There is a certain nostalgia that accompanies thinking about childhood. There is a certain part of me that wants to return to the days of after-school snacks, and looking forward to the new Disney Channel movie premiere. There is also a part of me that is thankful I grew out of this phase, and can enter into the scary yet exciting, “real world.” It’s hard to think about which life I like the best, but it’s easy to think about what I wish I could tell my younger self. Growing up has helped me learn many lessons- some simple, some mind blowing, and some all around great.

1. Spend as much time with your family as you can, you'll want to remember those memories.

2. Also spend time with your pet. Spend lots of time with your pet.

3. Use your imagination as much as you can- you don't get as many chances to when you're older.

4. Build lots of forts.

5. Try as many things as possible, it'll be easier to find your passion.

6. Social media isn't as cool as you think.

7. No, really. It's not as fun as other people make it seem.

8. You don't have to have a lot of close friends-you're 10.

9. You might not know who your real friends are until you're 18.

10. The fights with your siblings are usually pointless.

11. If someone is bullying you at school, stand up to them.

12. Karma does exist, even if it takes years to happen.

13. Look at your outfits to see if they actually match.

14. Look at your outfit again- does that jean skirt really match that bedazzled shirt?

15. Then again, don't worry about what you wear. No one's wearing anything that matches.

16. It's cool to hang out with your grandparents.

17. Did I mention that your friends are going to change?

18. Stop trying to predict the future.

19. Driving is fun, but appreciate the years of fighting over shotgun with your sibling.

20. Boys will always have cooties.

21. Figure out who you are first, before you try to be something you're not.

22. Act your own age. Being 10 is fun.

23. Take lots of pictures.

24. Seriously, you'll love pulling out old photos and reminiscing for hours.

25. Don't worry about too much. Save that for when you're an adult.

26. Going to sleep early isn't lame.

27. Take even MORE pictures than you did.

28. Don't complain when you have to take Christmas Card photos. It'll eventually turn into a timeline of interesting outfits and many stylish haircuts.

29. It's going to be hard to leave home.

30. Don't be afraid to explore.

31. You will get caught if you lie to your parents.

32. In case you forgot, spend time with your pet.

33. Don't deny the phases you went through.

34. I'm talking about the Avril Lavigne, HSM 1-3, Polly Pocket phases.

35. Try to do art. You might not be very good, but it's fun to try.

36. Sleep with all your stuffed animals so none get offended.

37. Read for fun. You'll forget what this is like once you're distracted by the ACT, SAT, tests, and other courses that make you lose sleep.

38. Write for fun. It'll be funny to read what your 10-year-old self came up with.

39. Don't complain when your mom wants to take pictures on every family vacation.

40. Appreciate everyone around you. They won't always stay, but they'll all teach you something.