geeogree : I like the advice… It really is up to you at the end of the day. As for me I’m not really sure if I was a cry baby in my teens but I did have a lot of problems and some of those problems were self-inflicted but I am man enough to admit that. I blame no one for my problems other then where the blame belongs and that’s on myself.

I will also admit that it took me a long time to straighten up and realize the errors of my ways. I will be the first one to admit that it took time and one of the reasons it did was I was very hard-headed and set in my ways. Although things are not perfect and there is more I need to do before I can say I’ve fully come back and have redeemed myself I’d like to think I am on my way to making that a reality, least I hope so.

My advice to teenagers is to really think things through. Be careful who you hang out with and please don’t let those people and other influences divert your focus from what is really important. It is advice that I wish I had taken when I was younger. Also try to stay clear of peer pressure and trying to “Fit in.” Believe me when I say this that in the overall scheme of things “Fitting in” is not really that important. It isn’t worth making bad and or irrational decisions when you’re younger just to “Fit in.” Decisions like that can have lingering effects and much regret as you get older. I speak from personal experience here.

I am pushing 30 and I am still trying to bounce back from my mistakes. I can honestly say that if I could go back to my teen years as the person that I am now that I would do everything differently. To teens I say please enjoy what remains of your youth and please be responsible. It will make things much easier for you when you’re older.