We wait for the day we turn 18 so we can say that we're officially adults. We idolize the feeling of being able to say we can do whatever we want and that legally we can be our own person. Unfortunately, being an adult doesn't mean that we have it all together. These are just some of the things I wish I knew when I was that prime, wonderful age of 18.
1. The people who make you feel small are irrelevant.
You are the only person who controls your personal freedom. You can allow them to make you feel small or you can cut them out and not give a damn about it.
2. You might be an Adult, but you definitely do not know everything.
You think that because you’ve reached this age that you have life figured out. You will never have it all together and you will never have more knowledge than the around you. It is okay to listen and take advice.
3. Life won’t be over if you lose that person.
You may look at it right now and the idea of not having that one person in your life may make you feel like you can't breathe. The thing is you’re at a point in time of your life where you can continuously reinvent yourself and can survive without any person, so put that bottle of wine away and save it for when you fail your first college math test.
4. The things that you fear the most will happen. The thing about it is though, you’ll no longer be afraid of those things. You will look back and realize what made you feel like vomiting when you thought about happening will be things that you will grow from. Don't be alarmed, it happens to everyone.
5. Actually want to grow as a person.
I know that when people say the words “grow as a person,” you roll your eyes and think experiences for person growth are stupid and waste of time, but you’ll begin to love the idea of it. It may seem like such a waste to have any type of bad experience. You don’t think in color, you only see black and white. In fact, you don’t even know color exists.
6. There will be a boy JUST like him at university. DO NOT STRESS OVER HIM!
The world is open to you and whatever you want out of a guy. You have so many options. Do not get stuck on the idea that he will be your forever.
7. Don’t forget to be easy on your parents.
They’re human too. It’s hard to see at this time because you’re in such an awkward place between being on your own and being dependent, but they are and have always been trying.
8. Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re not capable of.
If you want to go save the world by doing research for diseases, you are capable. It doesn’t matter what they say, it’s what you know and what you’re willing to give. Knock them down if they get in your way.
9. Do not limit yourself to a certain friend group.
There are so many beautiful people out there that you will never meet if you walk through life looking for people who are similar to your other friends.
10. Have more empathy for the people around you.
Yeah, your ex boyfriend sucks and so does that girl who stopped being your friend when you both went to college because you weren’t cool enough for her, but they have problems too. Emotional issues aren’t always what meets the eye. Have empathy that they are struggling in some way too.
11. No matter what happens, do not lose your ability to raise your voice.
That old saying “doing the right thing isn’t always doing the popular thing,” has come to life. Don’t sit back because you’re afraid of judgment. If it’s wrong and you know it, do not sit down until you know you’ve done your best to make it right.
12. Don’t be afraid to love yourself.
We live in a society where we are supposed to feel ugly and gross all the time and complain. There is NOTHING wrong with putting on your favorite dress and walking down the street feeling like a million bucks. Be your own Beyonce.
13. Take care of yourself.
Just because you can stay out until 5 am every night, doesn’t mean that you should. Eat well, sleep well, exercise because its important to help you function.
14. Appreciate your best friend more.
A day will come when you guys are miles apart and she won’t be able to drive down the street and pick you up for a wild adventure that almost results in your death whenever you need her. Don’t take her for granted. You will FaceTime her more than you call your parents or even talk to your roommates.
15. Pick your roommates wisely.
Boring is way better than crazy. If you want to get sleep, call it a safe bet with the girls who don't live off of a strict mac n cheese and vodka diet. You deserve better than the crazy drunk girl at the bar who swears to god she wants to beat your ass for looking at her boyfriend when you never even saw him to begin with.
16. Stop thinking you owe everyone an explanation.
If someone asks about the scar on your neck or why you seem reserved, you don't owe them anything homie. That's whatever you want them to know.
17. Please for the love of god - stop fearing everyone's judgment.
Just because you're afraid of what your friends from home will think about you joining a sorority or doing something you usually wouldn't does not mean you shouldn't try it. You will be angrier with yourself if you don't explore the things that excite you.
18. Remember that you have decades ahead of yourself and most of the things that kill you inside right now will not matter when you’re out in the world.
