Being 19 is a weird age. You're not quite a wise, mature, experienced adult, but you're not a dumb and reckless child anymore either. You're at an age where the decisions you make will, ultimately, have an impact on your life in the long run, but at the same time, you still have so much to learn and experience. Though I know I haven't learned all of life's lessons, I do know 19 things I have learned at this age from the life I have lived so far.
1. Failure is inevitable.
You're going to mess up, make numerous mistakes, and not always do as well as you would like to in multiple aspects of life. This is okay.
2. Family is everything.
They're the ones who will always be there. Friends come and go, relationships don't always last, but your family should be the most important people in your life. Don't let relationships with them fade.
3. The safest option isn't always the best option.
Take risks. You only live once, and you don't want to grow older and have regrets from the experiences you held back from.
4. Let go of the past.
It's in the past for a reason, and there's no reason to dwell on life's imperfections and the people who wronged you.
5. Dress for yourself.
Don't listen to how other people want your appearance to be. Be you.
6. Popularity is stupid.
At the end of the day, it does not matter how well-liked you are and how many people know of you. It's the people closest you that matter the most.
7. There's always something more you can learn.
You don't know everything. Listen and learn other's experiences, battles, and the knowledge they posses.
8. Social media is not the most important thing in the world.
Our generation obsesses over it, but it is not as important as we make it seem. Your Instagram likes, Twitter followers, and Facebook friends are of little importance.
9. Watch what you say about others.
You never know what other people are going through.
10. Respect yourself.
Because if you don't, you can't expect others to.
11. Save your money.
You will thank yourself later on when you have a little bit of buffer room in your bank account.
12. But don't be afraid to splurge from time to time.
Sometimes you just need something. Or think you do. Don't let yourself hold back from some retail therapy from time to time.
13. Your mom is probably right.
She usually does know best.
14. There's a world outside of what you know.
Or where you grew up, or where you go to school, or where you work, and so on. There's so much more than whatever you're doing and so much needs to be explored.
15. Forgive.
Life is just way too short to hold grudges.
16. Always go with your gut.
Because if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
17. People who think differently than you aren't necessarily wrong.
Life would be boring if we all thought the same way all the time.
18. Remind the people important to you how much you love and appreciate them.
19. Live a little.
Experiment, take risks, and live your life the way you really want to. Embrace everything that comes your way.
