Eighteen. The age of “adulting”. The start of freedom craved by many teenagers. Getting tattoos, piercings, going to doctors’ appointments by yourself, able to buy cigarettes and lotto tickets, and the responsibility to vote. It’s crazy to look back on the childhood years and believe we finally made it this far. We definitely aren’t as wise as our elders but we did learn things growing up, things we wish we would have known earlier in life. Hopefully I can pass on my words of wisdom that I have taken into deep consideration in my life. In the midst, some are funny and some are serious, but they all have a remarkable influence.
1. Remember the little things
Keep the sentimental things, keep everything. One day I found a notebook from middle school, filled with all of the notes a friend and I had written together. Whenever I come across it, it brings me joy to look back on all of the memories. Ever since I found that journal for the first time I have kept ticket stubs, notes from other friends, pictures, autographs, and even little Knick Knacks that hold a piece of my heart. I highly recommend you keep the little things that matter to you even if you don’t think it will matter later in life.
2. Love your family with everything that you have.
As I am getting ready to move out for college, I am set back at how gracious and loving my family has been for me throughout my years. They have spent so much time, effort, and money into making sure I had everything I needed, not wanted (make sure you catch that). They bought the many Aeropostle tee shirts that were too expensive and that one pair of shoes you absolutely had to have and only wore once. They helped support whenever you played awful in sporting events, and put up with your smelly athletic clothes for many years, be appreciative.
3. Love God Love People.
A saying that someone I highly respect and look up to strongly lived by this saying. God says we should treat others how we want to be treated, but I also believe it goes deeper than that. You have to Love God with everything that you have because you wouldn’t be here without him. You have to love others in the same way, because life is so much more beautiful and positive when you learn to love.
4. NEVER give up on something you love.
I don’t care if it’s a person, a sport, an art, or even a TV show you can’t stop watching. Never give up on something you love because someone says you aren’t good at it, you physically can’t do it, or you aren’t worth it because it isn’t true. Everyone was once a beginner, and they pursued the things they love. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you love it, don’t lose it.
5. Work hard for things in life.
Work for your money, your education, the relationships in your life, something you’re passionate about, and whatever else it may be. Something is only worth as much as you put into it. If you work hard for what you want, you will be successful, which is highly satisfying. It pays off, trust me.
6. Take in nature.
Put down the video games, take a step back from the Netflix binging and go outside. Bask in the sunrises and sunsets, let yourself become one with the starry night. Take a hike where the trees overlap onto the road and the sun shines through them. We live in such a wonderful world. Appreciate it.
7. Never date someone your parents/friends don't approve of.
They can realize how toxic someone is before you can. You should never date someone who makes you feel like you are less of a person than they are, doesn’t respect you, and puts their wants and needs before yours. Mamma knows best.
8. Popularity does not matter in the end.
Growing up, the ‘cool kids’ saying hello to me in the hallways, asking for help with homework, or noticing my existence made my heart skip two beats. When I finally took a step back and realized that I can have friends, just like me, unpopular who will love me and accept me with nothing in return. Being popular doesn’t matter, because in the end…those people who you thought were your friends, really aren’t. Make real true friends, because they will be with you until the end.
9. Be honest.
I was always told that I would get in trouble for doing something bad, but I would get in more trouble if I lied about it from the beginning. Don’t cause unnecessary hurt and consequences for yourself by lying. What is done in the dark, always comes to light.
10. Don't be afraid to say yes/.
If someone asks you to go out somewhere, even if it is to a coffee shop or a spontaneous night drive, do it. So many of my memories growing up were sitting by myself debating whether I wanted to be a ‘people person’. Don’t miss a single ice cream date, coffee date, night drive or dinner with your friends. When you leave for college, or move on with your life you are going to wish you spent more time with them.
11. Cherish your pets.
Your dog, cat, fish, hamster, etc. may not be everything to you but you are everything to them. Take them out to play, walk them, cuddle with them, and love them unconditionally.
12. Go to your senior prom, school dances and football games.
Yes they are lame. Yes they play bad music. Yes it is so stereotypical but dancing around like crazy people with your best friends, and even jamming out to music with people you would never talk to in the hallways is so much fun. Stand in the front and lose your voice at football games,participate in the cheesy themes, you'll regret it if you don't. None of this will happen again before you graduate, so go and have fun.
13. Take care of yourself.
Managing your health, your stress and schoolwork along with a social life, athletic life and family with a job is difficult. It is so important to take care of yourself and not let the world overcome you. Take a minute out of your day to say a prayer, jam to your favorite song, drink some coffee, close your eyes and take it in. Everything is going to be okay.
14. Stay alive, it's worth it...I promise.
Twenty One Pilots was definitely right. God brought you into this world for a purpose. Your friends are in your life for a purpose. Every valley and trench that you find yourself in is for a purpose. You have the free will to decide what you will do with your life. You have the power to do and be whatever you set your mind to. You can be the inspiring person in someone’s life. Be the change you wish to be in the world.
I know that these life lessons will come by with learning experiences and mistakes, but I personally hope that you can apply them to your life in some mysterious and helpful way. They have gotten me this far, I can only hope you will inspire someone else at my age like I have hopefully inspired you.
