Sometimes, I think back to my teenage days and shake my head. I can’t believe I did that. I can’t believe I worried so much about something so trivial. I can’t believe I got wrapped up in all that drama. Today, my daughter is celebrating her sweet 16. As I watch her walk through all the stages of her life, I can't help but think back to my footsteps of years gone by. Is she anything like my 16-year-old self? My lovely daughter, in honour of your milestone birthday, I dedicate this post to you, because I too was 16 once... Enjoy the friends you have today, but don't be so into them that you don't allow new friends into your circle. If you can look back at your high school photos 10 years from now and say that even half of those friends are still in your life, you are truly blessed. Study hard and do the best possible work you can do, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t make the honour roll.  Doing your absolute best counts so much more than the numbers on the paper. Look presentable, but don’t put too much emphasis on your looks. True friends look past the exterior and into your core. Spend more time working on your internal beauty. From the time you earn your very first paycheque, always put some money aside for your future. You may think it’s so far away, but in reality, it's really not. Whoever you date should be your friend first. Love the person you are when you’re with him. You should feel confident in knowing that you’re the only one he’s thinking about. Anything less just won’t do. And lastly, Always follow your heart. It won’t lead you down the wrong path. Be true to yourself and everything else will fall into place. I promise you that. What would you say to your 16-year-old self?