little girl.

My teenage years were the hardest years of my life. I was severly depressed from ages 14-15 and it's amazing I came out of that depression. When I was 16, I wasn't as depressed but I was anxious to be out of high school and away from my family. Every day I would have frantic thoughts about my life and my future. If I could have spoken to my 16-year-old self, this is what I would have said:

1. You'll survive adolescence. Nothing stays the same and this part of your life journey will pass.

2. You're body will change. You will not stay an extremely thin, awkward girl. You will grow to be a beautiful, awkward, skinny woman and you will embrace your awkwardness.

3. You'll become wiser about who you let in your life. Not everyone you meet will be healthy for you or your spirit. You will learn to recognize true friends and you learn to cherish them.

4. You won't be afraid to express your opinion. You will stop worrying about what people think of you and you'll have the courage to say what you think.

5. You'll be strong. The experences you have in life will strengthen you.

6. You'll have many bad days and a lot of low points in your life. Don't give up hope because you will have many moments of absolute happiness as well.

7. You'll have great life experiences. You'll travel, meet wonderful people, and expand your mind.

8. You'll learn to accept and then love yourself. You may not be perfect but you're a unique person with wonderful qualities. Accepting and loving yourself are the keys to inner peace.