Dear Me

If you could go back in time, what advice would you tell your younger self?
Yesterday, Good Morning America did a segment on the Youtube campaign #DearMe. The campaign is running alongside of International Women's Day, which is Sunday, and encourages women of all ages to share advice to their younger selves. On the campaign's website, young women can create their own #DearMe GIFs and share them with their friends and family.
Each of the GMA anchors shared their own #DearMe advice, so I thought I would, too. 

Dear Me...
Don't give up swimming. It was good for you and you were good at it. Stay active.
Don't worry what others say or said about you. They're just upset that they aren't as awesome as you are. "Don't you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine." See? Taylor Swift has some bits of wisdom in her songs.
Playing violin was one of the best things you did for yourself, even though at times you wanted to give up. Be glad you didn't. Don't forget your childhood hobbies and interests. They'll come back later in life.
Forget about "instant gratification." There's no such thing. Nothing is ever perfect right from the start or immediately. You'll have to work to get where and what you want.
Listen to your parents. They know best. Always.
Even your best, closest friends will drive you crazy sometimes. Forgive them. Everyone is a little crazy in his or her own way.
There's nothing wrong with seeking help when/if you need it. Nothing at all.
You don't have to do it all, as soon as possible, or all at once. If you do, you'll burn out quickly and have nothing left to do or live for later. Take time to slow down, stop and smell the roses (or whatever your favorite flower is) every now and then. If you stress too much, you'll miss life's best moments. Stop stressing. 95% of what you worry about isn't worth worrying about. Make like Elsa and let it go.
It's okay to make mistakes. No one is perfect. Fail sometimes. Make mistakes and learn from them. Don't be hard on yourself. Success does not come without failures. Let go of negativity and be happier.
Take risks. Take leaps of faith. Rome wasn't built in a day. What's meant to be will find its way.
Have faith. Everything will be okay.

What's your #DearMe?