I feel like I'm constantly contemplating life and what's coming around the corner. I always get so caught up in my busy schedule. I start thinking more about the future or the past, rather than the present.
But then I think, now is the most important time. It's the time to learn and become who I'm meant to be. And I already have learned so much in my 19 years.
So here's to all of you. These are all the things we need to remember to make life even more beautiful.
1. Humility and kindness will always go farther than bitterness and hate.
2. Always open the door for your elders and the next person coming behind you.
3. Apologies will require you to take responsibility and throw away your pride.
4. Sometimes, apologies need to be said three or four times. And sometimes, they need more than words can say.
5. After someone hurts you, forgive them. And keep forgiving them.
6. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life.
7. It's OK to not be OK.
8. Always give the $3 in your wallet to someone who really needs it.
9. Buy someone a meal everyone once in a while.
10. Make sure to send long texts every once in a while to the people you love and remind them of how amazing they are.
11. Never end a conversation or phone call without saying "I love you."
12. Wake up at 8 a.m. and take your grandma to breakfast. Time is precious.
13. Remember to watch the sunrises and sunsets every once in a while.
14. Everyone needs a personal day. It's OK to take one when you really need it.
15. Always hug your friends extra tight before every goodbye. You never know if you'll never see them again.
16. It pays off to put in extra hours at work, even if you're missing the fun.
17. Start your college papers when they're assigned, not the night before they're due.
18. Do the readings for your classes.
19. Smile at strangers.
20. Smile at everyone.
21. Appreciate the beautiful life you were blessed with.
22. Remember there is beauty in pain and heartbreak.
23. You have a purpose, no matter how many times the world makes you feel otherwise.
24. You were put on the world for the reason.
25. Think about others more than you think of yourself.
26. Pray for others more than you do for yourself.
27. Save your money.
28. Never forget that it's OK to splurge on ice cream when you need it.
29. Go to the gym to make yourself feel good, not because you want to look a certain way.
30. Love yourself.
31. Love everyone.
32. Appreciate your family and loved ones.
33. Sometimes, it is necessary to eat a whole Ben and Jerry's by yourself.
34. It's OK to order the whole menu at Culver's too.
35. Dance everywhere you go.
36. Remember that you may be in the good old days now, so appreciate the time you have now.
37. Don't let time pass you by.
38. It's OK to cry.
39. Always follow your heart, regardless of other people's opinions.
40. Never date the person who makes you question their feelings for you.
41. Buy yourself flowers and chocolate on Valentine's Day and be okay with it.
42. It's OK to be single.
43. God's plans are always better than the ones we make for ourselves.
44. Go out to a fancy restaurant with your friends and make some memories.
45. Remember that you are beautiful the way you are. God made you perfectly.
46. Your laugh is not ugly. It just adds to the fun.
47. Yes, it is OK to eat a third piece of bread at dinner.
48. Order a large milkshake every once in a while.
49. Take long walks to clear your mind.
50. Accept everyone, even if their lifestyles or opinions differ from your own.
51. Sometimes, you need to sleep more than you need to shower.
52. It's OK to not have your phone constantly in your hand.
53. Put your phone away and enjoy the life in front of you.
54. Fill a journal with your thoughts and ideas. Fill it with your daily routines and activities. It'll be nice to read again one day.
55. There is no such thing as taking too many photos on your phone. You're going to need mementos of these times.
56. Never forget that everyone has come from a different background or experience than yours. Accept them.
57. Always make sure that when you're offered Jell-o in little cups, it's really Jell-o in little cups.
58. Call your best friends every once in a while. They would love to hear your voice.
59. Go to every competition, game, tournament, and art show of your siblings and friends.
60. If someone doesn't see your worth, let them walk away. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
61. Any pizza can be a personal pizza with enough perseverance.
62. Kiss lots of boys and girls if that's what makes you happy.
63. Never go farther than what you're comfortable with.
64. Late night drives in the summer are always a good idea.
65. It's OK to have sleepovers after you turn 18.
66. Hit the books. They don't hit back.
67. Always wear a seatbelt. Your life is precious.
68. You need to love yourself before you can ever love another person.
69. Everyone has insecurities. So don't bash others for theirs.
70. Respect everyone's feelings.
71. Respect your elders.
72. Never lose your wanderlust.
73. Never lose faith. You never know what plans God has in store.
74. Always blast the radio when your song is on.
75. Don't ever pretend to be something you're not.
76. It's totally acceptable to sob during a movie. Especially when Ryan Gosling's character is expressing his love.
77. Watch old movies. They're oldies, but goodies.
78. Appreciate the opportunity of getting an education.
79. Talk to your parents.
80. Never go too long without jamming to some "High School Musical."
81. Peanut butter on oatmeal raisin cookies are worth it.
82. Do your chores, as annoying as it is.
83. Pay your credit card bill on time.
84. Learn how to take responsibility for your actions.
85. Remember that it's not what you said, but how you said it.
86. Wear, eat, read, make whatever makes you happy.
87. Sometimes, it's OK to say no.
88. Love is not love without choice.
89. Every storm runs out of rain. Don't give up.
90. The same God who made the stars, the mountains, the galaxies, and the Earth also thought the world needed one of you too.
91. Country music is so underrated.
92. Sometimes, all you need is some alone time.
93. Before you say something you'll regret, take a breath.
94. Always pursue what makes you happiest.
95. Write letters every once in while.
96. The people who want to be in your life will always remind you that they want to be there.
97. Let love in.
98. Don't make the same mistakes as your parents. Make your own mistakes and learn from them.
99. When times get tough, remember how loved you are.
100. Smile. Laugh. Love. You are as radiant as the sun. You are incredible as you are. Be patient with yourself. Love yourself. Be gracious. Stay humble. Be beautifully you.
