Spotlight 25-26

It won’t last. Don’t worry - that feeling you don’t quite fit in, you need to be the same as everyone else, you’re not skinny enough, need braces and have the worst acne…none of it will last. Please know, being a teenager is really tough, but you will grow to love the skin you’re in and all your quirks. The acne will go, you will get straight teeth, and you will love your body eventually regardless of what size it might be because it is healthy, strong and does everything you’ve ever asked. The most attractive quality in a person is in self-confidence and embracing the good, the bad and the odd. Similarly, try to embrace that quirkiness. You ARE different and that is a good thing. You love to sing, dance, paint and hike. Those activities are things that will give you breathing space in the chaos of life and a sense of wellbeing like no other. Equally, yes - you suck at team sport, but you will find your way. Your only competition is yourself and you will learn to love fitness in your own way - hiking, running, lifting weights. It’s only ever you vs you. Kids are mean - ignore them. Your power is in your unique personality, and it will serve you well. Finally, your career will find its own way. It is not and never will be about the job title or the salary but about being happy, doing something you love and giving back to society. Your path will take twists and turns - there will be successes and major disappointments, but each will teach you. You will eventually make it, just not in the way you originally planned, but you will be much happier for it. Trust the process, question authority at every turn and believe in yourself. Don’t conform to societal expectations. Don’t ever question your honesty, courage and integrity for anyone/any job and don’t ever forget to believe in yourself. You’ve got this (oh, and skinny jeans won’t always be cool hang in there!)