What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Three responses, first philosophical, second humorous, and a lastly spiritual.

On a philosophical note…

* Be patient and kind to yourself.
* Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
* Find your passion and pursue it.
* Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
* Be yourself.
* Enjoy the journey.

On a humorous note…

Oh, teenage self, a wild-haired, spotty sprite,
I gaze upon you, bathed in bedroom light.
Your angst is epic, your hormones are a storm,
Prepare for lectures, both tepid and luke warm.
First, chill a bit, that zit it’s not the end,
The world won’t crumble, nor your friendships bend.

~
That girl you’re crushing on? She’s probably scared,
Just like you are, though expertly prepared
To act aloof and cool, a master of disguise,
While butterflies erupt behind your eyes.
Don’t dye your hair bright purple, green, or blue,
You’ll cringe at photos, trust me, it is true.

~
That band you think is totally profound?
In five short years, their music won’t be found
Upon your playlists, buried deep and low,
Replaced by artists you don’t even know
Exist right now.  Prepare for trends so strange,
Flared jeans will make a comeback, what a change!

~
Embrace the awkward, the clumsy and the weird,
The stumbles, mumbles, every single feared
Embarrassment. It builds character, they say,
Though mostly it just makes you want to flay
Yourself alive. But hold on, persevere,
The cringe will fade, the memories grow clear,

~
And you’ll look back and laugh, I promise you,
At all the dramas that you’re going through.
So buckle up, young Padawan, and just brace,
For hormones, heartbreak, and that awkward phase.
But through it all, just try to have some fun,
Before the real world’s pressures have begun.

~
And one last thing, before I disappear,
Invest in sunscreen, every single year!
You’ll thank me later, when you’re old and wise,
And not resemble a hard boiled, sun-burnt prize.

On a spiritual note…

Keep going, and you will succeed.
‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good.’
Galatians 6:9 NLT
In life, you’re going to have all kinds of problems. So, what should you do? Persevere! No matter what’s going on in your life, the victory is in refusing to quit. Keep in mind that in the heat of your struggles, the God is often doing His greatest work within you. Paul writes, ‘We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character’ (Romans 5:3-4 NKJV).

God is not moved by circumstances, and you must not be either. He will lead you through anything if you will just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in your resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God’s Word and His promises to you. Don’t be side-tracked by how slowly things seem to be going at the moment. When you’re in the ‘not much seems to be happening’ phase, that’s often when God is laying a strong foundation in order to build something significant in you and through you. The Lord’s work in you is preparation for the work He wants to do through you. When life seems hard, and progress seems too slow, ask God to help you remain steadfast. He will do it.

Here are two Scriptures you can stand on today: ‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up’ (Galatians 6:9 NLT). ‘So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless’ (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT).

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© Richard J Kirk, writing as Joseph R Mason – 2025

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