Looking back, I wish there was someone who could’ve bestowed upon me the wisdom I now know and hold dearly. Things I wish I knew or took seriously in my early teen years that I now hold close to my heart.

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the past 23 years of my life. I hope it helps you like it has helped me.

1. Your parents always know what’s best.

2. Your mother is always your best friend.

3. Always trust your gut feeling.

4. Love yourself first.

5. Your body is beautiful with every flaw.

6. It’s okay to cry every now and then.

7. Having time to yourself is always good.

8. Never apologize for thinking your health is more important than going out.

9. Everyone makes mistakes, but how you will move on from them is what is important.

10. Love hurts, but not as much as not loving someone.

11. Your job now doesn’t define you.

12. It’s okay not to go to college straight away.

13. The people who you are trying to fit in with now won’t matter in years to come.

14. Building yourself up comes before trying to build someone else up.

15. Make mistakes because from those will come your greatest accomplishments.

16. Find a passion or many passions that you enjoy.

17. Don’t compare yourself to others because you are unique and beautiful the way you are.

18. Don’t over work yourself trying to meet others expectations.

19. It’s okay to vent, but if you don’t like your situation, change it.

20. Change your mind and change it once again because life is full of lessons.

21. Don’t look down on others because they don’t have the things or drive that you do.

22. Never beat yourself up for your mistakes, learn from them.

23. Be kind to yourself because there is never another you in this world.