1. Stress less.
Stress is something everyone experiences at one time or another in their lives. Stress isn't always a bad thing-- it means that you care. And sometimes stress can put a pressure on you that will result in some of the best work you've ever done. But when stress is hurting more than helping, it's time to let it go. You can't help things that are out of your control. Sometimes you can only do the best that you can do with what you're given, and that's ok.
2. If it's meant to be, it will be.
If there's a situation in my life and I'm unsure and worried about how it'll turn out, my first action is to overthink. "What if this happens? What if it doesn't?" But you know what that does? Absolutely nothing. You cannot prepare for everything that life throws at you. If something is supposed to happen, it will. Simple as that. And you will be ok either way, I promise.
3. Take care of you.
Whether you work or you're in school or anything else in between, it can be extremely easy to forget to care for yourself between your responsibilities. At the end of the day, the only person we are guaranteed to have is ourselves, so why not try and make ourselves as happy and healthy as possible? It's not being selfish to give yourself the care you need and deserve. Loving and caring for others is a great thing, but it's also important to take care of ourselves, too.
4. Pick your battles
Life is short, yet it's longest thing we will ever do. Regardless, we don't know how long our lives will last, so is it really worth it to spend time expending negative energy on issues that don't have much affect on the big picture? I think it's necessary to fight for things that are extremely important to you. I think it's necessary to stick up for yourself or others when not getting the respect that is deserved. But sometimes it's helpful to stop and think before you pick your battles and what you're going to spend your time on.
5. Don't be afraid of change.
Change is healthy. Life is an ever-changing thing, and that's part of what makes it so interesting. People are going to walk in and out of your life, and you will learn many things from the people you meet. This piece of advice also goes for big life steps, like graduating or getting a new job or moving somewhere new. Change is scary because it's easy to fear the unknown, but what if what's waiting for you is better than you could have ever expected?
6. Love is a choice, choose wisely.
It's like I'm just getting cheesier as I go, right? You don't have to love your family just because they're your blood, but you can choose to. Same with your friends and romantic partners. People aren't always easy, therefore loving them isn't always easy. There will be days when that difficulty arises and you don't necessarily feel that love-- the warmth of family/friend love or the spark of romantic love. But you can still choose to love someone on their worst days. The day you stop choosing will be the day you lose that love, and you can't always get that back.
7. You're not always right, and that's okay.
I know. You have all the facts. You have substantial evidence. You feel it in your bones that you are correct... but that's not always the case. Listen to what others have to say. Try and put aside your opinion for one moment and open your mind. It doesn't hurt, I promise.
8. F*** your pride, be honest. Be vulnerable.
I've screwed myself over so many times because my pride has gotten in the way. Everyone has their pride, and it's important to an extent, but sometimes you have to be vulnerable to get to the good stuff. It can be scary to open up, but it can help you live a fuller life. Be honest about how you feel, and tell it to the people who matter (I'm cringing as I write this, but it's good advice). I definitely don't always follow this advice, but it's something I know from experience. Several times over. But I'm working on it.
I'm done being sentimental now, but at least I can say I've shared a bit of what I learned about life so far. Go live and be happy.
