• A Few Good Friends Are All You Really Need - Quantity no longer matters with friends. We are passed fifth grade birthday parties, where every single classmate is our “bestie”. Having your small group will be the best experience of your life. Closer relationships are way more valuable, and supportive to you when you’re older.
• Your Mom Will Become Your Best Friend- We can deny this one as much as we want, but lately I’ve found my mom is the first one I want to call with my good news. She’s known you forever, wants the best for you, and relates to you, what could be better in a friend?
• You WILL Get Over It- That fight with your friend, your 9^th grade crush you thought you would marry, everything that felt life ending now becomes a humorous and distant memory. Getting over things is as simple as takeout food and watching Clueless.
• You Don’t Need That Shirt- It’s so cute and fits perfectly and… its $50. You are also 15 and have no income, your mom was right you don’t need that and you will never wear it. What you did need was a job..
• Don’t Text and Drive Ever- Self-explanatory. She was right, don’t do it. Ever. Don’t risk leaving your family, friends, and relatives devastated in a matter of seconds. I think of texting and driving as a controlled situation: if you don’t do it you lower the risk immediately of a fatal accident.
• Don’t Lose Sleeping Texting a Boy- Don’t stay up all night texting him, your sleep is so much more important. He’ll be there in the morning, and if he’s not, he was never worth the energy anyway.
• The Age-old Dictum, “In ten years, this won’t matter.”- Applicable for mostly anything, even in current day. Don’t stress yourself out about the little things. Many of our problems are temporary and solvable, relax and stay confident.
• Always Pee Before You Leave the House- Just do it, seriously.
• If A Girl Was Mean to You, She’s Probably Jealous- If she’s mean to you and you barely know her, she’s jealous or has personal things going on. Don’t be mean back, and don’t let it get to you. Be as kind as you wish others were to you.
• Your Family is the Best Support System You’ll Ever Have-Family is permanent, and family love is everlasting. Never hesitate to call or cry.
• Don’t Spend all your Money in One Place- Save as much of your paycheck as you possibly can. Balance and moderation is key. Don’t spend all your money in one store- budget.
• You Need a Good Night’s Sleep- If you think you can’t fall asleep try to no matter what. Don’t sacrifice hours of sleep for your phone, TV, or computer.
• Bring a Jacket- Like my mom would say, “You don’t want your car to break down on the side of the road and you don’t have a jacket”. Prepare for any situation and bring one, or keep it in your car.
• Don’t Smoke- Do not do this one. There are no health benefits whatsoever.
• Actions always Speak Louder than Words- You learn that saying sorry or saying you care is never as substantial as sending something or proving how you feel through actions.
• It’s Not Weak to Say Sorry First- When we’re younger we are stubborn and think it’s a sign of weakness to apologize first. However, it’s quite the opposite. Maturity is realizing our problems and owning up for them when we are in the wrong. Say sorry if you feel you should, it solves problems in half the time.
• Crying is Not Weak- Crying is how you get over things as well as a source of relief. Crying is normal and indicates you are strong and coming to terms with situations.
• The Best Revenge is Killing with Kindness- Killing with kindness is the best revenge–you get the message across and without being mean back.
• You can’t Control What Happens, Only How You React- Learning you often won’t be able to change what others do, and how they may hurt you is life changing for your personal quality of life. While others actions often infuriate us, learning how to react is one of the most important lessons in life.
• Love Yourself First- Before a relationship, or big decision, remember to love yourself for who you are. Self-acceptance is important for your mental health, as well as overall happiness. You can’t be happy with someone else if you do not love and accept yourself first.

Thank you Mom, for teaching me these lessons. I’m sure I will learn a lifetime more, and I’ll appreciate them even more now that I’m older.