Orlagh Winters: What Advice Would You Give Your 16-Year-Old Self?

Posted by
Credit Union 600x400

.

Orlagh New 1SO for this week’s column I posed the question on both my personal page and my blog page (Winters Tales); “What advice would you give your sixteen year old self?”

Why did I ask this question? Well I wonder if – at the age of sixteen – I knew what would happen in the future, would I do things differently?  Would I have regrets? Would I have fears? Would I be happy with the decisions that I made?

I got a lot of responses from people (thanks folks) and there was an overwhelming common theme to not be so hard on ourselves and that nothing is as bad as it seems at the  time.

Continued below…

Ashe Hotel Wedding

A lot of you advised to live in the moment and enjoy the present as the years pass by quickly.

Indivduality was also a big topic, always be yourself , think for yourself and not try to be a crowd pleaser. Do what makes you happy and treat people with respect while also maintaining self respect. Don’t worry what others think of you and learn to love yourself.

It was a lovely exercise and it made people think. It certainly made me think.  As someone who is a bit of a worrier at times, it was comforting to know that I am not alone, one friend gave a lovely sentiment; “You are braver and stronger than you think you are”.

Continued below…

Roast House Insert 1

.

I loved this as there has been times that I have worried that I am not brave and that I am not strong.  But you know what? I am!

No one has the perfect life, we will all encounter heartache at some stage and to use the old cliche, WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.

I know this is true. I have faced illness, uncertainty, heartache, infertility and lots more besides but I am still here. I am still breathing. I am alive. I am strong.
Don’t let anyone rain on your parade.

There will be haters and there will be people who will inflict pain on you. Walk away, hold your head high and remember that nothing lasts forever. Always stay true to yourself, this is not a dress rehersal and the only person in the driving seat of your life is YOU.

Take the time to appreciate your parents and family. Keep your true friends close to you and do your best to not hurt anyone along the way.

So today, take a look around you, appreciate what you have, if there is something that is making you unhappy, change it, if there is something that you have been putting off, do it.

Tell your sixteen year old self to slow down and enjoy the moments. Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Look after yourself!

Until next week,

You are unique so enjoy it!
Orlagh xx

Comments are closed.

image