Life Advice To my inner Child
Let’s be honest for a minute: the teenage years are a rollercoaster. Surely you remember it, right? You’ve got hormones running wild, friends coming and going, family expectations, and that whole “I need to figure out my entire life right now” pressure hanging over your head.
Especially in 2025: where some of the kids I work with as young as 12 are already being asked to think about what they want to study in college.
If you’re a teenager reading this, you’ve probably felt all of that. And if you’re not a teenager anymore, well, you probably remember that stress like it was yesterday.
I get it. Growing up, there were so many things I wish I’d known earlier. And now, as someone who’s been through the ringer, navigating everything from brain surgeries to struggling with mental health problems [everything from fighting depression to developing – and eventually overcoming – an eating disorder], to trying to navigate the difficulties of finding the right group of friends to ultimately stepping into the power of my voice as a singer-songwriter and now-coach, I want to share a few things with you that I WISH I’d known about earlier.
So, buckle up, baby, because these lessons could save you some serious heartache—and help you rock your life like the superstar you are.
1. Your Voice Is Your Superpower
This one? It’s huge. I can’t tell you how many times I wished I had known how powerful my voice was when I was a teenager.
How much it mattered.
I’m not just talking about singing, though singing is obviously part of it (duh, I’m a singer, and have been professionally releasing music since I was 10!). I’m talking about the way you express yourself, whether it’s through music, your words, or just showing up authentically. Your voice — your true voice — is the thing that can heal, inspire, and transform. You don’t need to fit into anyone else’s mold. Your uniqueness is your power.
Take it from me: songwriting has been the key to my self-discovery. It helped me work through everything from anxiety to past trauma and let me tell you, the healing power of self-expression is life-changing. Whether you’re a teen trying to figure out your place in the world or an adult trying to balance life’s chaos, writing down your thoughts and singing them out is not just cathartic—it’s transformational.
2. Your Struggles Are Your Strengths
You know those moments when it feels like everything is falling apart? When it seems like your mental health is at an all-time low, or your anxiety is through the roof, or you’re just overwhelmed by school and relationships? Yeah, I’ve been there. And guess what? Those struggles? They’re not roadblocks; they’re stepping stones.
Every difficult moment you face is molding you into the person you’re becoming. Every setback, every obstacle, every challenge—it’s all part of your growth journey. You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. And I’m living proof that the stuff you think is “holding you back” can actually be the very thing that catapults you forward. If I’d known this as a teenager, maybe I wouldn’t have spent so much time trying to hide my struggles and I would have embraced them for the lessons they brought. So, next time life gets tough, remember: your growth is in the discomfort.
3. Boundaries Are a Form of Love
Listen up, fam: saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a healthy person. I wish I had learned this sooner. As a teenager, I thought that saying “yes” to everything would make me more loved, more accepted, more… something. But what I ended up doing was burning myself out and giving away my energy to things and people that didn’t serve me.
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s self-respect. Whether it’s saying no to things that drain you or taking time for yourself to rest and recharge, those boundaries are a form of love. Love for yourself, love for your mental health, and love for your future. So, if you’re feeling like you have no time for yourself or you’re always people-pleasing—stop. Your mental health is a priority, and setting boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
4. It’s Okay to Be Different
You know that feeling of not quite fitting in? Yeah, I felt that too. Whether it was because of my mixed heritage, my interests, or just my personality, I often felt like I didn’t fit into the standard molds that society or school tried to put me in. And guess what? I’m finally owning it.
Your uniqueness is your superpower. The quirks that make you “different” are the things that are going to make you stand out in the best way. When I stopped trying to “fit in” and embraced who I truly am, life got a whole lot easier—and a whole lot more fun. You’re allowed to be different. In fact, that’s what makes you unforgettable. Embrace your quirks. Wear them like a badge of honor. They’ll get you so much further than trying to conform.
5. Success Comes From Who You Become, Not Just What You Do
It’s easy to get caught up in achievements and accolades, especially as a teenager. It’s all about the grades, the awards, the followers, the things that make you “successful” by society’s standards. But let me tell you this: real success isn’t about what you do—it’s about who you become in the process.
As I look back on my own journey, I realize that success is about aligning with your values, trusting the process, and being kind to yourself along the way. The person you’re becoming is so much more important than the things you’re checking off your to-do list. It’s not just about getting the degree, the promotion, or the Instagram followers. It’s about growing into the person who can handle all those things with integrity, authenticity, and a sense of self-love.
6. Embrace the Healing Power of Music and Self-Expression Early
If I could go back and tell my teenage self one thing, it would be: use music to heal your heart. Songwriting has been one of the most important tools for me in navigating life’s ups and downs. Whether it’s processing trauma, dealing with stress, or just getting out all those messy emotions, music has always been my personal therapist.
Teenagers often feel like they’re alone with their struggles. But through songwriting, you can voice your feelings, work through challenges, and even create the blueprint for your own future. Don’t wait until you’re older to realize how powerful your voice can be. Start now. Your music is your map to understanding yourself, and it’s a healing tool you’ll use for the rest of your life.
7. You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers Right Away
I know, as a teen, it can feel like you’re supposed to have your entire life figured out. And trust me, I get it—society, family, and even social media have a way of making you think you should have your career, your passions, and your entire future planned by the time you’re 18. But here’s the truth: life isn’t a race.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Take your time. Explore. Make mistakes. You’ll find your path, and it won’t look anything like you expected—and that’s the beauty of it. Life’s journey is about discovering who you are and being open to the process. It’s not about being perfect or ticking all the boxes by a certain age. It’s about living your truth, making mistakes, and learning along the way.
At the end of the day, you’ve got this. It’s your life to create, your path to walk, and your voice to sing. Your teenage years don’t define you—they’re just the beginning of a lifelong journey of personal growth, discovery, and empowerment.
So, my advice? Don’t wait to start embracing these truths. You don’t have to figure it all out today, but start where you are. Trust the process, take ownership of your voice, and remember—every struggle you face is shaping you into the person you were always meant to be.
You are enough. You always have been. And now it’s time to let the world hear your song.
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~ Emma G
