I spent most of my early years watching Lizzie McGuire conquer the world and Troy Bolton break hearts and I learned a lot (mostly from Lizzie McGuire).
1. It's important to always stay true to yourself.
Especially during some of the more impressionable years of your life.
2. But if you ever happen to be mistaken for an international pop star, that's okay too.
That's when it's acceptable to play along. Plus, you might meet and fall in love with a slimy but beautiful Italian boy named Paulo.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously.
If there's one thing that (old) Disney has taught me, it's to be myself and embrace the weird.
4. Enjoy the small things.
News flash: It's actually possible to have fun wherever and with whomever. It's a matter of how you handle the circumstances you are given.
5. The correct way to deal with "haters."
They don't even faze you.
6. How to properly leave school for the summer.
It is one hundred percent okay to throw a bunch of random papers into the air and then leave.
7. It is entirely possible to meet, kiss, and sing with your favorite teenage heartthrob.
I'm still waiting to meet Jesse McCartney and Nick Jonas. It'll happen.
8. Don't get so caught up in trying to look or be a certain way that you lose sight of what's really important.
I definitely stopped caring about looking "cool" a long time ago. Honestly, life is just more fun that way.
If you like that meowing cat sweater, you wear that meowing cat sweater.
9. Beauty comes in many shapes and sizes.
And no one should be discredited for that.
10. To ask all of the right questions.
Even Stevens taught me to really think about the concepts of social justice and other pressing matters.
11. PRNDL.
I refuse to call the gear shift anything other than "the PRNDL."
12. Always aim high.
I try...
13. Put down the pies and practice basic health.
Pie is delicious and awesome (it's my favorite) but so is living a long life, right?
14. This gem.
I just really appreciate this high quality piece of art.
15. How to ball.
I learned everything I needed to know from Cory Baxter.
16. When in doubt, dance it out.
Self-realization comes in many forms, some better than others.
17. Gratification can't be found in tearing others down (that rhymed).
Camp Rock and High School Musical just speak to my soul.
18. It is entirely acceptable to, either, refuse to move with or completely break the status quo.
Please don't let anyone try to tell you what lunch table you belong to. That's not actually a thing in the real world so don't lean into it. Do your own thing, man.
