1. Respect other people's opinions
Not everyone is going to agree with you, and that’s okay. Actually, it’s a really great thing. Having other people challenge your viewpoints can lead you to grow as a person and become even firmer in your beliefs. You have a right to disagree with someone, but you don’t have a right to disrespect him or her.
2. You can't plan out your life
This is a tough one. It’s easy to sit down and start creating a game plan for the next 10 years of your life—in a perfect world. The truth is, you are going to change and with that, your plans will change too. It’s better to accept that you don’t know where you are going yet, and let life play itself out.
3. Appreciate your family and friends
These are the people who truly love and care about you the most in the world. It’s easy to get caught up and life and forget to let them know how much they mean to you. But don’t let life get in the way of maintaining strong relationships with the people that matter most. In the end when all else fails, these people are all you got.
4. Everything is good in moderation
It’s hard to keep every area of your life in balance. In fact, it’s probably impossible. But, it’s up to you to try as hard as you can to keep your social, mental and physical health in check. Go out once or twice a week. Make sure you do all your homework, but get enough sleep. Don’t forget to hit the gym a couple times too.
5. Happiness isn't a constant
Happiness is something that should be taken as a special gift if it happens to float into your life. You can’t expect everyday to be perfect and there to be no problems in life—it’s just not realistic. Happiness should be cherished every moment it happens to pop up—and when it does, you should greet it like an old friend.
6. Notice how small you really are...
You’re only one tiny speck in this gigantic universe we live in. Recognize that the little stuff honestly does not matter in the slightest. It is not worth it to stress over failing one test or one insulting comment. Life is just life, and we just spend too much time making things more complicated than they need to be.
7. ...But recognize that you do play a big role
Yeah you may only be one person, but you can do absolute wonders. Your words can change a person’s life, your actions can change the entire world. So get up and get out there and start changing things.
8. Value your mental health
You are not entitled to this. Realize how incredible valuable it is to have. Educate yourself and the people around you.
9. People will hurt you
This is inevitable. However, please remember not to get jaded by life’s disappointments. Do not let their negativity burn you out, because you are worth much, much more than that.
10. Don't play it safe
It’s really scary to take risks in life. Actually, it’s absolutely terrifying. But what is more terrifying is being so cautious that you don’t remember to live at all. Instead of getting hurt, you will live with regret. Throw yourself out there because you never know what can happen.
11. Recognize that changing is good and necessary
As a human, you are not meant to stay the same. Your experiences will change you. But that is a good thing. Let them change you. You will grow and learn so much from your ups and downs in life. Don’t look at your old self with longing, but look at your present self with love and affection with all the scars you wear.
12. Notice the little moments
These will pass you by. Sometimes the little things are truly the big things. Let the first nice day after a long winter make you smile so widely your cheeks hurt. Press a shell to your ear and let yourself be carried away with the tune of the ocean. Pay attention.
13. Work hard in everything you do
Things in life don’t come easy. Nothing is going to be handed to you on a silver platter. In every part of your life, put everything you got into it. Don’t give up when things don’t work out, because eventually they will.
14. The path is long and curvy; don't try to take the straight path
Life is going to throw you obstacles on your way to happiness and success. You cannot reach where you want to be by taking the easiest path. Life will throw you a curveball, and you will have no choice but to take this new, bumpy and curved path. But that’s ok. Take the path and see that it makes you into a better person than if you had taken the straight path.
15. Learn to let go
This goes for toxic people, things, and habits. The past is the past. Life is too short to hold on to negative things. Cut out the things that bring you down as a person. I promise, you will be so much happier once you do. You deserve the best.
16. Embarrass yourself
Who cares what other people think? If you want to dance like an idiot in public, then do it. Do what makes you happy despite what others think. There is a certain type of character that you gain by learning to accept yourself during even your most cringe-worthy moments.
17. Love yourself before anything else
You need to love your personality, your body, your brain, your smile, and everything in between. How could you ever expect yourself to love another if you can’t treat yourself with that same love? You’re so important and valuable.
18. Realize you are only 18
You’re so young. You still have so much to see and so much to do in this world. If you don’t like where you’re at in life right now, change it. You can. You have the power to do so much. And you still have so much time to do it.
