It Gets Better: 10 Things I Wish I Knew at Age 15

I was 15 years old in 1985, and I often think about what I would say to my 15 year-old self if I could go back now and talk to her. What advice, encouragement and words of wisdom would I share with that girl who was going through much more than anyone knew? Would she listen to me or still think as most teenagers do, that she already had all the answers? I'm not sure she would listen but listed below are the 10 things I would want that shy teenage girl to know.

1-It Gets Better. I know you think you're alone. You feel like no one will ever understand you or accept you or truly love you, but you are wrong. The people you aren't sure you can open up to are exactly the ones who will embrace you. You are loved Sherri and you are not alone.

2-You will get over your broken heart. You are about to have your first relationship heartbreak and you will feel like your world has ended, but it hasn't. You'll not only get over it, you'll be stronger for it. You have a lot more love coming your way, some more heart aches too, but you'll be just fine!

3-A bad grade is not the end of the world. I know that you are use to getting pretty good grades, but Algebra is not your strong suit. Your teenage life won't be ruined by being bad at Algebra and you'll never use it as an adult anyway.

4-You aren't to blame for your cousin's deaths. The drunk driver that hit them is to blame for their deaths, not you. There is nothing you could have done to change it or stop it. Someday you'll grow up to be a police officer and you will save other kids lives by arresting drunk drivers.

5-Your mom will one day be your best friend. I know she seems awfully moody and nagging to a 15 year-old girl, but she is doing the best she can. You and your mom will one day be the best of friends and you will appreciate all that she did for you as a teenager.

6-Don't let others dictate your relationship with God. Some wolves in sheep's clothing are about to come into your life and tell you that God doesn't love you for who you are. They will tell you that you are going to hell if you don't deny your truth. They are liars and they are hypocrites. Don't listen to them because it will only cause you self-hatred and lead you to think your life is not worth living. You will have an amazing life as you grow up, so love yourself, believe in yourself and know that God loves you just the way you are.

7-You will find true love when and where you least expect it. When you aren't looking for love Sherri, it will walk right through your door. Treasure it and never let go.

8-Don't stop writing! Writing is something you are passionate about and when you get older it will be your career!

9-Enjoy that cute, athletic body you have and stop calling yourself fat! Seriously, you think at 5'7" and 130 lbs you are chubby? Girl, you are an athlete, you are in great shape and you need to stop telling yourself negative things!

10-Let the people you love know that you love them. They won't be around forever. A lot of family and some friends who mean so much to you will pass away as the years go on. Don't let there be any regrets. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you and how much you love and appreciate them.

Related AC articles by Sherri Thornhill:

Show a Teenager Compassion Over Criticism

High School Graduation Gifts for Less Than $50

Is Your Child A Victim of Cyber Bullying?

10 Thoughts That Can Help Improve Your Life