10 Things I Would Tell My 16-year-old Self

Inspired by this list, if I could go back into time and tell my 16-year-old self 10 things, this is what I would tell her:

1.  Don't discount that cute Mormon boy just because he's Mormon.  Because, guess what?  In about a year, you're going to meet another Mormon boy that you will eventually date, and from that you will gain an interest in learning more about Mormons, and then in college, you will BECOME a Mormon.  Might as well keep your options in view now.

2.  You're not fat.  Or ugly.

3.  You really should minor in art in college, even if that means having to paint stupid color squares.

4.  Hang out with your Grandpa Gene more.  You already lost Grandma Vivian, and Grandpa Gene does not have too much time left, either.

5.  You will be able to pay for college... and grad school!  Stop worrying so much.

6.  On that note, I know it's disappointing seeing that your classmates get to travel to all sorts of fancy countries while you must save up money for college.  Don't worry, you will get to see a lot of the world before you turn 30, and it won't be whatever your parents want to see, either.

7.  You're not going to get married for a while.  So just live life.  Go on that study abroad program if you get a chance.  Pick whatever grad program you want.

8.  French is a beautiful language and there's a good probability you'll make it to Paris one of these days (although not by age 28).  However, you will never use it until that time comes.  Please take Spanish.  You're going to be working in South Los Angeles as a social worker, traveling to Spanish-speaking countries, and not wanting to sound stupid in front of hot Latin men when trying to roll your R's.  You'll need all the practice you can get.

9.  It's okay that you are naturally quiet and shy, especially around people you don't know.  But don't be afraid to be yourself.

10.  Dating advice: don't put your eggs into one basket (especially if that basket is not coming your way, or he is a basket case!), don't spend too much time on guys that make you feel inadequate, don't overlook that cool guy over there that is expressing interest just because you're so caught up on the guy that doesn't like you, and don't settle for anything less than you deserve.

This was an interesting reflection.  Overall, I do not regret too many choices I've made in life.  I may have regretted some things that I did not do.  For example, I regret that I did not minor in art or otherwise find a way to incorporate more artwork in my life in college, resulting in me becoming a little rusty.  I regret that I chose not to go on a study abroad because I was afraid that it might effect my dating chances (ha!) and because the church was not necessarily big in areas I was looking at (which for a recent convert is something to consider). 

However, I can also see the blessings in having not made those choices.  If I had minored in art in college, maybe I would have dabbled in oil painting, gotten frustrated and given up (as many do) rather than learn from the very basics at my current class.  Oil painting is just something you need a good foundation on and I might not have found that in a college studio art class.  If I had gone on a study abroad, I would not have had the chance to really develop and nurture my relationship with the 3 (plus 2) amazing women that would be my roommates (or good friends) for two years.  Okay, so maybe I did not find an eternal companion, or even a boyfriend.  (But really, Allana, you were too young! ugh!)  But I did find some eternal friends.  I did make acquaintances with people at church who would really shape my testimony and leave a lasting impression.  I did have volunteer opportunities that would help guide me to a career that is a good fit.  I'm very grateful that I can say that for the most part, I have no major regrets in my life and that I can see how the Lord has always been there to make things right for me.  Here's to hoping I can continue to live with no regrets!