“I am a person who is unhappy with things as they stand. We cannot accept the world as it is. Each day we should wake up foaming at the mouth because of the injustice of things.” ― Hugo Claus

As I had my 18th birthday this past Saturday, I found it fitting to write some “words of wisdom” to hypothetically send to my 16 year-old self.

1. Life Really Isn’t Fair

You're only 16 and have still yet to get through everything that would impact you greatly. Life isn't fair, so try to make the best of it.

2. Life is Short, Don’t Try To Make it Shorter

I know you think everything is horrible now and that you think that you won't even get past junior year, but please don't let things get you down and force you to do something that you might regret.

3. You Will Have Some Down-Hill Moments

Sadness is only a part of that crazy roller-coaster called life.

4. Be Happy, No Matter What's Happening

Happiness may not be guaranteed, so take that sliver of happiness and love as long and as much as you can.

5. Life Is Full Of Crazy People

If people say they aren't weird, they're lying.

6. Your Best Friend And Boyfriend Will Be Some Of The Weirdest

Don't settle for those people who don't challenge you with their weird-ness, find those that make you happy while you're both doing the most abnormal things.

7. Don't Always Try to be a People-Pleaser

Your life is just that, don't let other people tell you what to do. Of course, there will be times when you will need to kiss up to people, but don't become a push-over for everyone in your life.

8. You'll Start College Early, Good Luck

College is crazy. And it's definitely not "easier than high school" like your mother keeps saying that you told her before you started college. Enjoy high school, and prepare yourself for an interesting four-year journey.

9. Definitely Try To Think For Yourself, Start Making Your Own Decisions

Be you, make decisions that make sense to you. Whether or not they make other people happy, only matters if it makes you happy.

10. That Job You Like? It Won't Be There For Long

It may pay pretty good money, but it won't for long, at least not enough to deal with everyone there. After two years (and some) of working there, you'll start getting less hours than normal until one day you have to call your (ex) manager/boss in order to completely determine whether or not they fired you for reasons still unknown, horrible. But you will find a good job again, with good people, for the most part.

11. Start Saving Money, For The Important (And Not So Important) Things In Life

Definitely start saving money. Give some to your mother so she can do whatever she does with money, but also save some money for yourself so that you'll be able to access it a couple of years later with ease to help pay for car problems or minor issues, like presents and food.

12. Take Lots Of Pictures

Memory is a very enigmatic (mysterious) thing, so take a lot of pictures so you can look back on them when you're old and (not) wrinkly.

13. But, Make Lots Of Memories Too

Pictures may last long but enjoying the special moments are the memories that will last a lifetime, so leave your camera at home occasionally and enjoy everything while it lasts.

14. Love Yourself

Don't learn to hate yourself just because people poke and prod at your features and constantly criticize on your quirks. Love yourself, love your imperfections along with your perfections.

15. Improve On The Important Things

Do as best as possible with regards to anything that comes along. Dream big, work hard and you'll get to where you need (and want) to be in life.

16. Exercise Often

Don't make excuses. Find time that you can dedicate to living healthier and happier, whether it is to run, swim, or any other type of exercise you can think of.

17. Indulge In Moderation

Treat yourself, enough to enjoy life as it comes. Treat yourself, but don't do it too often or it could become a bad habit.

18. Most Importantly, Be Yourself And Have Fun

Be happy, be yourself, be everything you want to be and more. And remember, don't let anyone bring you down.

“Don’t try to make life a mathematics problem with yourself in the center and everything coming out equal. When you’re good, bad things can still happen. And if you’re bad, you can still be lucky.” ― Barbara Kingsolver, The Poisonwood Bible