Life: Five Things I Wish I’d Known At Fifteen by FatMumSlim
Written by Chantelle Ellem
May 23, 2012
Be Happy
2 Comments
Being a teenager is anxiously awkward, isn’t it? Well, it was for me. I remember feeling so uncomfortable in my own skin, so eager to belong. If I could take that 15 year old by the hand and tell her five things I want her to know from my wise old adult years. Ahem.
1. It’s all about the journey, not the destination
Growing up I so badly didn’t want to be the chubby girl. I dieted. I exercised. I dieted some more. I wanted thin, bad. I thought that when I’d reach my magic goal weight, everything would come together and be perfect. I’d find prince charming, have the perfect job, start a family, drive a fancy car but only when I was thin. Now I know this; fat people can have a good life too. Of course it’s better to nurture your body and take care of yourself, but along the way it’s OK to have fun, fall in love and become a mum.
2. Go to University or study or something
The last thing I wanted to do after finishing high school was do more study. Ick. I was done. I wish that I’d done something though, something to fall back on. I wish I’d taken the scholarship to art school. I’d tell myself to just do it.
3. Mr Perfect is just around the corner, don’t wish the early days away
There are days early in a relationship when one worries that perhaps the man she’s fallen in love with doesn’t love her back. I admit that I wished away some of those magical first weeks of our relationship and wished we were ‘official’. Now I just remember how magic those days are, filled with butterflies and dreams. I wouldn’t ever wish them away again. Cos in the end I got the guy, and he’s a good one.
4. Get all the sleep you can, my friend
Because you’ll give birth to a little girl that hates to sleep, and good quality sleep will be a distant memory. Enjoy your sleep while you can.
5. Cherish the ones you love
Life is short, and once someone is gone all we have left if loving memories. Spend time with your Nanna (even if she doesn’t remember who you are). Visit your Pop and let him make you laugh. Talk to your Grandad even though he scares the bejeezus out of you. Tell your young cousin to be safe. Love the ones you love and never take them for granted, ever.
