In the first in our May series, we asked our Everly Mag Ambassadors* to tell us the advice they’d give to their younger self.

“Hey, younger self – please listen.  You must be strong and, whatever happens, always smile and remember that you got this.  Growing up isn’t easy, but it is fun.  Spend each day with a smile on your face.  Teenagers nowadays are so toxic, but don’t mind them because you got this.  Just avoid being judgmental and stop giving chances to those people that don’t deserve chances anymore.  You will experience being alone, but keep in your mind that there is always a rainbow after the rain.” – Regina*, 16

“Never give up, and also reach out and ask for help.  I struggled a lot and I really wish I asked for help, as I really closed off from the world.  A big tip I would have told myself when I was younger is that the world isn’t out to get you.  Nobody has it together as much as they seem as a teenager.  Don’t be afraid to change, embrace every path life takes you on and don’t be afraid to express yourself.  The only person who matters and cares in the future is you.  Don’t think your life is over because of a mistake.  You always learn and grow from these things.” – Ella-Mae, 18

“I would really like to tell my younger self to believe in myself and my abilities a lot more, and to really work on my self-confidence.  Being able to love yourself is so important, especially when going through middle school and high school.” – Rowan, 13

“I would give my younger self a pep talk saying: Make sure you do your best, be yourself, and try to pass your subjects.  Don’t spread rumors, don’t lie, and NEVER talk behind someone else’s back!  Being a teenager today, I will always wonder if the decisions I made were the right decisions.  I hope that you make the right choices that will make you happy.” – Zoe, 13

“I would tell myself that there are a lot more haters out there then you think and you probably won’t be able to beat them all, but all you have to do is keep being yourself and stick up for yourself.  You most definitely want to avoid drama.” – Cara, 17

“I would have told my younger self to be much happier and bolder.  I really regret thinking about things that don’t matter now, but that I spent hours crying over.  One thing I would like to say is, before you cry or overthink about something, just ask if it will matter in 5 years.  I would be more excited instead of being worried about school.  Obviously, I would really like to avoid screaming at my parents.  I would tell myself to go have fun, do exciting things, and create memories.” – Miriana, 15

“I would probably say that comparing yourself isn’t worth it.  It’s going to dumb your confidence down and make you feel worthless.  I would also say to be nice to YOURSELF.  That’s the most important thing.  I’d tell myself to get out of my shell more and know that I’m fine the way I am and I shouldn’t have to impress others.” – Aimee, 16

“If I were to give my younger self advice, it would be to take deep breaths and remember that everyone is not out to get me.  I used to be really critical toward myself, so I think I would tell myself that I didn’t have to be perfect.” – Rachel, 15

“I would tell my younger self not to follow the crowd and don’t let anyone tell you how you should be because you can be who you want to be.  I would tell myself to find the right friends, make sure I’m always surrounded by the right people, and cut out all negativity!” – Eilidh, 15

“I would tell myself not to worry about things so much because they always turn out okay.  I would also say to come across more confident, even if you have to fake it a bit.” – Lauren, 14

“I think I would tell my younger self that it is okay to be who you are and to have your opinions on things.  You should never hide your true self just to please people or make others feel better about themselves.  Also, remember that having tons of toxic friends is worse than having only one true friend.” – Shea, 16

“The best advice is to just be yourself, be confident about your skills, and that nothing is set in stone.  No one has the same skills set as you, and plans change all the time.  Everything on social media is never the reflection of someone’s life.  We pick what we want people to perceive about us.  Don’t blame yourself if you don’t have those facial or body features.  The mistakes to avoid would be making bad decisions and missing opportunities that are beneficial for your own growth.  Just put yourself out there and have fun.” – Astrid, 19

“I would say to always believe in myself and never give up.  People are mean and will always be trying to get you down but you need to understand that you will get through this, and it’s just the beginning of something great!” – Jessica, 13

*Most ambassador names and identifying information have been changed, except by request.

Comment your thoughts below.  Want to contribute to Real Teens Talk?  Apply to become an Everly Mag Ambassador today.

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Feature Image Credit: Everly Mag