If you could implant or imbed a knowledge into your 12 year old self, what would it be?

To fully enjoy and appreciate my family, friends and innocence, because sooner than my 12-year self could imagine all that would be gone forever.

No one is the same, so be more tolerant to others’ opinion. They may be right one way or another.

Oh, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying cartoons and comics. Your childhood innocence is what makes you kind and sensible.

Boys really do have cooties.

Don’t trample on your already low self-esteem kid. Without letting it go to your head, it isn’t wrong to speak out and believe in yourself. Make your presence felt, put your foot down discreetly but firmly. Don’t stand in the background, come out and take part, grab the lead once in a while.

How to dance. Step touch step touch. It will make every party more enjoyable.
Talk to Mom. You don’t have much time…

As soon as possible, like right-now-immediately, let go of being afraid of what others think. Nothing will hobble you more throughout life than trying to stay nice, taking everyone’s opinion to heart, trying to please the world and never yourself.

Stay your sweet self, and do think of others, only as long as they’re thinking of you as well. If they don’t consider your well being as much as you consider theirs- stand up and draw the line. Life’s going to be tough, really tough, and that line will save your life several times over.

Sad to say, but at the end of the day, the world does not give a gnat’s ass flying f—-. If you don’t value yourself and your abilities, nobody will.

And never, ever, ever stop swimming, dancing, singing, and doing art.

(Oh, right, it’s to my 12 year old self… sigh… my 40+ year old self needs the same advice)

I’d give myself boldness (but not arrogance). I’d allow myself to see an image in the mirror that reflected my beauty, not my flaws. I’d imbue myself with the wisdom to eschew material possessions and covet new experiences, new friendships. I’d embrace flossing for the tooth-saving discipline it is.

My anti-americanism.

The knowledge that she is fine just the way she is. She doesn’t need to try and measure up to everyone else. And that she has more resilience and strength than she realizes.

Don’t be anxious, scared, and angry.
Don’t worry so much about what other people think of you.
I’d embed this knowledge into my brain now as well if I could!

Martial arts. To deal wit the bullies. Also university math and English.

Sigh. Such a wistful question.

I don’t disagree with anyone well, maybe @ragingloli, but I find @picante‘s response particularly poignant.

Girls are just as unsure as you are. Go ahead, do both of you a favor and make the first move.

Also, learn to dance

Some of this is making me tear up.