Welcome to Dear Teenage Me page

This project is something I started years ago, with the intention of writing a simple letter to my teenage self, with all the advice I wish I had known back then, when everything was upside down, felt completely bleak, and there was no light at the end of the depressed-teen tunnel. It has blossomed into these groups of advice pieces listed below, and is something I hope I continue to do, in written form, on Instagram (#dearteenageme), and in little video clips. Please join in. Email me or comment on my IG with what you wish you had known. I would love to hear it and share it.

Dear Teenage Me,

It’s me! You! You know, time-traveling from the future! (Yes, just like in our favorite movie, The Terminator. Only without the attempted murder and gratuitous nudity.). I'm here with some things that I wish I had known at your age. Some personal, some general, but, trust me, hon, all of them apply to you.

So, a coupla things first. The future is nothing like Back to the Future Part 2. For instance: no flying cars. The word “pimp” is a compliment. # is no longer a number sign or a pound sign. Teenagers are eating laundry detergent. Along with something called “swiping right,” all of this could seem like signs of the apocalypse. Nope! That honor falls to the family of one of OJ Simpson’s lawyers. Yeah, the football guy. Oh, hon, just you wait.

But, truly, know this, young me: holy crap, you have so much good stuff ahead of you…a life that is surprising and fun and full of adventure. True, there is sadness and loss (special things are fleeting, after all; that’s what makes them special)…the whole human experience. But, you will see the world and laugh a lot and find true love. (Oh, and at one point you end up on a national TV show ((twice)) but it is kind of a gross show. It’s something called “reality TV” which, as long as we’re time traveling, let’s figure out a way to stop that from ever becoming a thing, okay? Either that, or invest in it.) Anyhoo! Here are a few of them, toots. Good luck.

Screen Shot 2019-08-10 at 10.43.38 AM.png — Teenage Me. Couldn’t tell this girl anything.

Dear Teenage Me,
1 Along the way there will be people who hurt or disappoint you. Don’t take their decisions personally. You, also, will hurt others (it’s not intentional; it just happens). Ask for forgiveness. And forgive yourself.
2 The empathy that you have for others that sometimes feels crippling? Turns out, THAT is your superpower.
3 Don’t be a road rager. NOT doing this seemingly simple thing will make your daily life better. And might just save your life.
4 Two of the best gifts you can give your friends: An understanding ear*, and the benefit of the doubt. Don’t be stingy with either.

5 Keep standing up for other people. It’s the trait you should be most proud of.

*New Orleans! This is right before my friends & I confronted this disgusting street “preacher” spewing homophobia AT THE GAY PRIDE PARADE!*

*I’m prolly on* *hatefulpretendevangelicalyoutube.com*

6 You know those mornings after an argument when you think of the perfect insult you didn’t deliver the night before? Be thankful. It is always better to leave a conversation wishing you had said something you didn’t say than wishing you hadn’t said something you did.
7 Learn to set a boundary without apology. If someone steps (or jumps) over it, then ask yourself this one simple question: Why are they trying to control me?
8 This isn’t from older you, but, by God, it needs to be said to each and every teenager, so, Teenage Me, listen up. From Hannah Gadsby:

And, while you're at it, watch Hannah Gadsby's show. Now.
Since we’re quoting other people, get to know Ron F***king Swanson (“Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing”) earlier than later.
Stay veracious, young me. Stay veracious.
-VV

Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 10.19.31 PM.png

dear teenage me

Welcome to Dear Teenage Me page

Dear Teenage Me,

Dear Teenage Me: Boundaries & Ron F**king Swanson

-VV

Veracious Voyager

Oh, the places you can find me!