Thursday, May 19, 2011

sunscreen would be it

By now, you might have seen this video floating around the Internet. And maybe, it's made you think twice about visiting tanning beds or postponing your visit to the doctor. Hopefully, it’s made you tell those in your life that you love them and that it’s important to pay attention to their bodies. And if this message reaches just one person, or saves just one life, than it’s worth passing it on. Skin cancer has unfortunately touched my family a few times and being the fair-skinned, freckled person that I am, believing that pale is the new tan is something I’ve had to convince myself of for years.

Beyond raising awareness for skin cancer and the risks of the sun, which I think is increasingly important these days, the video really got me thinking. What would I say to my sixteen year old self? What do I know now that I wished I'd known then? I don’t know if I’ve got any truly wise words and as I get older I know there is always more to learn but if I could talk to myself ten years ago, there’s a few things I’d want myself to know. I’d want my teenage self to know the importance of always having fun and not taking things so seriously. There’s going to be ups and downs and good times and bad times, but pick your battles, laugh things off and let your stress be a catalyst for positive changes. Take risks! My sixteen year old self (along with maybe my twenty six year old self!) needs to know that taking risks and trying new things are the experiences that will help you grow as a person. It’s okay to weigh the good and the bad, to be scared and unsure, to make an informed decision, but go for it, give it a shot and live your life to the fullest so you never have to wonder what could have been. And most importantly, be confident in who you are. Confidence is something that I tend to struggle with, something that holds me back from being the best I can be, and believing in myself at a younger age would help push me to places I'm struggling to get to now. So dear sixteen year old me, always stay true to who you are and, more importantly, believe in who you are. Because guess what? You’re great and life is pretty darn good. And when your dad says he will give you a million dollars if you guess what's in the box, go with your gut and say luggage - it would really help your twenty-six year old self if you were a million dollars richer.

What would you say to your sixteen year old self?

PS My apologies for posting a video that you might have seen before...with the message hitting so close to home, I just couldn't help it!

19 comments:

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I posted this on FB a couple of weeks ago- Love the message.

PoetessWug said...

Thanks for the question!! It's a great one. I think I'll do a blog post on my answer. It's waaaay too long for here! :-) Part of it would be: Please know that simple decisions are not life-threatening! {I was full of drama at 16. LOL}

A Crimson Kiss said...

I haven't seen it yet, so thank you for sharing it! I too have been touting the appeal of fair skin, although there were a few days during my high school career when I tried desperately to get a tan. Stupid 16 year old me!

SJ said...

hmmmmm. good question!
i think i would say 'puberty doesn't drag on forever- i promise. The boys you meet at school dances are not representative of all the boys you will meet in the future. Enjoy being a teenager and take some risks- that's what being young is all about!'

Re: skin cancer. Growing up in australia where being out in the sun for most of the year is just what you do, there are a lot of campaigns about melanoma and getting checked. I have a lot of freckles so I've been making a lot more of an effort to regularly get them checked out just in case. Having a tan is nice and all but it's not worth getting cancer for!

Kaylia Payne said...

This is great! I love both the video's message and yours :)
I would tell myself to stress less and have fun!

thegirlhassparke said...

My partners father had cancer last year which was melanoma that had turned into a very scary tumour resulting in him losing his ear and the side of his neck. It has taught me that no tan is worth the pain and suffering of skin cancer.
Apart from that crucial life lesson I would tell my 16 year old self to have fun being me, dont take life too seriously and dont worry about what other people think.

Jazzy E (Hivenn) said...

<3 stunning. x hivenn

Unknown said...

i hadn't seen this! thanks for posting it!

Brenna said...

I have never gone to a tanning bed - but I do love having a summer glow! I try and always put sunscreen on every day (vive tinted moisturizers!).

Claire said...

Hi! well, very good question! I think I would tell myself not to worry. I am going to become confident (which I never was) and to not think twice about accepting the date offer as he really is The One!!!

Anonymous said...

I hadnt seen it, thank you for sharing :)

Diana Mieczan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diana Mieczan said...

Oh my goodness..This video made me cry as my mom had a skin cancer a few years ago. Ohh..such an amazing video. Thanks so much for posting it, darling. Btw: I would say to myself: Just go for your dreams and dont worry! Have a fantastic Monday, my dear
kisses and hugs

Ps: I’m hosting a cute scarf GIVEAWAY later today! Just in time for summer

Anonymous said...

I'm definitely tweeting and sharing this on FB because I have a 16 year old sister. Thank you for posting this!

xoxo,
Mel

Tara said...

"Stop wasting time pining after someone who doesn't see you for who you really are. Other, far better men will come along if you're just a bit more patient."

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I definitely would have told myself to slather on the sunscreen. I quit going in the sun without protection many moons ago, but I wish I had done it sooner!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I saw this a few days ago and it made me instantly want to tell my 16 year old self this: "Stop worrying what other people think of you and don't let it hold you back from doing what you want"

k said...

ohhh this totally freaks me out! for real! but i like the video!!

Jessi LaRue (Jessi Haish) said...

I think I'd tell myself to not worry, dream big, and stop chasing after a certain boy who will only give you heartache! ;)