybe if I'd internalized less homophobia I would have gotten over it all sooner, but oh well. So accept that it's okay to have those thoughts you're having. Being a little gay is okay.

But watch out, because there are people who want to hurt you over it. That's just the reality of life.

8. Write more

Because you'll wish you had. Trust me. Especially with those failed NaNoWriMo attempts.

9. Don't beat yourself up too much.

I'm my own harshest critic, trust me, if anyone treated my friends the way I treat me I would have decked that person in the face. But hey, recognizing your own toxic behaviour is the first step. Don't be too hard on yourself, Matty. Everything will be okay.

10. Don't try grow up so fast

It's okay to just be a kid. Life will happen at it's own pace, so just enjoy the present and act your age a little.