Like most people around me, I’ve had my fair share of odd experiences. Some were great, some were horrendous, while others were just plain weird. But over these past 19 years, I’ve come to appreciate all of these different life occurrences. I’m grateful for what they have all taught me even if it wasn’t in the most desirable manner. Here are 9 important life lessons I have learnt at 19 (in no particular order).

1. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are weak.

Whether it’s asking your professor a question, or talking to a counselor about personal issues; seeking help DOES NOT make you weak. You owe it to yourself to figure out what the answers are, how to do better, how to GET better. And talking to someone about it doesn’t make you any less capable.

2. Don’t be afraid to say no.

If you are truly uncomfortable with doing something (it goes against your core beliefs, morals, etc.) it is perfectly okay to decline. Just because others around you are participating, doesn’t mean you have to compromise your own comfort to fit in.

3. But don’t be afraid to say yes, either.

At the same time, if it doesn’t go against everything you stand for and isn’t super dangerous, maybe trying something new isn’t such a bad idea. There are certain things in life that could really broaden your horizons. And even if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, at least it was an experience.

4. It is OK to make mistakes.

They are often the best ways we can truly learn and grow. We all make them, we just have to make the most of it and try our best not to repeat them. Even if it was mortifying at the time, chances are months from now you will look back at it and laugh.

5. Spending time with yourself is a good thing.

I use to think I needed to be surrounded by people 24/7 to feel secure. Boy, was I wrong. Being alone at times is not only a good thing, it’s necessary. Let’s be real, sometimes people are overwhelming. Having that time to just chill and be on your own can be a much-needed breath of relief.

6. No one has their shit together. No one.

Social media creates this wonderful illusion where it seems like everyone around us is living the dream. While it’s fun seeing what people are up to nowadays, it can be slightly disheartening when you scroll through all the pictures of beautiful people saving children in a third-world country, when your biggest accomplishment of the day is finishing two seasons of your favorite show. As unbelievable as it sounds, even the former model who is now a med school student doesn’t have it all together. All of us have to roll with whatever life throws at us and trust that things will be OK.

7. Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are the ones that will be better for you in the long run.

There are always pros and cons to whatever decision we make. Yet even when the negatives are painful to deal with, the long-term benefits could be well worth it. It could be ending a longtime friendship that has now become toxic on both ends. It could be pursuing an amazing opportunity that is halfway across the world. Whatever it may be, there are times when taking that leap of faith is what you need to lead a more fulfilling/healthy life in the future.

8. The moment we accept our flaws, no one can ever use them against us.

It’s definitely easier said than done, but it’s true. Because if you aren’t ashamed of your flaws, how can someone make you feel bad about them?

9. Don’t ever be apologetic about who you are.

You should never have to tell someone sorry for being yourself. Are you super awkward? Do have a crazy laugh? Is your secret passion performing a one man show of “Actual Cannibal Shia LaBeouf?” Great! That’s what makes you unique and you shouldn’t be ashamed of that. Everyone has their quirks, we just have to own them. So…

DO YOU!

#sorrynotsorry