14 Sep 2020

Sneak out of home, get your license, study for tests, all-nighters, crappy jobs, sloppy make-outs, parties, feeling reckless, getting drunk, saying the wrong thing, hanging with friends.

You're told that these are the best years of your life... *Eye roll*. But they don't feel so glamorous as you pop pimples whilst going over equations for your upcoming test and feeling like you want to spontaneously combust because your crush just got a girlfriend.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel and guess what, the tunnel can be a freakin' vibe too. Here is how to be a teenager (and have a hell of a time doin' it).

1. Absolutely send it

As a teenager, it's natural to feel like a little fish in a big, scary pond. But don't ever let that hold you back.

Tell your crush you're whipped on them. Wag school to go on a cheeky adventure with your mates. Go to that party that you don't know many people at. Dance like a fool at your formal. Join the debating team. Run for school captain. Start a youtube channel. Become TikTok famous.

It may take some time, but you'll eventually reach a point where you stop caring what people think. And it's unfortunate it doesn't come sooner because teenage life can be spoilt by fear.

So in the words of the prophet, Shia LeBeouf: "JUST DO IT!"

2. Be proud of who you are

You know what breaks my heart? When I googled 'how to be a teenager' out of curiosity, the main articles that came up were 'how to be a normal teenager.'

Normal? If you're striving to be normal, you're doing it wrong. 

Be proud of the obscure music you listen to. Go for gold when it comes to wearing weird and wonderful outfits. Don't listen to Mum and get that mullet you've always wanted.

Be proud of your differences. Don't bottle them up. Let them out, baby. 

3. Muck up (and muck up again and again and again)

Get used to mucking up and making mistakes.

Here's to forgetting to study and failing a test. Let's have a moment for saying awkward things to your crush and then internally cringing for days afterwards. Acknowledge the normalcy of snapping at the parents for no reason. And for the love of god, here's to the overly-common failing of your P's test.

I can't sugarcoat this. Your teenage years will be full of mistakes. 

Get used to it and learn from the mistakes. If there's one thing you take away from this I hope it's the belief that failing is a beautiful thing - it means that you tried.

4. Educate yourself and don't be afraid to vocalise yourself

Knowledge is power people so learn as much as you can! Open up those ears of yours in class and take notes. 

School isn't the only way to learn valuable things about the world around you. You can learn a hell of a lot at a casual job, through Ted talks, books and podcasts.

Learn how to be mindful and take care of yourself. Experiment with meditation and exercise. Ask your parents to teach you how to cook and properly clean. Learn as many hobbies as you can whether that's a new language or how to surf... Learn it all and back yourself with your new-found knowledge. Especially when it comes to current issues we face as young people.

Don't let boomers silence you - stand your ground and voice your opinion! You matter.

5. Don't take it too seriously

Let me tell you the secret of teenage life - life is absurd. We live in a world where everything is given but nothing is really explained and nothing really makes sense when you think about it. I hope I don't sound too existential but for real, everything is bonkers anyway so don't bother taking it so seriously.

I'm not saying it's cool to not care. Caring is totally punk/alternative/different/indie/whacky/wicked/astronomical too, alright?

What I am saying is that there is so much pressure put on teenagers to stay on top of their assessments, tests and essays whilst also just trying to figure out how to be a human being. Teens are bombarded with a million things all at once and it's easy to get caught up in a frazzling frenzy. Take a breather and let it go because everything will be okay. Keep that attitude cup-is-half-full, be grateful and just have a laugh.