Special thank you to the Biker Broads Group

 

Thank you to my readers group Chelsea’s Biker Broads. I asked you randomly to tell me what you would tell your teenage self knowing what you know now. As a woman in my mid-thirties and the mother to a teen daughter, I wanted to let Arika encompass a little piece of each of us all as she finds her way through life. Each chapter heading for Tempest is a journal entry for her daughter. The other replies are listed here. I will be putting these together in December in a Mother/Daughter journal set up. So keep your eyes out. This particular book was the one in the Devil’s Due MC series that I was most in love with when the Devil’s Due concept hit me. You amazing women took my inspiration to a whole new level for Arika. If I somehow missed someone, my sincerest apologies, copying and pasting them isn’t my strong suit. I did try to get everyone and edit as little as possible. These are done in the order they were commented in including the ones in the book. I didn’t want to pick any comment over another so I went by response time. They are all amazing. Thank you.

 

Things I would tell my fifteen-year-old self now that I’m grown:

 

“Put as much cream on your neck as your face. Avoid Gary XXX (deleted to protect the man) at all costs. Wear those support hose your mom recommended.‬‬‬” Anna

 

“Don’t allow people to tell you your worth.”‬‬‬ Stephanie

 

“Sometimes the right path isn't the easiest one.‬‬‬” Justine

 

“It will get better. Live to your own rules do not let people but you down like trash just because you were raped. Not your fault father shouldn't attack and threatened children.‬‬‬” Connie

 

“Never regret what you have done, it helps shape the person you will become.” Lisa

 

“Talk about what happened rather than rebelling.” Tracy

 

“Live life to the fullest because you never know what can happen. Follow your dreams even if they sound ridiculous. And why the heck aren't you studying every night and making straight A's you lazy little brat?!!”‬‬‬ Linda

 

“Stop comparing yourself to others.‬‬‬” Arika

 

“Be true to your self and don’t be afraid to be different‬‬‬.” Gloria

 

“Do what makes you happy with your life not what others expect or makes them happy. Be true to yourself.”‬‬‬ Clarissa

 

“Hard work WORKS.” AF Crowell (check out her books – she rocks)

“You may never fit in, and that's ok. You are unique and creative, so pave your own path.‬‬‬” Kelly

 

“Focus‬‬‬.” Tammy

 

“Not to let myself believe everything that I was told. Open up my eyes and pay more attention to others actions. I was really gullible.‬‬‬” Stephanie

 

“Cherish your loved ones (especially your mom) ... We always believe that we have plenty of time with them. That’s not true. Make memories, laugh, and for goodness sakes take plenty of pictures so u can have those memories to pass along to your children.” Shauntelle

 

“Have more fun - don't worry about other peoples opinion.”‬‬‬ Karrie

 

“Be you all the time, don’t be fake for someone, they aren't worth it if you can't be you‬‬‬.” Charlie

 

“Don't let their words hurt you, you're stronger than they will ever be.‬‬‬” Patti

 

“Don't Be Afraid Of Greatness!!‬‬‬” Nicole

 

“Live. Laugh. Love.” Nicole

 

“Ignore everyone else and believe in yourself‬‬‬.” Cat Mason (she writes too, check out her books)

 

“It is okay to ask for help, everyone needs it.‬‬‬” Robin

 

“Stay single WAY into your 20's. If not longer!!”‬‬‬ Susie

 

“Switch to a different school and then actually do your homework‬‬‬.” Tasha

 

“Keep your legs closed, and don't listen to him when he starts saying I'm going to get blue balls. Also don't be so naive‬‬‬.” Jackie

 

“Go do your own thing and have fun. When the right person comes along you will have sown all your wild oats by then‬‬‬.” Barbara

 

“Everything happens for a reason. You won't understand it at the time, your heart will feel broken, but you deserve more.‬‬‬” Marsha

 

“Stay away from guys with the first initial of M.” Lisa

 

“There are soooo many … I would just want to hug myself. I could have really used a big ole hug back then.‬‬” Tara

 

“Don't shave above your knees!‬‬‬” Tara

 

“Find a way to finish college... like a normal student.” Amy

 

“Take life as it comes one day at a time, don't sweat the small stuff, save your energy for the real struggles that are yet to come in life.‬‬‬” Dee

 

“That despite everything there is good, happiness, and an end. Whatever you do don’t give up. You are worth it and you matter.‬‬‬” Mary

 

“Don't try to fit in just be you as true friend will always be around‬‬‬.” Lani

 

“Don't let the bitches knock you down, by the time y'all are 40, 75% of them will be married more than once and you'll still be with your soulmate.‬‬‬” Jamie

 

“Be you and don't let anybody stand stand in your way.”‬‬‬ Ashley

 

“Take care of yourself. Not just physically but mentally as well. Don't put doubt about what you can do in your own head.‬‬‬” Breezy

 

“If I could tell my teenage self one thing it would be to go for what you want. Don't let what people say or think Intimidate you into not trying‬‬‬.” Jessica

 

“You Matter. Someone can love you. You are stronger than you know.” Constance

 

“Eff 'em, you should see them at the ten year reunion.‬‬” Susan

 

“Be careful who you allow in your life and don't rush into any relationships.‬‬‬” Tori

 

A little piece from my very own mom to the world, if she could tell her teenage self one thing … “Be fearless. You’re stronger than anyone thinks you are and you will even surprise yourself.”