Melica Niccole

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

As a teen, I was very quiet and shy. I placed others’s opinions and thoughts before my own. I had quite a few friends because I was a yes person. “Melica can you loan me money or do you want to go to the movies?” “Yes!” I made sure other people’s needs were met before my own. Being a yes person and putting others before me was very cumbersome, especially when others were not doing the same. My time, effort, and patience was never reciprocated. Well, my mom reciprocated it and more, but that was about it.

A lot of the kid related things made me insecure about myself, such as the name calling, disrespect, and other traumatic events. I grew into a hard core adult trying to protect my feelings, emotions, and peace. I finally had to let go and let God!

As an adult, I have mastered saying no and now plac my wellbeing before others. Although sometimes I can have a bad day and will place my kids and husband’s needs before my own. I think this is because I know we pour into each other, whether through laughter, discussion, or playing games.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have told myself to enjoy life, you are enough, it’s not that big of a deal, and you are loved. Everything a teen needs to hear when they are being reactive instead of proactive.