Sixteen. It was such a special time and also brought many challenges, at least for me anyway.
One of my biggest passions is investing into people, especially those younger than me. I’ve had several things on my heart I’ve been longing to share. There’s so much that each year allows us to learn and reflect on. No, I don’t think that I have unending wisdom, I’m certainly not even close! But I feel that I truly have learned so much in my sweet little 20 years and know that it is only the beginning of it all.
I’m writing today to share what I’d wished I’d known at 16. My wish is that someone will read this and find some truth in it and save themselves a little heartache. 
“sweet savannah” at sixteen.
ps- thank you mom & dad for letting me spend my sixteenth birthday at my favorite place- isle of palms, sc. i didn’t even realize how special that was at the time…i’d give anything to be there today!
My Sixteen…
- You are absolutely beautiful. You’ll look back at pictures of yourself when you thought you didn’t look pretty and realize how beautiful you truly were and still are. Just because you don’t wear eyeliner (and still can’t apply it correctly) doesn’t mean you aren’t gorgeous. You’ll come to find beauty has a completely different meaning as you grow older and begin focusing much more on your inner beauty than straightening your hair.
- Keep being totally and completely you. You’ve always been so headstrong about not changing who you are, which is great. However, change can be a good thing. Don’t let complacency keep you from striving to be even greater. Who you are now will change, just make sure it’s for the better. There will always be someone who doesn’t like you and that you don’t need to change to get them to. Because they won’t. Don’t even waste your time. Keep on with your bad self, the people whose opinions you should care about couldn’t adore you more.
- You are a great friend. You have such a kind heart that cares so deeply for others. Stay friends with the people who recognize and appreciate this and let go of the people who do not.
- You’ll actually miss your family when you leave for college. I know that your family annoys you and I also know right now you think you’re cool because you can drive and “do whatever you want,” but try and make time to hangout with your Mom and Dad. They really are fun to be around and long to spend more time with you. You won’t have free time like this ever again.
- You don’t have it all figured out. You totally think that you do, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Don’t be close minded about things because it keeps you from experiencing some of life’s greatest joys. Some of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make stem from what you once said “never” to.
- Just because you aren’t dating a boy doesn’t mean you aren’t valued. Being single at this particular season simply means you value yourself more, and that’s something to be proud of. To be honest, you are not ready for a real relationship at this age, you’ve still got a lot of growing up to do! Saving your kisses and your heart will be something you’ll be incredibly thankful for one day.
- A bad grade isn’t reflective of your intelligence. High-school is really challenging and whether or not you know it, everyone has their “thing” they struggle with. Yours is school and that’s okay. It’s okay if you don’t make straight A’s…and that doesn’t mean you won’t make great grades in college!
- You feel a lot, and that’s okay. You’ve been given a big heart, which leads to having a lot of feelings *insert girl from mean girls.* Don’t ever be sorry or ashamed for crying or being happy and excited about the smallest of things. You’ve been given a gift very few people get to experience; cherish it.
- You aren’t weird for not giving in to peer pressure. It’s completely fine that you don’t want to drink or do drugs, in fact, it’s saving you from a lot of unneeded anxiety and regret. Don’t ever be the person to judge people who make different decisions than you, but know that just because other people do something doesn’t mean it is best for you.
- Being a good communicator is essential to success. Learning to express yourself is so important to be able to do through writing, speaking and unwritten/spoken language. Learn to speak up for yourself and communicate how you feel and what you believe. This will help people to better understand you and your heart and people will admire your confidence and courage. (PS- starting a blog is a really great way for you to get out of your comfort zone and do this).
- Saying no is important and doesn’t make you mean. You cannot and will not ever be able to do everything. Only say “yes” to the things you are positive you can give 110% to. Go ahead and say no when you need to, because if you don’t, you will be overwhelmed and meltdown.
- Seeking The Lord is the greatest thing you can do. Jesus is so great. Get to know him better. You need him more than you could ever imagine and won’t find true peace and joy until you do.
- Don’t let anyone talk you out of doing what you love. Because they will certainly try to. The truth is people are so willing to dish out advice to you about how to live your life, however, they won’t be the one living out the decisions made. So, you have to do what makes you the happiest. Follow your little heart, I promise you in the end you won’t regret it.
- Every situation leads to gaining experience and perspective. Some things you are going to go through absolutely stink. There is some good in every situation, though. Looking back, you’ll be thankful for every season you’ve been through because it will teach you something and prepare you for what’s next.
- Always go the extra mile. Whether it be in your school work, doing something kind for others, or even when at the gym, doing a little extra sets you apart from others. You are not ordinary, so don’t let your actions and words be perceived in that way.
- Being the nice girl really does get you far. Don’t ever stop being that girl. You have a heart of gold, please don’t let the world try and harden it. In fact, the world really needs more people with a heart like yours. Never stop being genuine and kind or afraid to care too much, it’s a part of your spirit and so rare to find.
I wish I had learned some of these things earlier, however, I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I’m thankful that at twenty years I’ve learned these life lessons and ever thankful for the new things The Lord is teaching me now.
You are blessed, you are loved and your life is worth celebrating! I love reflecting on each year and all that it brings, I hope you do, too!
What would you share with your sixteen year-old (or a younger) self?
Thanks for reading!
xo,
Savannah
Glow Girl's Light 