Note to self

I read about a book the other day where people have been asked to write a note to their 16 year old self.
I thought it was an interesting concept and it has had me thinking about what I would say, and while I would probably give my 16 year old self a thesis rather than a note (or some seriously big neon signs)- i thought I might share a few.....

Firstly, don't drink so much and don't think that people (including you) like you more when you are inebriated because they will stop liking that person, as will you.
Treasure your friends and don't take them for granted, because they will mostly be around for a long time to come and they will know you and still love you.
You are going to meet 'the one' earlier than some do and you shouldn't fight this or think you are missing out-you are blessed to share so much with someone who loves you for who you are, and who teaches you to love yourself too.
Be more patient and try and think things through, especially the consequences, and take a longer term view. Try and work out what you really believe in early on and stick with it - make your decisions based on those beliefs as best you can.
Don't walk away from things so easily.
Don't fall asleep on the beach at Tel Aviv with months worth of hard earned cash in your bag because that is really stupid, and don't go to countries in the middle of a war because you think it sounds cool.
Be nicer to your mother because, believe it or not (and I know it will take you a very long time to get your head around this concept and to even want it), you are going to be a mother yourself, and you too will be flawed despite all your efforts and worrying and anxiety and boundless love.
 Finally, be kinder to yourself and accept that there are some things you can't change and they are simply a part of you.