I know that this probably seems crazy. I mean, I am only a twenty-year-old college student and I am writing about life lessons that I will be offering to my future children. There are still many milestones for me to reach in my life until I have children of my own. Although I am very young, I feel that my experiences and the lessons that I have learned over the years can serve as useful advice to my future children.

After being born into an amazing family (“amazing” doesn’t even do my family justice), I have had the greatest support system behind me my whole life. My parents and grandparents have taught me about the important things in life: my faith, love, kindness, generosity (to name a few). With this being said, I feel that I have accumulated so much knowledge, knowledge that I can pass down to my future children.

Always obey the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

We are all taught this rule during our pre-school days, and this rule is relevant throughout life. If you are good to others, then they will be good to you. What goes around, comes around.

Learn to be confident in your own skin.

Embracing your originality is a significant step to a successful life. After all, you need to love yourself before you can love others.

Ask questions.

Never ever think that a question you have is stupid. Fulfill your curiosity because in the end, you will grow as a person.

Follow your dreams.

Be determined to achieve what you want. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are incapable of achieving something. When people doubt you, just prove them wrong with your actions because actions speak louder than words.

It’s okay to be upset.

Express your emotion. Although it may be difficult at times, tell others why you’re upset. Bottling up your feelings will not lead to any progress, it will just make you feel worse.

Don’t count on others to make you happy.

You are responsible for your own happiness. Possessions may make you feel happy temporarily, but there is nothing in the world that can substitute the feeling of being truly happy in life. It isn’t a mood, it is a lifestyle.

Stay away from negative people.

Never let others dull your sunshine. Only surround yourself with people who are positive and lift you up rather than those who knock you down.

Use your manners.

“Please” and “thank you” go a long way.

Accept when you are wrong.

This will prove your maturity to others. There is no doubting that it is difficult, but it really shows others the kind of person you are. Grudges are only going to weigh you down tremendously.

Count your blessings.

Someone always has it worse than you…always. Keep yourself in check by realizing what is right in front of you. Recognize the things that you typically take for granted and train yourself to gain a new perspective. Appreciate everything that you have.

I have realized over the years that life really is a rollercoaster. You will never know what lies ahead. There will be a turn that you have never expected, or a huge drop that will feel like you’re falling off the end of the world. Life is not easy, but I need you to know that you were given your life because you are strong enough to live it. Every obstacle that is presented to you is there because you can handle it…you are capable of overcoming anything that you put your mind to.