Throughout my 18 years, especially the last three, I've learned a lot about myself and the world. So here are some of the most important lessons I've learned throughout my life so far:
1. Everything takes time. Whether it’s getting over someone, making a change or finishing something, it takes time. And that’s okay. We’re always in a hurry and we forget to appreciate or even just accept the process.
2. Other people are not the answer. You may think others can heal you or make you feel better, which they might. However, in the end it’s up to you. Learn how to love yourself instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you.
3. Grow. Never stop working on yourself, on things you’re passionate about, or on your future. Grow into the person you want to become - even if you’re not sure who that is.
4. The more that you wait, the more time that you waste. Don’t keep telling yourself “You’ll do it tomorrow.” Now is now and who knows what happens tomorrow.
5. Often, people are temporary. Accept it. It hurts, it’s unfair, but sometimes friendships end or people leave. Treasure every moment you have with someone rather than being afraid it could end.
6. Some days will suck and it’s okay. Find peace in the days you’re feeling sad, find peace in being bored. Without having bad days, good days wouldn’t be nearly as good.
7. Don’t let anyone determine who you are. Only you decide which way you’re going, only you decide what you wear and only you decide what you want to be. Don’t let anyone take that right away from you.
8. Change is inevitable. No matter if it’s positive or negative, change is one of the few things you can always rely on. Don’t fear it, but feel reassured - you won’t live the same life all along.
9. Don't discourage the progress and change of another person. Too many times I hear people say "I don't like the person she's become," or "She's changed so much," when most of the time that person has changed to better themselves. If the person they've become is someone who doesn't associate with you anymore, it's probably because you were having a negative effect on that person's life.
10. Not everyone you lose is a loss. I know I throw that quote around more than anything else, but I think it's really important. Not everyone who enters your life is supposed to develop into something long-lasting. Some people were simply placed in your life to teach you a lesson and leave, even though sometimes you don't learn that lesson until they're gone. Don't be bitter, just accept the fact that they were temporary and embrace the lesson they've taught you.
11. The way people treat you is not a statement about who you are as a person, it is a statement about who they are as a person. The truth is, everywhere you go there are going to be people who you will not get along with, and people who are just horrible people for no reason. You have to remember that if you can't think of a specific reason someone is mistreating you, you probably didn't do anything.
12. When you have a good heart, there will always be people who will try to take advantage of it. Don't let that change you.
13. You never have no effect on someone - this is one of the most powerful quotes I've heard in my entire live. I heard it at a leadership conference and I have thought about it every day since then. Always remember that you affect every single person you encounter every single day. Try to make a positive effect on everyone you meet, because people will never forget the way you made them feel.
14. Do things because they make you happy, not for the sake of others. Although doing things for others is great, too often I found myself doing things for others to make them happy, but I found little joy in doing these things. Make sure you're happy above all else.
15. The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.
16. Spontaneity is wonderful, until you're stranded at Darien Lake with an empty tank of gas and enough money to split a low-quality six-inch sub among two frustrated and hungry girls. Be spontaneous, but don't be stupid.
17. If something scares you, then you definitely have to do it, no questions.
18. Do not waste time trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding you. You do not owe a receipt of happiness to anyone who doubts you, and anyone who doubts you is not a real friend.
