This morning, I wrote a review of the book, ” Dear Me: A Letter To My Sixteen-Year-Old Self .” As I mentioned in my post, the book got me thinking about the letter I would write to my own teenaged mini-me. It was at once easier and harder than I thought it would be to write this letter. But I’m so glad I did it. Here you go.

I know you get advice thrown at you from all directions right now, but trust me when I tell you that I am a source you can trust. The most important thing you need to know right now is that your life is gonna be awesome. Hang in there. Don’t fret the details. And stay true to you. Oh yeah, and here are a few more tips:

Quit smoking now. You will eventually do this anyhow, but do it now and you’ll save yourself 10 more years of lung damage and yellowing teeth.

Take those Swatch watches out of your hair and off of your ankles. You may think it looks cool, but those pictures will embarrass you for the rest of your life.

Your parents. I know what you’re worried about, and no, you will never become them. Hang in there, kid. It’s almost over. Your life will have some pretty major ups and downs, but I can tell you for sure that it is about to get much, much better.

Stay green. Remember all of those kids who teased you for pulling over to pick up trash along the side of the road or driving without heat to save gas? Twenty years from now those same kids will be calling you to ask your advice on teaching their kids to “go green,” which is now apparently very trendy.

Enjoy the moment. Quit worrying about what will happen next. You are going to have some amazing experiences in this life. Stop and savor every single one.

Slow down. That lead foot of yours is going to get you into trouble.

Take those risks. I’ll go ahead and tell you that somehow, miraculously, you make it through each and every daring escapade, foolish drinking contest, high-speed car race and ill-fated adventure you embark upon, but they will also make you cringe in fear every time you look at your daughters and realize that they will soon embark upon foolish adventures of their own.

Don’t get that second tattoo. The first one was cool. The second one was and always will be dumb.

Enough with the hairspray. You will never really love your hair so quit trying. Ponytails and fancy updos will always be in style. Invest in some nice barrettes and focus your attention elsewhere.

And even though I know you will find this hard to believe, I love you. Please know that.