Things I wish I knew as a senior in High school: Class of 2023 seniors

When you are a kid, you always want to grow up. But, when you are older you wish you were younger. It's an interesting cycle. For me right now I love my age, though there are some things that I could tell my younger self. Don't get me wrong, everything I experienced so far in my life has made me who I am! And I couldn't be more thankful. But, theres a few things I wish I knew as a high school senior... and my hope is that you remember and apply these things too. 

A Few Things I Wish I Knew As A High School Senior

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Comparison is the thief of joy.

I thought I had it hard in high school with comparisons, but man you guys have a whole new level. Social media is a catch 22. So much good comes from it, but so many more areas for you to compare yourself too. While things have changed, I wish my younger self knew that comparison is the thief of joy. You have your own likes/dislikes, your own style, your own level of comfort, your own interests, own goals. If you compare those to others you will forget what makes you happy and fills your cup. I wish I remembered to stay true to myself and that it was okay that I wasn't the same as someone I envied. That I am enough as I am. 

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Others approval isn't necessary.

This one is still hard for me. I like to call myself a recovering people pleaser. Who else is a people pleaser? This tips for you.

​I used to always want others approval even if it didn't align with what I wanted. It was like what others wanted was more important or I would be more accepted if I had their approval. Maybe it worked in some cases, but in others my happiness suffered. I don't want that for you! So, if I could tell my high school senior something it would be that it's okay to say no to others, I don't need others approval, and my happiness is more important. 

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Life isn't a race.

Dreams are important. Pushing yourself to the next step isn't a bad thing either. But, life isn't a race. It doesn't always need to be whats next or how can I better myself. What if we are just enough in this moment? I wish in high school I let myself just be. That I loved myself how I was and that I wasn't on this race of what's next. I often forgot to enjoy each stage of my life! So, take my advice- Don't rush out of high school, enjoy where you are and love yourself through each part. 

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I am enough!

This is a never ending thing I need to remind myself. Especially wish I told myself this throughout high school. I never felt like I was "enough". Social enough, skinny enough, loved enough, etc. It was a vicious cycle. Well, looking back I have always been enough. My self talk always told me otherwise. What I have learned is that if I repeat how enough I am, then I start to believe it. So, make a list that you can repeat to help you remember how enough you truly are! It will help, I promise.