When I Grow Up

Usually I only do a post a month but as I pack up for another move I found this little gem! 16 year old me was staring back at me wearing that thinning grey jumper and prefect badge. I left school ten years ago and one thing that hasn't changed about me is my determination to have a great life (which I do :D) but I thought I would jot down 10 things I wish I could have told Lauren '05 to have achieved that happiness sooner.

1. Be Nice.
There are angry, defensive people out there, don't get sucked into their auras. Talking about others says more about you than it does about them so don't waste your time with negative words when there are so many amazing people you could be complimenting.

2. Your parents are human.
They will make mistakes and decisions you don't agree with but they love you and that is all that matters.

3. Travel.
Buy that plane ticket, book that hotel, go to that place who's name you can't say. Every experience is worth more than anything you have paid for for it. Just remember how quickly you tan!

4. Invest in you.
Don't worry about cars, babies, houses, worry about you. If you are happy don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Make sure you are healthy with a roof over head and food in your belly, everything else will come in time. Go to classes and workshops and improve the skills you have in your possession free of charge.

5. Your hair WILL grow.
And it will be amazing. You will no longer be called Umbrella Head and you will have curls. Not frizz, CURLS! Stop cutting it, start conditioning it and let it be free.

6. Single doesn't mean alone.
Boys are great. They are fun, cute, strong, helpful, good looking and confusing but no matter what they say or do you are a good person. It is better to have a great group of both male and female friends than sacrifice your friendships for any relationship.

7. Dream bodies are overrated.
Stop drinking that cabbage soup right now! You will always have that cellulite, stretch marks and jiggly bits but you're gonna learn that it doesn't matter as your personality and good intentions will shine past that. Eat fewer crisps, get outside more and enjoy the good times. Stop counting calories you nut, its a complete waste of precious time.

8. Social media is a tricky beast.
You currently have a phone you can call and text on and you have a fun top 16 on Bebo, in 8 years time you will be hopped up on coffee, writing thousands of words about how the apps on your phone will help develop your career. HOWEVER, don't write stupid things on them and refer to point 1. Use it to stay connected with the great people you meet along the way and remove anyone or anything that you don't want to see or hear. And Valencia will be your go to filter on Instagram.

9. Make time for true friends.
You are going to meet some truly special, incredible people, make the time to keep hold of them. Lunch dates, coffee dates, late night drinks and Skype calls - build your squad and keep them close even if they're miles away. The support you can provide each other is invaluable so don't let it slip through your fingers because you're 'too busy'.

10. You are on the right path.
You will achieve what you have said you will do since you were 7.  You will cry, A LOT, things will happen that you never thought would and that five year plan will be out the window in six months. But keep pushing on as it will all pay off. You'll no longer say 'I'm going to be an actress' you will say 'I am an actress'.