This year marks 10 years since I’ve matriculated from high school 🙌🎂

And I wanted to share some bits of advice for my moody past self, that I think would have changed my outlook on life.

It’s no secret that our teenage years are hell in more ways than one 😅 – the exams, the socializing, the expectations and all the pressures – not to mention the need to navigate a changing body!

Now, I’m a liiiitle wiser, and wish I heard these while I was a teen. I can’t turn back time, but please feel free to share your bits of advice, and share this post with a loved one ❤️

🧡You are so loved

As a teen, I was often overcome with feelings of anxiety when it came to fitting in: at school, in social circles, family settings and even the world. It made me feel very lonely and sometimes, unloved.

This was far from reality though. There were indeed people who had deep love for me, but it was like my worries clouded my mind. I wish I could go back and enjoy those people, instead of trying to be part of circles that didn’t feel positive (for me).

Now, I am at a point where I have made some genuine connections, built a wonderful relationship with my parents and have my husband by my side.

And many times, love needs to come from within, from a place of God, before you can identify it in others, and how you want it to feel with other people.

👡You look better in your own style

Just because turban hijabs, chokers and varsity jackets were popular, does not mean it’ll look good on you girl! Of course you have to try out different styles, colour pallettes and figure out what cuts suit you best. But take time to rather invest in a style that not only makes you look stunning, but is also comfortable and flattering.

And no – your body is not the problem. It’s the either the cut of the garment, or the fabric or it’s simply the wrong size. Whatever your size of body, you are deserving of clothes that make you feel beautiful.

🛜The real world is bigger than high school…

Student rankings, awards ceremonies, music practicals, exams and gym class evaluations were things that internally measured my worth. And when I started lacking in most of these, it felt like I was lacking in life.

News flash! The world is huge, and much bigger than the rules of high school. Unlike school subjects, there are hundreds of fields of interest, thousands of job types and millions of organisations looking for people with certain skills, talents and qualifications.

Not to mention the incredible and diverse peoples you will meet, the fun memories you’ll create after you learn how to drive, and the subjects you’ll get to study with passion and actual interest!

Not everyone thrives at high school. Luckily it’s only five years of your life, with the big outside world, your adventure for life!

🦋Don’t sacrifice yourself

For anyone or anything. You are made unique and wonderful.

This is a piece of advice I continue to remind myself of. The people who get you will stay by your side. You can even place boundaries on your workplace. And Allah is always with you: your faith gives you strength, peace and comfort.

🏋️Find an exercise you enjoy, stick with a sport or attend the gym

To make it even more simple, a movement you love. Dancing, hiking, walking or even riding your bike. Don’t fall for specific definitions of “exercise”, just do what makes you feel happy and grateful, without sacrificing your Deen.

And give your hand at Sunnah sports too, you’ll learn archery basics when you’re older, but take swimming lessons, horseriding or even wrestling! Don’t forget that you don’t have to look the part of an active person, in order to start or enjoy moving your body.