A short summary of some of the lessons I have learned in my eighteen years. Xoxo
1. Take a risk every now and then.
In the words of one of my business professors, "Life is a like a video game. If you are not willing to jump up, crouch down, and take those risks, you are not going to collect all of the gold coins." When evaluating a risk, we often look at the worst-case scenario instead of both the worst-case scenario and the best-case scenario, when both could happen. By taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone, I learn more about myself, such as my passions, beliefs, and morals.
2. It's okay to cry.
Crying is not a sign of weakness, but rather strength. You have come so far and carried, or continue to carry, an immense weight, may it be sadness, stress, grief, or another emotion. College alone can carry the largest amounts of stress, with pressing deadlines, financials, and other responsibilities.
3. You are strong and must find release some of the burdens on your shoulders to be stand taller and be successful.
We live in an imperfect world, where there is pain, grief, misery, disappointment, and failure. But there is also love, happiness, joy, friendship, and success.Letting positivity influence you improves your outlook on life and can often have a resounding effect on others. Times are tough, but the universe has a way of sorting itself out.
4. Life is for living, not just existing.
Yes, this is a cliché phrase, but over the years I have realised how much it truly means to me. I personally feel when I am "just existing," I am not fulfilling my potential or being true to myself. There is so much more I can learn, do, pursue, fight for, and teach by investing in this one life I have. Think about it--everything in your life changes not only you, but the world. Live it up!
5. People change and that is okay.
We all change. At times, these changes are positive--growth through experience, knowledge and education, or discipline. However, sometimes these changes are negative, possibly shaped by our surrounding environment, influences, or decisions. People are constantly adapting their own personalities, beliefs, ideas, and morals, finding people they are able to "connect" with. As we change, we grow.
6. Eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's when you are just craving that creamy richness, is not a bad thing.
In moderation, let me emphasise. I can picture them now, all lined up in a row, top shelf of the freezer. Will it be Boom Chocolatta? The Tonight Dough? Phish Food? Or my personal favourite, Cinnamon Buns? It is nice to reward yourself every once in a while--you have worked hard and come so far!
7. True friends are the ones who raise you up instead of pulling you down.
Those people that we enjoy hanging out with? Those friends? They are given the title for a reason, and have an obligation to fulfil it. True friends want to see you succeed and should be the ones supporting and encouraging you. When you hang out with people who pull you down, you will be less productive, less active, and, not surprisingly, unhappy. You owe it to yourself--surround yourself with those positive people.
8. Going a little crazy or wild can be refreshing.
It's good to let yourself loose every now and then. You are weird--accept it and embrace it. We all have a "weird" element to us, and that is what makes us all unique and interesting.
I know that personally, when I let myself go a little crazy or wild after a long week, I am more in touch with my true self. I am honest, and able to embrace who I truly am--a spontaneous, fun-loving 'lil weirdo whose life is too often consumed by workaholic pressures. *sigh* I make myself laugh and smile.
9. Self-motivation is key for success.
If you don't believe in yourself, there is no reason for anyone else to believe in you. One of the greatest lessons I have learned so far in attending a Business school is that if I do not possess enough passion or drive for my ideas, I will not be able to inspire others or quite possibly even gain and attain their respect and attention.
College is also about independence. No one is looking over your shoulder, checking that you complete your homework. If you want to succeed, do it.
10. Over-thinking = Destruction.
Don't get me wrong, I love English class. But life is not an English class. Overanalysing and overthinking often harm more than help. There is so much going on in your everyday life and everyone else's that by focusing so minutely on a single occurrence is to deny or miss the exciting activities and buzz of life around you.
11. The little things in life are important. Appreciate and treasure them.
Life is like a puzzle. Each small piece is important, as it connects to other small pieces, creating a beautiful end picture: your story.
The little things, whether they be experiences, interactions, people, or even objects, all create this 3-D puzzle of life, whirling around you. I know that personally, I keep little tokens from times that mean so much to me. On my bookshelf, I have a small box of these "little things" that never fail in making me happy.
12. There is more to the world than just "seeing" it.
You can travel the world, and traverse through life seeing, but there is so much more to the full experience.
You can feel the world, the rough landscapes or smooth art pieces in marble museums.
You can taste the world, the rich chocolates of Switzerland or sweet tropic fruits of Latin America.
You can hear the world, the beats of street performers in Times Square or the clicking chug of a train across the Scottish countryside.
13. Family will be there for you no matter what.
You define your family, whether it is friends or blood relatives. I define my family as both, and I know that through thick and think, each person will be there for me.
My friends and family have seen me at my craziest, when I was on an hour of sleep and four cups of coffee, and at my shyest, when I was too nervous to ask the waiter for an extra napkin. They were there when I was at my worst, crying and screaming in fear and pain, but also through my best moments, when I stood confidently and smiled. And I know your family will be there for you.
14. You can't always change the world, but you can make an impact.
This is something that has taken me a long time to learn and accept. I always wanted to change the world, but I have come to the realisation that change cannot be as immediate as I expect, and instead, I can strive to make an impact.
Everyday, we all make an impact in our choices. We can inspire others, or we can discourage them. We can spread positivity or breed negativity. It will not always be a change, but it will be an impact. What will yours be each day?
15. There is a reason for every interaction, experience, or occurrence.
One of my wisest friends once told me that everything happens for a reason, and through this, the universe always has a way of sorting itself out. At the time, I dismissed what he said, and when we got into a fight a month later, I did not understand. The fight dragged on for days, until those days turned to weeks, and I found myself in pain, wandering the halls, aimlessly wondering Why?.
After resolving our disagreement, I learned so much. I learned more about myself and how I could work with others better in the future to communicate and be a better person. Though it may not seem like it through the times, there is always a reason.
16. There is a difference between listening to listen and listening to respond.
Many people pride themselves in their listening skills, but do they listen to listen or listen to respond? Often, people listen to respond, hoping to input their own feedback, opinions, and beliefs, not truly listening with an intent to not reply.
While I think creating the conversational environment is beneficial, sometimes, it is better to just listen silently with not intent to reply. Just absorb, embrace, and accept.
17. Not everyone is going to like you, and you will not get every opportunity you apply for, but that should not stop you.
All seven billion of us living together on one small planet? Every single person is unique in their upbringing, beliefs, ideas, opinions, morals, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. It is impossible to please seven billion people. You are not Play-Doh. You cannot let people squish you can compress your ideas and beliefs. They can mould you, but they cannot make you into a new batch of Play-Doh and you cannot expect the same of them.
But you will find people who do like you. I do, for one!
18. I've learned so much, and am still learning, that it is impossible to list them all.
Wow.
