Things I Wish I Knew Sooner as a Teenager



Being 17 feels like living in a constant whirlwind—one second you’re laughing over the dumbes joke, and the next, you’re questioning every life decision. I know I haven’t experienced everything yet, but I feel like what I have experienced is enough to share some advice. Plus, I still take advice from my elder sister, so consider this a mix of my own realizations and the wisdom passed down to me

Friendships: Quality > Quantity
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it’d be this: Not all friendships are meant to last, and that’s okay. At one point, I thought having more friends meant I was more valuable. Now? I’d rather have one or two real ones than a crowd that doesn’t truly care.Surround yourself with people who bring peace, not drama. The ones who check in on you, not just when they need something.

Not Everyone Deserves Your Energy
One of the hardest lessons? Not everyone is your friend, even if they act like it. Some people stick around when it’s convenient; some switch sides overnight. And that’s fine—just protect your energy. You don’t owe anyone constant access to your life just because you were close once.

Your Body & Self-Care: Love Yourself First
Gaining weight isn’t a failure. Your body will change, and that’s normal. Yes, I’ve had insecurities, but I’ve also learned to like myself through every stage. Fitness is about health, not shrinking yourself to fit unrealistic standards. Eat well, stay active, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Take Advice, But Trust Yourself, Too
People will always have opinions. Listen and learn, but don’t let anyone else’s expectations define your choices. At the end of the day, you know yourself best.

Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling lost, just know you’re not alone. Life is messy, but you’re doing just fine. Keep going.

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