Today’s prompt is to answer this question: What would you say to your teenage self based on what you know today?
When I was a teen I thought I knew a lot about life and how it worked. But I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
I would say to myself—take it easy and enjoy the process. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You don’t even have to be in control. You never will be anyway!
I would say—God is leading every step you take, even when His footprints are unseen. What you can’t see you don’t know, but that doesn’t mean He’s not there.
I would say—take time and talk to your grandmother. When she gave you her ring when you were 16, pause and ask her the story behind why she was doing this. You won’t have much longer with her, and you will regret not knowing what you don’t know.
I would say—laugh more at yourself and stop taking what everyone thinks of you so seriously. What really matters is what God says about you. Focus on Him and all the other stuff will dim in comparison.
Relax.
Embrace every high and low of the road ahead. These are the lessons that will carry you to maturity.
Read your Bible everyday. Not because you have to but because you don’t know what you don’t know. This is the place to begin discovering those answers.
Be grateful, humble and kind. Everyone has a story. And friendship is the key to unlocking them. It begins with a smile and asking good questions. It takes being a good friend to have good friends. You never know what you don’t know until you ask.
This is my 29th post in The Ultimate Bog Challenge to post everyday in November.
Write from the heart 
“It takes being a good friend to have good friends” – I like it, it’s so true.
Among the few UBC participants who used this prompt, I think every single one mentioned that teenagers think they know it all ;-)))
Happy Monday!
Tamara, I want to follow your blog, but I can’t find how to do it. Help!
Interesting advice. I am pretty sure I would have to tell myself to keep your own counsel- those who tried to advise provided paths taht were not the right ones.
But you learned that by going through it. All that we struggled with as teens helped us become who we are today. And I am grateful to be where I am now.
Great advice! Hindsight always makes things easier. Getting this advice to stick to teenagers can be tricky.
Tricky, or downright impossible! Sad to say.
I have three teen sons, and I would have so many things, as I’ve been reliving my teen years as I watch them. I’d have many warnings, about true friends and what’s really important.
I really love the theme of this post. I may revisit this myself. It is definitely worth thinking about. The funny thing is, though, that we’d have never listened at that age, just like our kids can’t seem to “hear” our voice of experience. They know it all, and only a life of experiences can teach them what we now can look back and see.
Prayers are essential!!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
I hope you can share this at the Homestead Blog Hop!
What is the Homestead Blog Hop?
The homestead Blog Hop is a gathering every week where like-minded bloggers come to share their posts and discover other ideas. We run from Wednesday to Sunday, and anyone is welcome!
I would LOVE for you to come share! I so appreciate wisdom and encouragement!
https://www.ridgehavenhomestead.com/category/homestead-blog-hop/
The above is a link to the page. You can come anytime after 6 am on Wednesday and post up to three blog posts between then and Sunday.
We have many who share recipes, crafts, diy projects, encouragement, homeschool tips, and more, as long as it’s family-friendly. 😊
What great advice to yourself! I especially like the part about taking time to talk to your grandmother. I was blessed to have my grandparents live with me from the time I was 4 years old and until I got married and moved to our own home. I now have the role of pur great granddaughter Lia living with us and I’m sharing some advice I received from my grandmother.
My grandmother lived with us for several years before I got married at 19. But as a teen I didn’t take time to ask her about her life. That regret led me to write and publish her story.
My teenage self needed the perspective I can give as a 70 year old. No doubt. Our communication would be telepathic.