(no subject)

[tylik]

1. You don't get out of breath because you're out of shape, you get out of breath because your asthma is worse than you think. Getting this under control will make a huge difference in many areas in your life.

2. While we're on the subject, in terms of body fat percentage, you're pretty much at your ideal weight, even according to fitness types. Don't let the bastards get you down. Oh, and you might as well get it through your head -- you're bigger than most women. Not just taller (though you're taller than you've gotten around to noticing), bigger, more muscular, etc. Get used to it.

3. You're about to head off in a different educational direction, in part defined by taking more of whatever is really hard for you. I think that's just fine, but keep an eye on your motivations. There's nothing wrong with pushing at your limitations, but it's dumb to use that as a tool for convincing yourself you're less capable than is actually the case. Even if you manage to convince yourself you're fairly average, none of the things gained by doing that will actually make you happy in the long term.

4. Almost none of the external things that you see as central to your identity now are going to be so. Nor your friends, certainly not the social or affinity circles, not even the music. Don't be afraid of letting go of things.

5. You're pretty good at spotting guys who are seriously bad news as romantic partners. You are less good at spotting their female counterparts. The sooner you amend that, the better.

6. You have a tendency towards being a bit of an overachiever, while you've been telling yourself you're a slacker and a dilletante. Watch out for that -- it's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don't understand it for what it is you can fuck yourself up pretty bad.

7. Most of your current metrics for stability and success are going to be passing phases. Right up to haivng and needing those metrics, very likely. Good learning tools, but don't confuse the map with the territory.

8. Don't worry. I'm pretty sure you'll recognize yourself, even if it's not what you expect.

9. Be wary of decisions based on criteria like "That would be too hard", "That wouldn't leave me enough time with my friends" or "I don't think I'd fit in with those people." Beware of subscribing too readily to other people's ideas of emotional fulfillment. And trying to make yourself smaller or softer in order to be liked is always a bad idea if its anyone you care about.

10. There are plenty of obstacles in life, but be very wary of falling into a failure of imagination.