Even at 18, I feel as if I have come to learn some pretty important stuff about life and how it works. Here’s a list of 18 things I learned by 18:
1. Be nice.
A smile can go a long way. Even if you’re having the most awful day, make an effort to hold the door for people and wave to those random acquaintances you’ve met. The happier you act, the happier you will become.
2. You don’t have to be doing something 24/7.
Sometimes the only thing you need to do is do nothing. Some peace and quiet every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes, helps you recollect yourself and keeps you sane.
3. Being open and honest will help you avoid a ton of problems.
So many problems come up when you bottle things in. Rather than push your small issues aside, tell people what bothers you. They’ll appreciate your honesty.
4. You never know what other people are going through.
You could talk to someone everyday and never find out that their mom is going through chemo or that they are dealing with depression. No matter how perfect someone’s life seems, there’s a high chance there’s some issue they are dealing with.
5. You are the music you listen to.
If you’re angry, listen to rock. If you’re going through a breakup, listen to Taylor Swift. If you’re stressed, listen to rap. If you channel your emotions through music, you can get through anything.
6. Not everyone is going to like you.
There will be people that find your enthusiasm repulsive or your sass annoying. That’s okay. If everybody is the same, life would be so boring. Plus, you probably wouldn’t get along with these people anyways. It’s a blessing.
7. If you want something done, do it yourself.
Never count on anyone but yourself to get what you want done. This way, you’re in control of how it is done and when it’s done. It may mean more work, but at least you know it’s up to your standards.
8. Sleep cures all.
If anything is bothering you, take a nap. You won’t get anything productive done if you can’t get the idea out of your head. You will wake up refreshed and with a clear mind and able to figure out how to deal with the situation.
9. Chase your dreams.
There is no such thing as a dream that is too big. With faith and trust in yourself, you can do anything you put your mind to.
10. Don’t underestimate anyone.
People will surprise you. That kid who fell asleep every day in your calc class could quite possibly be a CEO some day.
11. When in doubt, call your mom.
Moms are magical creatures. If you failed your math test, call your mom and she’ll comfort you. If you get lost, call your mom and she can direct you home.
12. Trust your gut.
If you don’t want to do something, don’t do it. Never cave in to peer pressure; nothing good has ever come from doing something you don’t want to do.
13. Accept your victories and your defeats.
You will learn just as much from your successes as from your failures. Your failures will shape you into the person you will become. Even if they are painful now, they can lead you to something that will change your life.
14. It’s okay to leave a friendship that isn’t working out.
Don’t waste your time with people that you don’t absolutely love. There is no benefit large enough to qualify being friends with someone that makes you miserable. This goes for relationships, too.
15. If you don’t love yourself, no one else can.
Being confident in yourself and your abilities will change your life. Love everything that is you and others will too.
16. You will lose people.
Sometimes life sucks. People move away, friendships will dissolve, and loved ones will pass away. It’s inevitable. Make every moment you have with people you love count.
17. Times goes by really fast.
Pretty sound from now you’ll be sitting at a desk in a big city far away from everything you have known up until this point. Appreciate the lazy Sunday mornings at home and the time you spent waiting every day for the freight train to pass on your way to school. You’ll soon come to miss those familiarities.
18. You have so much more to learn.
You may thing you know everything now, but I promise you that you don’t. Your life has just begun. Soak it all up!
