7 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self

I have faced many challenges and obstacles along my life path. Looking back, I wish I knew what I know now. Here are seven life lessons things I would tell my younger self.

1. Your scars make you beautiful.

As a young teenager, I was extremely ashamed about my scars from childhood surgeries. It got to point where I hated wearing anything that showed my scars. If I were to go back in time and tell my 13-year-old self anything, I would tell her that her scars are beautiful and she shouldn’t be afraid to show them off!

2. Someday, your struggles will become part of your story.

It’s no secret that I’ve faced a lot of struggles in my life. In my childhood, people judged me because I was “different,” and as a teen, I struggled to embrace myself. I would often wonder why I had to face so many challenges. But now, I see my difficulties as a part of my story as a woman with cerebral palsy. I wish my younger self could have had the same attitude!

3. It’s OK to like country music.

When I was 14 years old, my peers criticized me because I liked country music, not the southern rap most of my friends enjoyed. My friends even accused me of acting like I wasn’t really from my city, but now, I just wish that I had stood up for my music taste and been myself.

4. It’s OK to fail.

I tend to be an overachiever and fear failure. When I was younger, I always overworked myself because I was so scared of making mistakes. But with time, I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s OK to fail because failure leads to success. We all fail, so it’s time to embrace it.

5. . Stop caring what others think about you.

When I was in the 4th grade, a man-made fun of me for wearing leg braces. For quite a while after that, I was cautious about wearing them because I thought that other people would judge me as he did. Now at age 24, I could care less about what other people think about my appearance. As a matter of fact, I wish I hadn’t felt so ashamed of my braces when I was younger – I rocked them!

6.Disney Channel is always a good idea.

When I was 14, was still watching Disney Channel, while my friends were watching more “grown-up” shows. I felt ashamed because I truly loved Disney, but my friends clearly thought that I was too old for it. Still, I’d tell my younger self to enjoy the Disney show because you’re never too old for Disney anything!

7. Take life day by day.

Every day is different, but you should live every day to the fullest and do whatever you want. After all, you have your whole life ahead of you. No matter what you want to do, live your life and do you.