Dear Future Child,

I may barely be out of my adolescent years, practically still in them, but I have learned a lot through trial and error, watching others and listening to the words and stories of the adults I respect.

I am not claiming to know even close to everything yet, and I know I can't (nor do I want to) expose you to everything. That being said, I have composed an eclectic list with a wide range of things I think you should know.

This isn't some “cheat-guide-to-surviving-life." Frankly, some things you'll just have to learn on your own. Life gets complicated, and it gets easy to lose sight of who you are and who you want to be. I hope you can look at these things in times of trouble, or just as a simple reminder to keep life on track. Hopefully one day, you'll be able to add your own 50 things onto this list, but here's what I have to share with you:

• 1. Don't worry about things that are out of your control.
• 2. There is always going to be someone better looking than you, and there will always be someone better looking than that person. Moral of the story: don't compare yourself to others.
• 3. 90% of the time, your parents are right; the other 10% of the time, you're likely right but will have to settle with admitting you are wrong.
• 4. It's okay to enjoy a moment and not post it on social media.
• 5. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim to be the best person you can be.
• 6. Striving to please others is a good trait, but sometimes you have to put yourself first.
• 7. Learn how to say no.
• 8. Higher risk does not always mean higher reward; use common sense.
• 9. You're parents are your biggest cheerleaders, never be embarrassed to hug them in public, you'll regret it later if you don't.
• 10. Spend your money on vacations and memories rather than physical objects.
• 11. Learn from other people's mistakes; it can save you from making one of your own.
• 12. Try your best not to judge others.
• 13. No matter what religion you choose, choose to love God.
• 14. Everything, and I mean everything happens for a reason.
• 15. Love your siblings. One day they might be the only family you have left.
• 16. Do things out of your comfort zone.
• 17. It's okay to be afraid, but don't let it prevent you from living.
• 18. Always be a good host or hostess.
• 19. People remember the little things: good and bad.
• 20. Be a good date: Open her door, pay for her meal, tell him thank you etc.
• 21. Try your best in school: Grades don't define you, but your work ethic does.
• 22. Be kind.
• 23. Don't worry about popularity; once you pass high school it's non-existent.
• 24. Always say please and thank you.
• 25. Make eye contact when you speak to people, especially those older than you.
• 26. You don't always have to like people, but always respect them.
• 27. If you question if something you're doing is morally correct, it's most likely not. Don't do it.
• 28. Never expect someone to change.
• 29. Learn to let go and let God.
• 30. Pick your friends wisely; you'll be judged on whom you surround yourself with, whether it's accurate or not.
• 31. Stop worrying what other people think.
• 32. Don't settle.
• 33. Stay away from drugs. Nothing good can come from them.
• 34. Ask questions.
• 35. Splurge on nice things every once in a while.
• 36. It's easy to make excuses, but you're only cheating yourself.
• 37. Be the kind of person you'd want your kids to be.
• 38. Always give 100% in whatever you do.
• 39. Pick your battles.
• 40. You're going to fall off your bike, you're going to get into a car accident, you're not going to make a sports team: failure is okay, but work that much harder to get where you want to be.
• 41. College is the most fun time of your life, but it's also the hardest. No one can prepare you for it. Have fun, be smart and don't forget the reason you're there.
• 42. You'll learn just as much, if not more outside the classroom than you will in it.
• 43. Don't cuss. It's trashy.
• 44. Hold your own opinions, but at the same time try and understand those who disagree with you.
• 45. Travel.
• 46. Tell the truth: it always comes out.
• 47. Own a dog.
• 48. Your parents should be your best friends. You're a team, not enemies.
• 49. Say what you're thinking. You'll regret the things you didn't say more than what you said.
• 50. Be yourself. Chances are (especially if you're my kid), that you're pretty great just the way you are.

I'd be stupid to think you won't break these rules, but at least I know you've been exposed to them. I've come across all of these things, and wish I had been able to grasp them earlier. But hey, life is about figuring things out yourself, I'm just here to help.