About a week ago? I turned 15. Honestly, that number is the biggest one I’ve ever been, but it feels like an age where I’m no longer too young, but not yet the grownup everyone expects me to be.

Being fourteen was such a roller coaster. There are so many things I’m grateful for and loved doing in the past year, sprinkled with a few existential crises and a couple of shedded tears—but fifteen? It feels like a glow-up! Turning 15 is an invitation not just to celebrate, it but also to dream bigger, grow consistent and resilient, and improve than the version of you last year, even if by 1%.

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida from Self

Wait, I’m 15?!

(AKA The Bittersweet Nostalgia I Can’t Hide)

It’s wild to think that I’m leaving the younger version of me behind. I kind of miss the tiny, cocky, feral me, but these fourteen years have been filled with moments that have shaped me. From random meltdowns, staring at the clouds and recalling all the nostalgia with my bestie, exams and stressing over hurried submissions, inside jokes and giggling with my girls—to going to a two-day workshop event (which is so close to my heart!), taking our shot at being a house captain, losing terribly, and still smiling (half-crying, though!)— every moment has been an experience!

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida from Self

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Things I’d Tell My Younger Self

• It’s okay to slow down, to feel unproductive and just cry if you need to. Crying doesn’t make you weak, it only makes you stronger because you actually have the courage to express your feelings, and not suppress them.
• Journal, click pictures, make montages of all of your memories, trust me—these years don’t come back!
• Most importantly, learn to say no, have an opinion of your own, don’t just copy that girl whom you aspire to be like.

Mindset For The New Year

Image Credit: Prophsee Journals from Unsplash

• You don’t lose: you win, or gain a lesson from it.
• Wake up excited for what the day will bring—hope for the best and set goals. Don’t be disheartened if you wake up feeling exhausted, it happens—your mood isn’t permanent!
• Self-love doesn’t comprise only of relaxing and letting go—it also means working hard to achieve all that you want—even if it means sacrificing momentary pleasures for your benefit.
• Study/read books/gain knowledge not for the grades or to show how much you already know, but for the abundance of wisdom and facts you want to absorb.
• Don’t obsess over the result, try your best, and leave the rest to God/The Universe, trust that they want best for you!

Looking Ahead

Fifteen is the year to be unapologetically me—to laugh loudly, try new things, make mistakes and celebrate my wins. This year is mine to explore and to enjoy every messy, magical moment. Here’s to making 15 unforgettable! Cheers!!