Letters to our teen selves: Linley Parry

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? The Daily Post asks four well-known Rotorua people - former mayor Grahame Hall, entertainer Russell Harrison, businesswoman Linley Parry and Rotorua district councillor Glenys Searancke to write a letter to their teen selves
Linley Parry:
DEAR 16-year-old self,
Work hard. It will pay off. In about a year's time you will start your career with McDonald's. Follow your heart and your head, work hard, the rewards will come!
Have a book of dreams. It's fun to look back on what you wanted to achieve and how far you've come to achieving these ideas.
If you see someone you know, be sure to acknowledge them. Life has a funny way of catching up with you when you don't follow these basic courtesies.
Smile. Even at strangers. It can really change someone's day.
Use your manners. Be genuinely appreciative of help you are given.
Don't send an email in haste. Sleep on it first. You'll see things differently in the morning.
Choose your friends wisely. They are a reflection of you to the world. Be sure to have a friend or two who really push the boundaries too.
You can learn from everybody and every situation. Sometimes it's best to not say anything at all though - as hard as that can be!
Don't brush your hair, drink from your water bottle, and pick up the dropped mail from the floor of your car, all while driving on the open road. It leads to serious bruising. Buy a more sedate car and get over it!
Write a card to those important people in your life listing how they added value and memories to your life before it's too late. Make sure you always say goodbye when you go out.
Take regular photos and load them on to your computer as a screensaver. This will help keep the memories alive.
Be open to wrapping support around your busy lifestyle. There's no point in being too busy doing the mundane stuff when you could enjoy chilaxing with your husband, children and friends. Find a hobby you enjoy too.
Always travel with spare contact lenses, tissues and stockings.
Travel to different places in the world. It will free you up and show you that your way isn't necessarily the only right way of doing things.
Have something to look forward to. Book your next holiday before you finish the one you are on.
Slow down. Enjoy the bounties of your life. You'll marry the man of your dreams and your best friend. You will have two gorgeous healthy sons who will take your breath away every time you see them.
Love, life, longevity!
From Linley