My 19th birthday was this past week. It was a fun but bittersweet occasion as I realized I was just one year away from not being a teenager anymore. The last 19 years of my life have been a wonderful and terrifying roller coaster of highs and lows; they've been full of both academic lessons and lessons from life itself. Although I know the Internet is full of these kinds of lists, I'd like to share my own 19 things that I've learned in my 19 years of life.
1. Don't settle for something you don't love.
Finding what you're passionate about and going after it is going to be one of the biggest challenges in your life. Overcoming those challenges is what makes you into the person you were meant to be.
2. Never stick around someone who makes you feel like you aren't worth loving, or that you're less than what you are.
Whether it's a friend, a romantic partner or even a family member, they don't deserve to be in your life if they aren't making your life better and loving you the way you need to be loved.
3. Be honest with people about how you're feeling when you're sad or angry.
Talk about your problems openly.
4. Text your mom when you reach your destination.
She just wants to know if you're OK, and it takes 10 seconds to send a text and stop her from worrying.
5. Forgive yourself for not being perfect.
So what if you procrastinated instead of writing that article or studying for that test? Do better next time, but stop beating yourself up.
6. Tell people you love them whenever you say goodbye.
You never know when it could be the last time you get the chance to say it, and it will probably put a smile on their face.
7. Spend time with your family -- they're actually pretty cool to hang out with.
8. Let the windows down and turn up the music when you're driving, every once in a while.
There's no better feeling than the wind in your hair and your favorite song on the radio.
9. It's just not realistic to love yourself all the time.
Accept that some days you will look into the mirror and not like what you see.
10. Make time every now and then to tell people how much they mean to you, whether it's a letter or just a positive text.
It will always make their day.
11. Stop looking back so much.
Focus on the future and trust that things can only get brighter on the darkest of nights.
12. Forgive people who have wronged you.
But don't allow them to keep hurting you without a limit. Cut them off if they cross that limit.
13. Don't be embarrassed by the things that you like.
The music, television, and books that you read, watch and listen to make you who you are.
14. Surround yourself with people who truly make you happy and don't cause drama.
It's always better to be laughing with your friends than fighting with them.
15. Make time for God, even if it's just a 15-minute worship session in the car twice a week between church services.
He deserves the time.
16. Always try your hardest to be there for someone you love.
Make their problems your own and do everything you can to help them through it.
17. Find at least one thing to be happy about even on the worst of days.
Look up funny cat videos or play with your dog, try to genuinely smile at least once a day.
18. Don't obsess over finding true love.
It will eventually find you if you just stop trying so hard to make it appear.
19. Netflix is only $8 a month.
It is worth the investment.
Everyone learns their own unique lessons in life. these are just a few of mine.
