The winter of 2013 was my senior year of high school and like most teenage girls, I was concerned about boys, clothes, and college. I wouldn’t have considered myself mature, but I sure as hell didn’t have much life experience. I was forced to grow up fast when there was a shooting at my high school that year. Two of my classmates lost their lives and the rest of us lost our sense of reality. Though being at school that day was the hardest and most horrific day of my life, I am incredibly thankful for some of the lessons that I had to learn at a fairly young age. Experiencing a tragedy isn’t something I would wish upon anyone, especially not in their youth, but unfortunately, it happens. As I hear about tragedies across the country occurring on a regular basis it breaks my heart to see the pain so many are feeling. After a few years of soul searching and reorganizing my life, I have finally made peace with my past. I have learned lessons that I would never fully understand had I not experienced a tragedy.
1. Some of the greatest friendships come from the worst situations.
There is something about hard times that brings people together. I have made some of my closest and strongest friendships in my toughest times.
2. Scars are beautiful.
Whether they are visible or invisible, everyone has scars and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Our past isn’t something that defines who we are, but shows where we have come from and what we have learned. Scars show growth and progress. There is no reason to ever be ashamed of your past.
3. Your voice deserves to be heard.
You have a voice; use it. The blessing of free speech is too often overlooked. Yes, I know that you think your one voice doesn’t matter, but I promise it does. Whether it’s standing up for something you believe in or voting in an election, every voice counts. Be passionate and stay true to your opinions.
4. Be kind unconditionally.
Everyone has their own struggles and as normal as they may look on the outside you have no idea how broken they may be on the inside. Stick to the golden rule and always treat others as you wish to be treated. A little kindness can go a long way and you have no idea how your smile in the elevator could change someone’s life.
5. You are the only person who knows what is best for yourself.
There is a reason your life is yours. Live it for yourself and don’t let others choose who you are. Though there are always people who can give you advice, ultimately the decisions are up to you. Follow your heart and make your life what you want. You don’t get a second chance.
6. Learn what matters in life and forget about what doesn’t.
Sometimes it can be hard to separate materialistic importance from life importance. At the end of your life is it really going to matter if you had the newest cell phone right when it came out? Life is about moments, people, and memories. Don’t sacrifice your long-term happiness for a now moment. As well, don’t get caught up over one bad quiz or paper; it won’t define how far you can go in life.
7. Tell people how you feel every change you get because you never know when your last chance will be.
Say ‘I love you’ every time you leave your family. Kiss your significant other when you walk out the door. Tell the boy you’re in love with how you feel. The unexpected does happens and you never want to regret not having said something when you had the chance.
8. Life matters.
Someone cares about you. Whether you are a celebrity or the most average of humans, you are important. Every person you come across in a day is important. Nobody deserves to live any more or any less than you do. Live your life with purpose and passion and give everyone else the respect to do the same. Someone cares about you, whether you know it or not. You are loved unconditionally and unchangeably.
Being positive is one of the hardest things in life. It’s a tough world out there, but our experiences are what make us who we are. Even the worst moments have something brilliant about them. Don’t let the hard times break you, let them build you into a stronger person.
