This past January I turned 19 years old and I have been 19 for quite some time now, so without further ado these are the 19 things I learned by being 19
1.It’s okay to be different
Society has always placed a key role indirectly in our everyday lives. Every time we want to do something based on our liking most of us think, “What would he or she think of me?” We are so influenced by the idea of what others think of us that following the crowd is perfectly okay, but our likings and beliefs are questionable.
2. Live Nice
Setting aside the sappy, karma, self-fulfillment thoughts. Niceness is a means through which we signal that we aren’t threatening to others; we want what we need and no more. Someone is always watching; when you act like a jerk towards someone the others around in the situation will perceive you as a jerk. Professionally, business is a relationship. You give what you get; that’s a relationship.
3.You can become who you want to be
We might think we are in a good place career or academic wise, but when you really think about it there’s always someone who is ahead of us. Not trying to be pessimist, but that’s kind of the truth. If you aren’t where you want to be academically, personally, or career wise. Don’t loose hope; this isn’t the end of it. You can start over anytime and anywhere you want. Failing a class? Well, don’t quit; see where you’re struggling, get help, it’s all in your hands.
4.Spend time away from your phone
We are so consumed by the rectangular device that lives in our hands and pockets. When you look at everyone in a social place, I’m sure you will find at least ten people mesmerized by their phones. We become so influenced that we forget how to communicate with people. We would much rather text news than talking to someone. Ironic how a device that is supposed to bring people together, it is actually driving people away from each other.
5. Listen to your parents
Even though their ideologies or thought process aren’t always compatible with ours; they say and do certain things because they care. The times may be different, but people and their personalities are the same, so if they find one of your friends personality questionable, listen.
6.Coffee is your best friend
The 8:30 am classes, the all-nighters that you will pull during finals week, or the days when you’re way too hunger; coffee will always make you feel better by giving that sudden burst of energy, which leaves you feeling as if you can conquer anything that day
7. That boy doesn't matter
I know it’s an un-describable feeling when you’re allowed to finally date. If you’re really lucky you might someone who you truly love and the feeling goes both ways. In most scenarios that really isn’t the case. Looks can be deceiving and he may all have the right things to say, you deserve someone who will always be there for you not someone who only talks to you at their convenience.
8. It's never too early for ice cream
No, I’m not quoting Michael Scott from The Office, but it’s a great show you should watch it. Life is too short to always eat healthy. Yes, take care of your body, but remember to always have a cheat day.
9. The number of likes don't matter
The numbers of likes on your Instagram picture and on a Facebook post really don’t matter. You’ll probably be salty and probably won’t understand why someone way younger than you or older than you is getting more likes, but in the end no one really measures your qualifications by the popularity of your pictures.
10. Embrace yourself
You were gifted with a body. Some of you will like it and some of you may not and that’s perfectly okay. We all have our perfections and things we are insecure about. In the end we have to live with it, so why not try to love what we have instead of sulking over what we don’t have.
11. Travel
Travel when you get the chance regardless if you have a lot of money or not. The whole world doesn’t consist of the town you live in there’s a whole another world out there filled with different traditions and fascinating cultures. Before you grow old and run out of patience, step outside, and discover.
12. The Office will never fail to make you laugh
This popular sitcom is going to leave you in tears every single episode. I’m probably biased, but hey what do I know I watched it like five times already.
13. Exercise
It seems quite tiring just hearing the word. Exercising shapes you physically and mentally; it gets rid of any stress that you encounter on a daily basis.
14. Write
You don’t just have to write because you can’t express your emotions and feelings. Write because you want to create something, write because you have something to say, write because it gives you a clear plan of what you need to do.
15. Makeup can empower you
Makeup isn’t just used to cover up any blemishes or scars you may have. Makeup has the ability to change the way you want to look that day, it can emphasize your best features. If wearing makeup makes you feel good then for it. If it doesn’t that’s perfectly okay too.
16. Girl power
Especially in today’s day and age we need more girls to empower, stand up, and motivate each other. Instead of putting each other down and fighting over a random guy; empower each other. As a team we can do brighter things in the future.
17. Enjoy your own company
It’s gonna feel weird going to the movies or eating lunch by yourself and that’s perfectly okay. It’s great to do things with friends, but at the end of the day you only have yourself and you need to learn to love your own company.
18. Go on spontaneous trips
The best adventures and stories come from trips that are unplanned rather than planned.
19. You're young
You’re young. You’re capable. You have the capacity to do anything and everything, so what are you waiting for?
