"If I only knew then what I know now" is a phrase I've found running through my head a lot lately. I don't know if I'm really qualified to be giving anyone advice, but here's my best shot. Take it for what you will.
1. Your worth is not based on the amount of likes you get on Instagram.
2. Never say no to pizza.
3. A few good friends are better than a lot of not-so-good ones.
4. There are no popular people in the real world.
5. Don't get hung up on that one guy who doesn't give you the time of day.
6. Be open minded.
7. Making your bed is the best way to avoid the urge to get back in it.
8. You are not required to have a super sweet 16th birthday party.
9. You don't need to find the love of your life in high school (or even college).
10. Apologize when you know you're wrong.
11. And forgive others who apologize when they know they're wrong.
12. Wearing sweatpants to class will not kill you.
13. Nobody can make you do something that you don't want to.
14. Put your phone down.
15. Learn to love yourself.
16. Eating lunch alone is OK.
17. Enjoy home-cooked meals while they last.
18. You will never be too cool to spend time with your family.
19. Driving will get really annoying really fast.
20. Pretending to be dumb to fit in isn't worth it.
21. Stand up for yourself.
22. Stand up for others, too.
23. Don't choose a college just because all of your friends are going there.
24. Call your grandparents.
25. You don't need a fancy car, you'll thank your parents later.
26. Nobody will remember that you tripped up the stairs.
27. Procrastination is OK; laziness is not.
28. Be silly even when everyone else is being boring.
29. Learn to laugh at yourself.
30. Stop waiting for something better to happen, enjoy where you're at now.
31. You are going to be overwhelmed, push through.
32. Be smart when posting online, you never know who's looking.
33. Don't let your passion be stifled because someone said you can't make a career out of it.
34. You don't have to get hooked on coffee just because it makes you feel mature.
35. Take pictures. Lots of them.
36. Just because he retweets you does not mean he likes you.
37. You are in control of your life. Don't let anybody make you feel inferior.
38. Spray tans never turn out well.
39. Don't waste your time eating McDonald's salads, get a Big Mac instead.
40. Brand names are not the be-all end-all.
41. Good friends will respect your decisions.
42. It's not the end of the world if you don't have a date to prom.
43. Always try to be the best version of yourself.
