I think we all have wishes that if we could go back to the times that felt like the world was ending and tell ourselves that there were greater things out there for us, we would. But long live the moments we can't get back and the times we think we may think we have "wasted." If I have learned anything in my 18 (now 19) years of living, it is that we should learn to live in the moment. Here are 18 things I wish someone would have told me before my 18th birthday last year, that I have had to learn on my own:
1. Talk to your parents.
They've been in your shoes. They know what you're going through. They are here to support you and they don't want to see you fail. They love you. Don't be afraid to talk to them about anything. You'll miss them when they're not around.
2. The world can be extremely cruel; don't fall into its hatefulness
Be kind to everyone you meet. You never know what someone you meet is going through. One small act of kindness can change someone's life. Sometimes, it'll be hard to be kind, but always choose kindness.
3. Keep the ones you love close to your heart.
They will make it easier for you when things get hard, I promise.
4. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Sometimes, the mind is the one that needs healing and that is okay!!!!!
5. It's okay to not be okay.
Cry if you need to, sit in the tub for hours, take a drive and see the ocean. Do what makes you happy because everything else in that moment does not matter except for yourself.
6. If you love someone, tell them.
It's okay to be vulnerable. It's also okay if they don't love you back, but there is no worse feeling than wishing you had said something when you didn't.
7. It's important to say sorry when you're wrong.
Sorry doesn't always fix everything, but it is important to take responsibility for your actions.
8. You don't love him if you need to convince yourself you do.
If your mom/dad has a bad feeling about the boy you have been involving yourself with, stay clear. They're probably right.
9. Toxic relationships rarely ever start out toxic.
Whether it is a friendship or an intimate relationship, if people cause you more harm than good, you must let them go.
10. You are beautiful.
You're worthy. You're exactly enough the way you are. You're no mistake.
11. Do not put it off.
This is so much easier than done, but PLEASE do not procrastinate. It is so stressful and I promise you that you will regret it.
12. You can't rush love.
I promise love will find you. Do not rush into a relationship with somebody you're not sure about. Enjoy spending time with your friends. Enjoy being single. The right person will come along at the right time for you.
13. You can pursue whatever you want in life.
Don't you dare sacrifice your dreams for someone else. If you want to go to school 3,000 miles away from your boyfriend and your family, GO. Do not let anybody hold you back. If you want to become a doctor, DO IT. If you want to become a journalist, DO IT. Do not let anybody hold you back. It is your life and it is your career. Your career won't affect anybody but yourself. It is a lot easier to chase your dreams now than when you're wishing you did when you're 85.
14. Your self worth can not be defined by a number.
Whether it be a grade, your weight, how many boyfriends you've had, anything. It doesn't matter. Do not let something as small as a number define how absolutely amazing you are.
15. Do not spend the entirety of your school life studying.
This isn't to say that you shouldn't study at all, because you should. However, don't spend every second you're not in class, studying. It's time you will regret having wasted.
16. You don't need to have everything figured out right now
You don't need to know what you want to do with the rest of your life. It's okay. You're still young. Pursue what you like and everything will fall into place.
17. Stop trying to control everything.
Whatever is meant to be, will be and whatever isn't, won't, and it will all be okay in the end. Life has a weird way of working things out for all the right reasons.
18. Growing up is a trap.
Don't do it. Adulting sucks. DO NOT RUSH GROWING UP.
Never lose sight of where you're going. Never lose faith. Stay Strong. You're going to accomplish great things.
