Sixteen Tips for my Sixteen Year Old Self

1) You're not as fat as you imagine. Give yourself a break and worry about more important things (like grades!).
2) Getting your hair cut super short is not the best way to get attention. You're the one who has to live with the pixie for the next six months and you do not look like the supermodel in the picture (and that's okay).
3) Making yourself miserable to spite other people is a waste of time. Life is short and if that doesn't convince you, all the frowning will give you wrinkles that I now have to deal with.
4) The world is not black or white, shades of grey will seep in and change your view. Often it's not one or the other, but something in the middle. Relax and don't disregard something just because it doesn't fit into your narrow view.
5) Stop caring what other people think of you so much. You won't see these people after high school, you've got nothing to lose by being yourself.
6) Friends come and go, they shouldn't turn into the enemy just because you no longer see eye to eye. Give them a break and try not to judge too much. You've changed too.
7) Exercise isn't some evil concept forced on you for your embarrassment, it's healthy. You may not be that athletic but find something you like to do and do it often. It would have made my life a lot easier if you did.
8) Coasting through senior year with Art classes is great, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself. AP courses aren't just for suck ups and the honor roll, you're more than capable of doing well.
9) Don't be afraid to fail. Not trying out for choir because you think you won't be good enough is ridiculous.
10) Embrace the things you don't like about yourself. You're nose isn't too bumpy, your chin doesn't make you look like a witch, your eyes aren't too close together and your hair isn't something to be dyed a weird color.
11) Be more social. You do not want to become the Obi One Kenobi of high school girls. There's a reason everyone thought he was weird.
12) Mum and Dad are NOT the enemy. You won the Parental lottery. Try not to be such a b*tch.
13) Don't be too scared to speak up. Your opinions matter as much as the next persons.
14) Party more, it's good practice for your 20s.
15) Be Brave. Some of the best decisions you ever made scared you to begin with. It's worth the fear in the end.
16) Embrace your weirdness and others will embrace it too.