1. Always be open to new people, places, and things
It can be scary putting yourself out there, putting yourself in a place you don't know, reaching out to people that you know nothing about, but you should never let that stop you. If you think about it you'll realize all of your best friends were once strangers, your favorite place is a place you once had never been before. Deciding to go away to college was a scary decision, but in less than two years I've already met some amazing people and made some amazing memories I wouldn't trade in for anything.
2. Make time for the little things
It is so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and forget about the things that make life worth living. I'm not saying to neglect your responsibilities, but take the time to laugh with a friend, or read a classic book. Play the instrument you love as loud as you can, bake the cookies you crave at 2am, paint the picture you're inspired to, you're never too old to finger paint in my opinion.
3. Do not engage in drama
Sadly, a lot of people thrive off of chaos; they'll sit in front of their TV in awe of strangers yelling at each other. The beauty in life does not come from conflict, however easy it is to get caught up in this web. Life is too short to waste time fighting over trivial things. The art of being over-dramatic is all about the spectacle, there is no substance to it, you can spot it from a mile away, avoid it at all costs.
4. Work hard now for what you want later
As humans we have a certain duality within us, and we don't always act in the present in a way that promotes our long term best interest. We need to get away from the satisfaction of instant gratification, and actually reflect on what we really want for ourselves before making impulsive decisions. Present-you should be the biggest advocate of your future self's best interest, not the opposite. We often can tell we are going to regret staying up so late, or skipping the gym, or eating the whole tub of ice cream. There is nothing wrong with any of those things, but if you're gonna be hitting yourself for it later, maybe rethink it.
5. You do not need anyone's approval. If you have to fight for it, it's probably not worth it
It's easy to seek the approval that does not come easily to us. Everyone likes to be liked, but in reality not everyone gets along with everyone else. Not all personalities are compatible. As people we are constantly evolving and at certain times, certain people might not be meant to be in your life, and that is more than ok. Never try and act a certain way to get someone to accept you. We are all people we all have the same value, and the approval of someone else does not define you.
6. Don't limit your perspective
Nothing is really black and white, the world is painted gray and if you only look at situations from your perspective you're really limiting yourself. Put yourself in someone else's shoes, take a look at the situations in your life as if you're a complete stranger. Life is too intricate to have a one-track mind.
7. Don't think you're crazy for actually feeling
In the world today it's often looked down upon to be emotional, to show how you're feeling. It's often seen as naive "to wear your heart on your sleeve" and speaking as someone with experience, it might be. It is very respectable to be able to always keep your composure and control how you feel, i strongly admire it myself. But, that doesn't mean that you need to detach yourself from your natural emotions. If you're happy, smile your biggest smile. If you find something funny laugh your heart out, i don't care if no one else thinks its funny. If you're upset you can be upset, you can cry, you can talk about it. Yes, handle things maturely but remember you're only human.
8. Honesty really is the best policy
Yes, there are so many different types of lies, you could write a book on it. Actually, someone probably already has. Are some lies okay? Yeah, probably. Are some lies debatably justifiable? Definitely. But think about it, credibility amongst each other is all we have. We live a life thriving off of our relationships with those around us and without trust, what do we have? Dishonesty really is the ultimate rabbit hole, one lie leads to a bigger lie and before you know it you're in too deep. There's no reason to have to worry about keeping a story consistent, or too feel guilt. Just try to be honest at all costs, it's not just good for those around you, it's good for the soul.
9. Love unconditionally
I'm not trying to sound like a classic "flower child" or a cheesy hallmark card, because i'm not even sure what "love" means, but the way i see it genuine "love" is unconditional. It is to appreciate something or someone for all that it is, not conditional around your relationship with it or how it affects you. It is to completely open your heart to something. Love your family even when the disfunction is drowning you, love your friends even when you're in the most ridiculous fight, love the beach even when its raining. Life is filled with so much beauty and there is nothing "cool" about being indifferent. Whether it be your favorite music, your job, your significant other ,the park by your house, the restaurant you go to spend your birthday at, take what you love and love the hell out of it.
