5 Life Lessons for the New Year

Happy New Year! Q&A with Jane: Behind the Scenes ...

5 Life Lessons for the New Year

Happy New Year!

There’s something special about the fresh start of a new year. The past is the past, and we have the chance to learn new things–including how we look at the world and ourselves.

I wasn’t always so hopeful. I’ve worked hard at becoming positive and focusing on gratitude and the good in my life. As a teenager I was pretty hard on myself. I couldn’t figure out how to fit in–socially or in my own skin. Now that I’m in my 6th decade there are things I wish I could tell my younger self. So, as we turn the page to a new year, I wanted to share the five pieces of advice I’d give my teenage self.

1) You Are Not Fat, and You Do Not Have a Big Butt

I know this may sound shallow, but it’s something that consumed me at 16. Looking back, I wish I could have embraced my body as it was. You are not fat, and those thighs and that butt are probably the smallest they will ever be. Instead of obsessing over body image, I’d tell myself to focus on what’s truly important: health and fitness. You’re strong, you’re healthy, and that’s what matters. And please—ditch the flesh-colored Clearasil. It’s obvious, and it doesn’t help. You’re not hiding anything, just making it worse!

2) It’s Okay to Be Unpopular

Teen Jane, you’re not going to be a cheerleader, you’re not going to be a model, and you’re definitely not going to be the most popular girl at school. But guess what? That’s okay! In fact, it might just be the best thing for you. Not fitting in with the popular crowd will push you to work harder, dream bigger, and take risks because you have something to prove. Those stories of being “the underdog” will serve you well in the future—trust me on this one.

3) That “Hot” Guy? He Won’t Always Be So Hot

Those football players that seem so perfect at 16? Well, here’s a little secret: they’re not always going to be the shining stars you think they are. The guys who you don’t even notice—those skinny, nerdy types? They’re the ones who grow up to be the real rockstars: the brainy, creative geniuses who change the world. And just so you know, the love of your life will be a handsome guy who’s 9 years younger than you. Yes, when you’re 16, he’s 8. Crazy, right?

4) You’re Going to Have to Fight for What You Want

Here’s the truth: you’re going to have to work HARD. The road ahead won’t always be smooth—there will be obstacles, setbacks, and people who tell you that you can’t do it. But I know you, Jane. I know how tough you are, and I promise you this: the hits may hurt, but they won’t destroy you. You’re resilient and tenacious, and as long as you get back up after every fall, you can accomplish anything. Your dreams are worth fighting for. So, keep going. Always.

5) Stop Trying to Please Everyone

This is a big one. You don’t have to please anyone, especially not those who don’t have your best interests at heart. The only person you need to make happy is you. It’s okay to be geeky, emotional, and even a little socially awkward. Those quirks are part of your charm, and the people who truly matter will accept you for who you are. Stop searching for answers outside yourself—because you already have them. Your heart and your instincts are your greatest guides. Trust them, protect them, and embrace who you are. When you love yourself, you’ll find the happiness you’ve been searching for, and that’s when everything else will fall into place.