HOBY Presentation

on June 11, 2010
in All Posts

Morning!  I made a huge pot of oatmeal for our guests and set up a fun toppings bar.  :)  It’s so fun to cook for other people!

 

My portion:

IMG_6407

My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup rice milk
  • 1 banana
  • Toppings:  cinnamon, coconut, pecans, and brown sugar

IMG_6410

Konner (the 4 year old) had a bite of it and declared it, “The best oatmeal EVER!”

IMG_6409

HOBY Presentation

 

After lunch, I’m heading to the west coast to do an Operation Beautiful presentation to 125 teenagers.  They’re at an event called the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, which strives to create a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

 

I’ve never really talked to this age group before (15 and 16 year olds) so I’m a little nervous.

 

I guess the key is just to remember what it was like to be that old, right?  I remember being happy in many ways (I liked my family and friends and learning at school), but also remember that high school was really difficult emotionally due to teasing and bullying and cliques.  I also felt really awkward in my body, but what teenager doesn’t?

If you could go back in time and tell you 15 year old self anything, what would you say?

{ 109 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 11, 2010, 9:43 am

    Oh my gosh, I was so miserable at 15! I’d tell myself to BE myself! I tried so hard to be someone I wasn’t, just to fit in (I went through 5 friend groups in 5 years, trying to find my ‘people’)- and I’d also say don’t worry so much. High school might seem to last forever but it’ll be over before you know it and you’ll never have to go back.
    Gah, I love hindsight!
    Good luck with the talk, you’ll rock it 🙂

  • Evan Thomas June 11, 2010, 9:45 am

    Making oatmeal for a crow Does sound pretty fun.
    It just took way too much mental math to figure out when the hell I was 15 at 10am. Personally, I’d tell myself to start writing more cuz I’d need it over the next few years.

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! June 11, 2010, 9:45 am

    I would tell my 15 year old self not to worry as much.

    I would also like to tell my current 28 year old self this, too!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet June 11, 2010, 9:45 am

    I actually was really happy with myself at 15, but I always worried what others thought. I think that would be the number one thing – don’t worry about what others think of you.

  • Marissa June 11, 2010, 9:46 am

    Don’t worry; we’re not THAT scary. Heheh. I’m 15 right now. I’d love to hear what I would tell myself in 10 years… I really don’t know where I will be then!

  • Rachel@SuburbanYogini June 11, 2010, 9:47 am

    I recently wrote a letter to my 12 year old self, which said….

    http://www.suburbanyogini.com/2010/05/07/a-letter-to-my-12-year-old-self/

  • Katie June 11, 2010, 9:47 am

    I would definitely tell myself not to worry about being single, or how I looked, or anything that seemed so monumental at the time.

    Everything works out, as cheesy as it sounds.

  • Becky June 11, 2010, 9:48 am

    I think I would tell my 15 year old self to listen to my parents more, because usually they were right, and to not fight with them as much! I definitely put them through some terrible crap in high school!

  • Olivia @ Blissful Runner June 11, 2010, 9:49 am

    Gosh, I just remember feeling like everything was life or death. I think I would tell my teenage self not to take things so seriously, yes, it seems like the end of the world right now, but trust me… this too shall pass. I don’t know if I would have believed it though. 🙂

  • Kerri June 11, 2010, 9:52 am

    I would also try to make life easier on my parents. I would tell myself not to worry about the boy I was infatuated with – he just “wasn’t that into me” and to always put your girlfriends before the boy. 🙂

  • allison @ livingoneday June 11, 2010, 9:53 am

    I KNEW THAT SOUNDED FAMILIAR!!! i participated in a HOBY workshop when i was in high school! the only thing i remember about it is having to make and market a product – it was a big focus on leadership and whatnot. i was always chosen in my high school as a “leader” and went to a ton of those conferences 🙂

  • maxinthegym June 11, 2010, 9:53 am

    Well I’m only 17 so I remember when I was 15 very clearly.
    I’d tell myself to not over think everything! And to not worry about all the cliques and all the trivial high school drama. I feel like I’ve aged so much in the past two years 😛

  • Jenny June 11, 2010, 9:53 am

    That in years to come, you’ll laugh at what you thought was so important then. Also, to stay true to who you are!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 11, 2010, 9:54 am

    I would tell my 15-year old self to stop pretending to be something I’m not and to just enjoy being myself, quirks and all. I would also tell her to lighten up and stop taking everything so seriously. Above all: I would encourage more self-kindness. I was so uneasy with myself at that age!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman June 11, 2010, 9:54 am

    I’d tell myself to just chill, that all of the things that are life-shattering really aren’t. I might slap my 15-year-old face and scream Get over it! Or I might be a bit nicer.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 11, 2010, 9:57 am

    I would say:

    “Do what YOU want to do and not what other people tell you to do. Ultimately, this is your life and no one can make choices for you.”

  • Gwen June 11, 2010, 10:01 am

    “Keep being the fabulous girl you are, Gwen. That girl is going to become an amazing woman someday. It’s okay to swoon over Sixteen Candles, Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Dirty Dancing. You’re going to live your own romantic comedy that ends up 100x better!”

  • Becky June 11, 2010, 10:01 am

    OMG I participated in HOBY when I was in high school! Funny coincidence. It was a great experience. The best piece of advice that got drilled into me at that age by my dad was, “Don’t be on the sidelines cheering for other people when YOU can be the one out there being cheered for.” He meant this figuratively of course, but also quite literally since he was trying to talk me out of joining the cheerleading squad at the time 🙂

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 6:58 pm

      im glad to hear you enjoyed hoby!

  • Miranda @ Mirandasjeans June 11, 2010, 10:03 am

    Good luck you’ll rock it no doubt!

  • Anna June 11, 2010, 10:03 am

    Great question- I would tell my 15 year old self to be my own person and not feel so constrained by what others told me I was.

    • Anna June 11, 2010, 10:03 am

      gramatically incorrect but you get the picture.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing June 11, 2010, 10:04 am

    -These times kinda suck, but they’ll make you a better person.
    -Someday you’ll run a 10K and do a triathlon. Why not get started sooner rather than later?
    -You’ll find someone to love who loves you, too!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans June 11, 2010, 10:05 am

    I used to do a lot of work with that age group. It’s interesting because they are starting to discover who THEY are a little more at that point and they are starting to become more comfortable with themselves (at least than they were when they were 12 and 13!) so I would tell myself to RELAX and just let it flow.

  • Nikky June 11, 2010, 10:06 am

    I’d tell myself to appreciate having to take care of my siblings, eventually it’ll make you a damn good cook and you’ll have an incredible relationship with the kids. Also, don’t take your stuffed puppy to Christine’s, and show up for school… they’re not kidding with the attendance policy and it’s hard as hell to watch your friends graduate without you. Besides… the GED test is EXPENSIVE.

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 6:59 pm

      hahaha.

  • Becca June 11, 2010, 10:06 am

    “Keep doing what you’re doing, because it’ll get you to the right place in the end. Don’t beat yourself up just because you’re taking a different route to everybody else. Oh, and don’t buy anything from Ginsters!” (I swear that last bit would mean that I’d be 20lbs lighter now) 😉

  • shannon (the daily balance) June 11, 2010, 10:07 am

    STOP trying to be who everyone wants you to be/thinks you are — there is someone out there who loves you for YOU.

    also — RELAX! The things you are concerning yourself with are literally NOTHING.

  • Kelly June 11, 2010, 10:11 am

    Umm I would say, “Shut up you are not fat, in fact this is the thinnest you’ll ever be in your life”, haha. I wish I had known then what I actually looked like.

  • Jenny (moonwalk the miles) June 11, 2010, 10:12 am

    I’d probably give myself something that reads like a really long operation beautiful note 🙂 I’d assure myself that it’s OK to be confused about who I am, and that it WILL all work out in the end. I might also tell myself to lay off the blue mascara, ha.

  • Eunice June 11, 2010, 10:14 am

    Love this topic. If I could talk to 15-year-old me, I would show her how to do her hair and then I’d tell her that it gets better. Way better. I’d also suggest that she be nicer to the people she loves. 15-year-old me was a brat!

  • Amy B @ Second City Randomness June 11, 2010, 10:15 am

    I did HOBY in high school! Such a great experience- I think it’s what helped me come out of my shell a little bit.

  • Sara June 11, 2010, 10:16 am

    Ugh. I’d tell my 15-year-old self to get a life. Stop worrying about everything and everyone and go do stuff! Sadly, I think I need to tell my 31-year-old self that as well.

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy June 11, 2010, 10:18 am

    Put. Down. The. Fork.

    but then I would have never became the person I am now. I don’t regret any of the things I’ve done. Made me who I am.

  • Sarah for Real June 11, 2010, 10:20 am

    Wow, what a question! I think I could’ve told my 15 year-old self a thousand things. But my 15 year-old self would not have listened to one of them, sigh…

    Have a good flight and good luck on your presentation!

    • Sarah for Real June 11, 2010, 10:21 am

      I read “west coast” and thought like California… I just realized you probably meant the coast of FL? Haha, either way, good luck on your presentation!

      • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 6:59 pm

        hahah yes i meant west coast of florida 🙂

  • Therese June 11, 2010, 10:21 am

    Oh geez. I was such a mess at 15! I’d probably tell myself that I capable of far more than I think I am and to not be afraid to take some chances at the things I want.

    Oh, and to get my drivers license the next year and not 15 years later!!

  • Gracie (complicated day) June 11, 2010, 10:25 am

    I think I’d tell my 15 year old self to get a haircut. I was doing the whole mermaid-y unflattering mile long hair thing and I just looked like a hippie.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat June 11, 2010, 10:26 am

    I want to come to your house for an oatmeal breakfast bar lol!! 🙂 I think I’d tell my 15 year old self not to worry so much and just enjoy it… I miss being younger now – there’s so much more to be responsible for as an adult!

    Good luck with your presentation, you’ll be amazing I’m sure!

  • Jill June 11, 2010, 10:28 am

    At 15, I’d tell myself not to abandon that inner strength, to assert yourself more, and don’t put up with one second of crap from that abusive boyfriend you’re going to get when you turn 19. I think I’d also say that if you just hang in there for a few more years, you’re life is going to get really good.

    For me that was a critical age. I was actually pretty confident and gutsy up until 15 when I let myself be torn down by my peers for a variety of things. I hope you can inspire people with your talk!

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:00 pm

      i’m glad you kicked the ass to the curb!

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) June 11, 2010, 10:30 am

    I would say have fun and stop being so serious all the time. Oh, and break up with your boyfriend, he dumps you freshman year of college and you would hve had SO muchmore fun your junior and senior year being single!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! June 11, 2010, 10:32 am

    Not to care so much what others think and honestly it really only matters what you think about yourself!!! And, what your loved one think about you……….=)

  • Angela (ohsheglows) June 11, 2010, 10:33 am

    I would have told myself that if I just listened to my hunger cues and ATE when I needed to, I would have saved myself years and years of up and down weight gains and losses (and emotional anguish/low self esteem)!

  • Meredith June 11, 2010, 10:35 am

    I’d tell myself that perfection is not possible so don’t waste your time trying to be that way. I developed an eating disorder around that time in my life and it has taken me until now to really get over it (I’m 22). If I’d only known the time I’d waste obsessing over calories and my body when I could have been enjoying so much about life!

  • Sarah June 11, 2010, 10:38 am

    I think I would tell myself that being healthy is more important than trying to being popular, cool, skinny, etc. I think I got stressed a lot and realize now that if I had tried to eat healthier, drink more water, exercise regularly, etc. I would see the changes in my mood, body, mind, etc.

  • Wei-Wei June 11, 2010, 10:39 am

    Dear Wei-Wei:

    Relax.

    Love, Wei-Wei.

    You’re going to do great talking to them! If you need any pointers feel free to email me because I’m 15, too… 😀 What’s your talk about?

    Wei-Wei

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:00 pm

      it was about Operation Beautiful 🙂

  • My Life As I Live It June 11, 2010, 10:43 am

    I would tell my 15 year old self that having a boyfriend in high school isn’t really ALL that important, and I would also tell myself to focus on the positive attributes about myself rather than the negative. I’m a little heavier now than i was in high school but I’ve learned to feel more comfortable in my skin and not be nearly as self concious as I was at that age.

  • Hannah June 11, 2010, 10:45 am

    This is my first comment on your blog, but I felt I had to say something. I’m 16, and suffered from anorexia since I was 12. I’m finally recovering and enjoying life, the life that I have missed for 4 precious years. I would tell those girls that they should be living life to its fullest, appreciate their health, but remember that they ARE teenagers, and its FINE to eat junk every now and then. That they are beautiful, that they are NOT a number, and they should have fun.

    I would have told myself last year, to end the horrible life that anorexia created for me sooner and do JUST DO IT and recover.

    Now I love life, more than ever.

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:00 pm

      I’m glad you are on the path to balance 🙂 You sound pretty damn smart!

  • Kelly June 11, 2010, 10:46 am

    I would tell my 15 year old self that she is beautiful and to have more fun. I had such self-esteem problems back then. I barely let anyone into my life and missed out on so much.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 11, 2010, 10:46 am

    I would tell myself to calm down about boys! Oi! I liked so many, and I only dated a guy so that I could have my first boyfriend. Ugh.

  • Clare June 11, 2010, 10:59 am

    I work with that age group, and the only advice I can give is be you. They can see through BS, and they’ll respect your honesty. Especially this group, which sounds like a group of motivated young people and leaders of their peers. And don’t be afraid to kind a geek. I totally am around my students, and they just think I’m weird, which I’m okay with. It makes you real!

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:01 pm

      great advice… i tried to make fun of myself a little and people laughed. always a good sign.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 11, 2010, 10:59 am

    I would definitely tell myself to realize that I am worth more than I thought I was then! I hated that time in my life! I had a crap boyfriend and should have been enjoying myself! Oh well, I have a great guy now, so I will focus on the present. Everyone always says that high school is the best time of your life, but jeeze, I totally disagree. Even if you are the coolest kid, there is just too much pressure. I am really going to try to teach my kids that the weight of the world is not on their shoulders. I want them to do the best that they can, but I want them to enjoy it along the way. If they don’t get the best grades…that is ok as long as they are working on things as best they can!

    Good luck today! Oh, the oats…perfection!

  • Amber June 11, 2010, 11:03 am

    I was a HOBY youth!
    Here are some cheers to know:
    To be enthusiastic, you must act enthusiastic
    To be enthusiastic, you must act enthusiastic
    Oh boy, am I enthusiastic!

    H–O–B–Y, H-O-B-Y, HOBY!

    ___

    This group encouraged my work ethic at 15. Gave me a sense that you have to put in (maybe more) than you expect to get out of things.

    And to my 15 year old self I’d say. Things are confusing but trust your judgement.

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:01 pm

      i loved the cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 11, 2010, 11:04 am

    I would tell myself that fashion wasn’t everything and wearing what I could afford was just fine. And I didn’t need to eat my emotions away. It would only make me unhappier.

  • Helen June 11, 2010, 11:05 am

    OMG your oatmeal looks delicious. I love it so much. Oats are my new favourite breakfast too. If I could go back I would say, stop trying so hard and enjoy life. Don’t try to be like other people to fit in.
    PS you should so steal Konnor as your own!

  • Kristin June 11, 2010, 11:11 am

    “Dump that loser!” LOL
    Although dating that loser for so long made me really appreciate my husband today, so it all worked out.

  • Julie June 11, 2010, 11:15 am

    I would tell my 15 year old self to not care so much what other people think and to speak up more. Don’t be so nervous around “cool” people or “cute” boys, they are just as awkward and insecure as you are.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 11, 2010, 11:18 am

    OMG, SO many things!! There are certainly people I’d tell myself to avoid. Things not to do. Things TO do. And to not worry, that I would eventually get myself out of the very toxic environment I was living in.

  • midgetkeeper June 11, 2010, 11:19 am

    I would tell my 15 year old self that life does get much better then this! Don’t listen to people when they say these are the best years of your life. They lied!

  • kristi June 11, 2010, 11:19 am

    I think I would tell my 15 year old self to not try as hard with people. I have always been the type of person that goes out of their way for everyone and anything. I think when you are at this age you really should focus on who you are and become your own person. I worried too much about other people and what they thought and didn’t have the chance to really find out who I was as a person until I was in college-life is too short to be what other people expect you to be-just be you!

  • Carrie @ I See Monsters June 11, 2010, 11:21 am

    I would tell myself not to dwell on what other people think of you and to just be true to yourself. I would also tell myself to BE NICER to people and give them a break once in a while. I was much meaner then. 😉

    I LOVE giving kids all-natural, banana sweetened oatmeal. It pretty much made my year when I made my niece oatmeal for the first time sweetened just with banana and with peanut butter on top, and she loved it even though I’m sure she’s never had anything other than sugary instant oats. Go real food! 🙂

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! June 11, 2010, 11:23 am

    I would tell myself that things WILL get better! I was also a gawky, awkward, insecure 15-year-old, and I thought that I would stay that way forever. I would tell my 15-year-old self to focus on the things that made me happy–my family, friends, school, soccer–and rest assured that the other things would catch up soon! Good luck–you’re going to be terrific!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete June 11, 2010, 11:29 am

    I was completely awkward at 15! I would tell myself:

    * Deal with the fact that you won’t get boobs until you are 20. haha
    * Be yourself. Don’t let bullies push you around.
    * Karma is a bitch to those who will screw you over. Don’t worry, their time will come. 😉
    * You have a great pair of legs! Use them!! Start running every day!!! You will discover you love it!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 11, 2010, 11:30 am

    That DOES look like the best bowl of oatmeal ever!

    I would tell my 15 year old self to stop worrying about fitting in and to love the group of friends I had!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 11, 2010, 11:32 am

    I would tell myself to just accept that I just have big boobs – doesn’t matter how much weight I lose, I will ALWAYS have big boobs. Embrace them, love them, take care of them – and don’t be ashamed. 🙂 Oh, and I’d tell myself that I’m valuable. No matter what any boy says.

    Good luck today! You will do well!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) June 11, 2010, 11:32 am

    i would say exactly what you told those kids…that we are all beautiful and learn to love yourself!

  • Betsy June 11, 2010, 11:34 am

    WEIRD. My little sister attended HOBY and has been a counselor there. Freakishly small world.

    It is a great program with great kids involved.

  • VeggieGirl at Barley and Me June 11, 2010, 11:42 am

    The key to talking to teens/adolescents is to be real and to treat them like adults. When you respect them, they will respect you. It is so wonderful that you are doing this. Remember, even if the message doesn’t sink in right away for them, as they hear it repeated over their lifetime, it will begin to make a dent. Good luck!

  • jenny in new york June 11, 2010, 11:46 am

    That although life is really hard now, you come into your own and really blossom after high school. Things do get easier. You will become more confident and you’ll find out who you really are.

  • Dorry June 11, 2010, 11:47 am

    So many things I’d love to tell my 15-year-old self. That was before I struggled with my eating. I’d probably tell myself that my appearance will never define me – to take care of my body and accept my flaws as beauty.

  • Melissa June 11, 2010, 11:53 am

    Wheat bread and vegetables are not that bad. Start running. If you start now, it will be way easier than starting at 29 1/2 years old!

  • Erika June 11, 2010, 11:56 am

    I’d tell myself to lighten up, have fun, and be nicer to my family.

  • greenbean June 11, 2010, 11:58 am

    Be yourself
    Have fun!
    Cultivate your interests and explore all activities/subjects
    Don’t be afraid to try new things
    You can do anything…really
    Life is so much bigger than high school. All of this will not matter later.
    Speak up, you are smart! And what you say matters!
    You are beautiful.

  • jassy June 11, 2010, 12:01 pm

    i would tell 15-y-o jassy that she isn’t fat and that she’s beautiful and it’s not so bad to reach out to others…:)

  • Sydney June 11, 2010, 12:04 pm

    Well, when I was 15 I actually WAS one of those people who sort of did their own thing and didn’t care what other people thought. So I’m happy for that, but I would like to tell myself to give other people a chance. You can’t make other people be like you and go against the crowd, but you should still be friends with them anyways!

  • Samantha @ Food Edu June 11, 2010, 12:09 pm

    I’ve had students go to that conference. Good luck with the kiddos–the key to connecting with that age group is presenting situations that are relevant to them!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 11, 2010, 12:11 pm

    I would tell myself to stop caring so much what others thought and just follow my heart!! Such a tough age..
    Good luck!!!
    And that oatmeal DOES look like the best ever!

  • Ashley (whole-ier) June 11, 2010, 12:15 pm

    I would tell my 15 year old self to TRY EVERYTHING that comes my way and not care what anyone thinks.

    I would also tell myself to grow out those unruly bangs because people will laugh at me for years to come.

  • Ashley June 11, 2010, 12:15 pm

    Hey caitlin, I was wondering what your experience with post race weight gain is? I ran a hard half on Sunday and i weighed myself today and I’m two pounds heavier! Do you typically experience weight gain after races due to your muscles retaining water? How long does it take for it to go away?

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:03 pm

      you’re prob just retaining water unless you noticed you were creeping up in weight during training… i doubt you could’ve gained two pounds this week unless you were really digging into meals. 🙂

      it will probably go away naturally. just listen to your hunger cues!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit June 11, 2010, 12:27 pm

    I would say to my teenage self: love yourself, and get to know yourself first. You don’t need someone else (aka a boyfriend) to validate your worth and beauty.

  • Raya June 11, 2010, 12:28 pm

    Hmmmmmmmmm. I would tell myself “Someday you’ll be beautiful (not in a snobby way, but it’s just that I was an unfortunate looking kid…seriously) and don’t be afraid to be UNIQUE. Cultivate your friendships with WOMEN, and don’t look for love in the wrong places. Travel. Have no fear.”

  • ActiveEggplant June 11, 2010, 12:46 pm

    I’d love to go back and tell myself that everything will turn out just fine, and I won’t always be the “nerd” of the bunch. It took me until my mid 20s to realize though to realize that all those years of being made fun of made me who I am today, and honestly, I’m not sure if I’d change anything because I kind of like how I turned out!

  • Sam (My Sugar Obsession) June 11, 2010, 12:50 pm

    i would tell myself that happiness doesn’t come from being skinny so stop starving yourself, stop eating only a bag of chips and a soda for lunch, stop judging yourself, stop comparing yourself to others. eat real food, exercise, love yourself because healthiness = happiness.

  • Amy @ Amy Starts To Run June 11, 2010, 12:56 pm

    Good luck!

    I would tell myself that everything always works out. I tell myself that now when things seem out of my control. In the end, things fall in to place and as long as I have my family and friends, I can get through anything.

    Also, there is sooo much more living to do after high school and its a lot more fun!

  • Katherine June 11, 2010, 1:03 pm

    I would tell myself to keep the faith and fight the good fight. Love yourself and be who you are.

    ((great question; I love reading all the other comments))

  • Janna June 11, 2010, 1:03 pm

    I would tell my 15 year old self that SCHOOL and FRIENDSHIP are both WAY WAY WAAAY more important than boys and looks.

    I feel like that bit of advice could have saved me a lot of trouble down the road.

  • Amanda June 11, 2010, 1:09 pm

    I’d say, be a KID, you’ll be an adult faster than you think.

  • Corinne (breathe and savor) June 11, 2010, 1:12 pm

    “Be nice to yourself!” and “It WILL get easier”

    good luck! I feel this age group needs you 🙂

  • Katherine June 11, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I would tell myself “you are beautiful, just the way you are” I would also tell myself to trust my intuition no matter what anyone says I should think or feel. I think all teenage girls hide their intuitive sense because it is when we are most exposed to the glam of magazines, TV shows and several other layers. Girls forget what is true to themselves and most important to them. I would also teach myself how to be assertive.

  • elaine! June 11, 2010, 1:29 pm

    I would tell myself to get more sleep. And not to worry too much about my brother because he would be ok. And to communicate with my parents more instead of avoiding confrontation.

    Luckily, it didn’t occur to me that I was overweight and understylish until I was in college, and even then it never bothered me too much. 🙂

  • sarah June 11, 2010, 2:12 pm

    Good luck at your presentation.

    I love this question because if I only knew then what I knew now…I would tell my 15-year-old self to realize that true happiness comes from within and the only person that can make you happy is yourself. One of my favorite mantras that I wish I knew then is “I can only control myself and my actions, I cannot control the actions of others.”

  • Mandiee June 11, 2010, 3:03 pm

    I’m sure you’ll do very well! I’m 16 and have been extremely interested in your Operation Beautiful project. Actually, I would love it if you could talk to my school. Anyway, I think this age group will be very receptive to the message because the media has had such a harsh influence on us. It’s definitely time for change! Good luck!

    Have a lovely day!
    xox

    • Caitlin June 11, 2010, 7:04 pm

      tell you administrators or counselors about the site and maybe i can come!

  • Betsy June 11, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I went to a HOBY workshop in high school. I wish I would have a speaker like you! All I remember is playing ice breaker games and getting to stay in dorms at a local college in the area. Good luck and have fun!

  • Sana June 11, 2010, 3:27 pm

    I don’t recall being 15. Life was just an easy peasy time back then :)!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) June 11, 2010, 6:30 pm

    OMG. I was a HOBY ambassador for my school back in the day! HOLLAAA

  • Katie @ peacbeme June 11, 2010, 7:37 pm

    This was an interesting question to see today because I have been thinking about this a lot! In 9 days I will turn 25 years old, and I just keep thinking about how it was almost exactly ten years ago that my eating disorder began. I don’t know what I would go back and tell myself. I don’t see my life as being able to go any other way. But AFTER my low-point with my eating disorder, I wish I could go back and get myself the proper treatment sometimes. Maybe then it wouldn’t have gone on for ten more years and still be a struggle.

    I think it is GREAT that you are sharing Operation Beautiful with these high school kids!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 13, 2010, 5:46 pm

    I would tell myself not to worry so much … everything works out in the end.

  • Chase (TheChaseProject) June 13, 2010, 8:56 pm

    Oh I would have paid attention to anything other than boys. I was so boy crazy that I missed out on a lot of other fun times.

  • Lea July 14, 2010, 7:11 pm

    I’m the oldest of 4 girls and my youngest sister is still in high school. I tell her that I understand how high school and what it’s like trying to fit in…but I also tell her that in a few years when she’s out in the real world, high school won’t matter as much in the grand scheme of things.

    I tell her to try not to let small things get to her and don’t let that one thing ruin her day. She will look back one day and think how silly those stuff are. I tell her “Trust me, I know”.

    Lea
    http://healthycoconut.wordpress.com

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