4/30: List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

Post 4/30 on THE LIST,"30 Things that my kids should know about me"...
List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
That's a tough one, since I feel like I didn't really have much of a choice when it came to how to live my life, at that time. I was legally emancipated at 16 years old and living away from both of my parents, working a full time job, and trying to make something of my life. It wasn't easy, but I won't say that I didn't have some amazing fun during my teen years. I had the most fun. I had the best friends and some memorable life experiences.

Here is my "List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if I could"...
1. Hang in there, it gets easier.
2. Enjoy the simple life. When you don't have much, you have less to worry about.
3. Don't rent a 1 bedroom apartment, you don't need that much space.
4. Don't rush into college, just to finish it... decide what you want to do before you invest your time and money.
5. Don't rush into making big purchases... like cars or houses. Not really a good idea... if you do, you will regret the buy when you will change your mind later.
6.Vulnerability can be a good thing
7. Spend your money on experiences, not material things.
8. Keep close contact with your high school friends, and your extended family.
9. Drive the ugly car, if it's free.
10. Do not have pets, they take up more time than you have right now.

Furthermore, I will add "5 things I did right when I was 16"...
1. I finished high school early.
2. I had a steady job from 13 years old and working full time by 16 years old, making money that I saved and spent... on myself.
3. I spent my time doing what I wanted to do. I have absolutely no regrets on how I spent my time.
4. I educated myself on the things that I felt were important to know.
5. I stood up for myself and directed my own life.