#HAWMC - What would I tell my 16-year-old self?

Knowing what you know now, what would the older, wiser, Health Activist in you say to 16-year-old you? Would it be words of advice? Comfort? Truth? Would you warn of disease prevention and the importance of health? Or maybe there is someone else if your life you would like to send a message to.

This post was inspired by the “Dear 16-year-old Me” YouTube campaign video by The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund http://dcmf.ca/. Not all diseases and conditions have warning signs nor are all preventable. But we all have wisdom to share about life, relationships and health. What is your message?]

Dear sixteen-year-old me:

I am you, all grown up. We made it! We survived... You're gonna make it through just fine. You're going to have the insights you need, when you need them. It may not feel like it at the time, but hang in there. You've got the right stuff. Believe in you. Your liabilities can be your strengths, depending on the situation. You won't be successful at everything you try, but your failures are just as important. When a door is closed in your face, it will make you seek out new opportunities---things you wouldn't have found otherwise. You'll surprise yourself, in good and bad ways. But we love who we are, scars and all.

Pay off your credit cards. Pay off your student loans as quickly as possible. Save as much money as you can. (Follow your gut for investing. Don't listen to anyone else.) You're wiser than you give yourself credit for.

Take care of your teeth! Even though there's great technology out there, that technology costs money. It's just easier to keep the ones you have. Get a different flavored toothpaste from your dentist.

You're not always going to make the right choices, but life isn't about "getting things right." However, you're correct in your assessment; you didn't deserve to be treated like that. They can take responsibility for their actions. You'll forget that at times, but it won't mes you up too bad. Look at yourself from outside yourself. You're not as ugly as you think you are.

Don't let people talk you out of listening to yourself. Don't listen to their reasons. YOU are the one who has to live with the consequences, not them. Be true to yourself, as you would want someone to be true to you. You'll make it through well enough. I'm here, right?

You're going to get very sick starting at age 27. It's not your fault. There's nothing you could have done to prevent it. There's nothing you can do to stop it. You're going to go through hell like you have never imagined, at pain levels you've never imagined. There's no way we're going to be able to get around that. It's gonna happen. Keep searching and fighting for answers. That's what's going to pull you through. (You will finally be thankful for your stubborn streak.) In the meantime, there's no "Pain Contest." We don't have to prove how much we can take. Do us both a favor: if you're in pain, take the pills. Toughing it out is going to jack our nervous system in the long run.

Remember, you can do this.

I'll see ya when you get here.