SHOP THE LOOK
Obakki skirt, glasses c/o Clearly Contacts,
jewelry c/o Keltie Leanne Designs & Brooklyn Designs
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I’m taking off this weekend for Kelowna to speak at Roam (more on how I’m prepping for it later this week!) so I’ll be missing my 10 year high school reunion. The fact that I even have a 10 year high school reunion to miss is beyond surreal to me – I can’t believe it’s been that long, particularly since as I wrote about in this post, I still so vividly remember absolutely everything about my somewhat weird high school experience. It has me feeling nostalgic for life as an 18-year-old, both the good and the bad parts of it – I was such a little shit with so much growing up to do, but I was also so completely free, both in spirit and also literally quite free to do whatever I want. Since I won’t be there to reminisce with my alumni, I thought I’d celebrate by sharing the 10 things I’d tell 18-year-old Alex, someone who I feel equal amounts of affection and annoyance for now looking back! Read it all after the jump!
Photos by Alicia
1. Don’t listen to your parents about everything because then you’ll miss out on some of the most fun experiences of your life, but listen to them about the following: finances, relationships and values.
2. When it comes to dating, it doesn’t matter if they’re in a band, if they have cool tattoos, etc. All that should matter is that they have an awesome sense of humour, strong values and real kindness.
3. Your siblings are going to legit be your best friends in about T-7 years so might as well just get over your dumb teenage resentment now and not prolong the inevitable.
4. Quit smoking earlier – the longer you’ll keep it up, the harder it will be to quit.
5. Don’t worry about breaking out and being free now (my parents had to literally force me to go to university because I didn’t want to commit to 4-5 years of school right off the bat). University will be the best experience of your life and once you are free after it, you’ll miss it terribly. Make the most of it while you’re there.
6. Don’t make assumptions of people based purely off of who they’re friends with or what they did in high school. Some of your best friends will become people you never thought you’d be friends with and they’ll prove to be some of your most loyal friends, even after uni. Like #2, learn to look for the core of people rather than all the superficial things.
7. Save your damn money! You’re going to throw away 3/4 of the things you’re blowing your money on now. Start saving for experiences now (travel, etc) so that you can spend your summers travelling rather than working at Cactus Club in West Vancouver, getting reprimanded for not wearing enough makeup and remembering the stupid ECLH (Every Customer Leaves Happy, for real) rule.
8. While in #6 it’s all about being aware of your own perceptions of others, also remember to not give a shit about how people are perceiving you. Kids at this age (and especially girls) can be pretty catty, so just keep embracing that you’re too awkward and weird to be considered more “normal” since one day, that inability to blend in will help you out.
9. Get involved – keep having as much fun as possible with your friends, but also put your talents and passions to use (individually and collectively, ’cause all my friends were amazingly creative) and create something together, do some good or join a club. It took me a few years to start writing freelance and then a few more to start my blog, and both were some of the best decisions I ever made – I only wish I started doing it earlier.
10. Please be nice to your parents and save them from some of the grief you’ll continue to put them through until you start growing up around 22-ish. Like your siblings, they’ll be your BFFs soon enough and you’ll wish you hadn’t been such a little shit. Also recognize and really understand how much they’ve helped you and supported you, and make sure they know that you appreciate it.
Have any of you guys rung in your 10 year reunion or do any of you have yours coming up this year? What lessons would you have given yourself on the cusp of high school graduation? Tell me in the comments!
Super cute outfit, love your skirt!
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
You are a breathtakingly beautiful and such a smart young woman! I can't believe that it's been also 10 years since I have finished high school. I mean… Where did the time go? And how much have I changed as a person?! Crazy! 🙂
http://lartoffashion.com
http://lartoffashion.com
I loved this post so so much! One of my favourites from you! <3
iambornlippy.blogpspot.ca
Your outfit is so glamorous and feminine. I just love it.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
I love your feminine style :-* http://www.thepinkheartgirl.blogspot.de