9 things I’ve learned by the age of 19:

1) Be ambitious. If you want something you’re going to have to go out and get it for yourself. This is a valuable skill that will get you far in life. “If you’re still looking for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror.”- Roman Price

2) The past never dictates your future. Your actions, maybe even mistakes, have been made and all you can do is acknowledge that and learn from it. “You cant start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one” -Unknown

3) Never settle. Know your worth and don’t let anyone fool you otherwise. You’re not disposable or ever just an option. Know what you deserve and know that you are worthy. “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” – Nelson Mandela

4) People, things and moments can be temporary. Accept temporary people. These people have been in your life for a reason, whether it be to show you who you are, who you should be, to fill a void, to love, or learn from. Nicholas sparks wrote, “It happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the way you do. So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.”

5) Change is good. Some fear change, but one should embrace it. It brings fresh beginnings and new adventures. “ The only thing that is constant is change.”- Heraclitus

6) Save money for the future: being broke sucks. “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” – Benjamin Franklin

7) Spend time on yourself. Take care of your body, mentally and physically. Exercise-look good, feel good-, learn to do things alone and be independent. Reconnect with yourself for that inner balance. “Focus on loving yourself instead of loving the idea of other people loving you.” – Unknown

8) Love yourself first. Self-confidence is something that seems all in the past nowadays. We all have things that we don’t like about ourselves, but you must realize that that is who you are and you are beautiful. All the struggles you’ve been through and the through challenges you will face, make you who you are today so embrace it. Once you can love yourself, everything else will fall into place. “ You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection” -Buddha

9) Life is now. Life doesn’t begin tomorrow, this weekend, when you’re ten pounds lighter, or when you are a millionaire. Never take a second for granted. Time is precious. Time is fragile. Be the person who you admire, see everyday as a new opportunity, find the joy in the small things, recognize your blessings and live in the moment. “Life is a journey, not a destination” – Ralph Waldo Emerson