Next month I am putting my teenage years behind me and embarking on the journey of adulthood. While it hasn't set in that I will be an adult, I have realized that my teenage years have offered up valuable lessons. These lessons make the pill that is adulthood a little easier to swallow.
1. Be kind to others
A nice smile and a "hello" can go a long way. It could be the perfect pick me up that someone may need in their day.
2. Splurge a little bit
While the perfect summer body is on everyone's mind, life is too short to be hard on yourself. Eat that piece of candy or slice of pizza you are beautiful just the way you are.
3. Go on adventures with your friends
Nothing beats a beach or a hiking trip with your friends. Take lots of pictures, laugh a lot and enjoy each others company. In a few years you are going to wish you had a moment to spare that could be spent with your friends.
4. Go on adventures by yourself
Explore someplace new, take pictures, and listen to your favorite song on repeat. Take the time to think about how beautiful the world is.
5. Don't be afraid to say how you really feel
It is a vulnerable position to be in when you finally tell someone how you feel. Even if the outcome is not what you want always pick yourself up. You have to kiss a few toads before you get your prince or princess.
6. Exercise
Take a walk in your favorite place, bike with your friends, or go on a run just you and a pair of headphones. It is beneficial for your mind, body, soul and sanity.
7. Call your grandparents
I have the best grandparents in the world. No matter what craziness is going on in my life, I live for Sunday mornings when my phone rings and flashes "Grandma and Papa" across the top.
8. Call your Mom and Dad
As nice as it may be to be out on your own, your parents did everything for you up until this point. A little reassurance that you love and miss them every now and then would make their day. They would drop whatever they were doing to take you to soccer practice or school, it's about time you did the same for them.
9. Go out to dinner and leave your phone at home
People want to hangout with you not your Instagram, Snapchat and twitter. Take the time to have a genuine conversation without any distractions for once.
10. Trust your instincts
It is easy to second guess yourself, but learn to trust your gut when something does not seem right. Even if you are wrong, at least you can say you tried.
11. Cry
It is okay to cry every now and then. You don't have to pretend to be okay all the time.
12. Stop apologizing for being yourself
You are unique and should not have to feel sorry for it.
13. Have a sleepover with your friends
No matter how old you are, nothing beats face masks, pizza, and painting nails.
14. Walk in the rain without an umbrella
Jump in the puddles with your rain boots and be a kid for 20 seconds. Don't take life so seriously and be a kid again for a few seconds.
15. Try something new
You are never too old to try something you have always wanted to do. At some point you need to take a leap of faith and just go for it.
16. Read a book
With Netflix and the endless shows to binge watch, it is easy to forget about the good books that are out their. Pick a book that sparks your interest and curl up in bed and read it.
17. Go a day without makeup
With the different lip kits and various beauty products out in the world it is easy to lose sight of who we are. Take one day and go completely natural. Admire yourself in your most natural form for once.
18. Be selfish
This is the only time in your life where it is only about you. Make sure you are doing the things you want to do.
19. Lay in bed all day
Take one day to sleep in late and just lay in bed all day. Someday down the road you are going to wish you had time to stay in bed all day and be lazy.
20. Breath
Eleanor Roosevelt once said "today you are the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again". Don't grow up too fast.
