Jane Fonda said, "You don't learn from successes; you don't learn from awards; you don't learn from celebrity; you only learn from wounds and scars and mistakes and failures. And that's the truth."
1. Water is important. Drink a lot of it.
Drinking water isn't just a trend. People are posting about it so much because it is so important for your body to function. It's not fun fainting in restaurants as a result of not consuming enough water, so drink up!
2. If you're not doing it, someone else is.
Let’s face it, this world is competitive. But, if someone else can do it, you can too. We are all human beings (no one is better than you and you are better than no one). Being passionate and working hard goes a long way when trying to succeed.
3. Respect is earned.
Many are raised on the belief of respecting your elders. But, what your parents didn't warn you about as a child is that adults can be extremely negative and degrading. Not everyone deserves your respect and for your own self-worth you shouldn't give it away so easily.
4. Never judge someone.
"Don't judge a book by its cover" is such an old cliché, but truer words were never said. Roles can swap very easily, and you may find yourself doing exactly what you judged another for doing. The universe is listening.
5. Just because you follow someone on social media doesn't mean you actually know them.
People like the idea of having a certain social media brand. Just because they appear transparent through a screen doesn't mean that is who they are. For better or worse, it's impossible to really know someone after hanging out a few times, let alone based off a Facebook page.
6. They were right when they said drugs weren't cool.
Everyone said it—your parents, teachers, coaches. And while peer pressure is real, so is pure curiosity. Growing up, you see how dabbling in drugs has killed people you know and ruined countless relationships. Just don't do it.
7. Boys can be really, really mean.
I guess it was kind of cute when they pushed you in mud on the playground, but it's definitely getting old now. In an era of #metoo and inequality, it's time men stop being boys. Leave the "talking" and "you up" texts in 2017.
8. Girls can also be really, really mean.
This one is still confusing because true women empower other women. There are so many smart and talented ladies that can just be mean. More often than not, this negative energy stems from jealousy. Don't let this get you down. Be flattered and walk away.
9. Someone's political views do not define who they are as a person.
Anyone that judges your self-worth on the basis of which political party you support is not needed in your life. These people are unable to see what your reality is and unable to listen to your perspectives. Reminder: people are multifaceted individuals. No time for those who don't yearn to know who you really are in 2018.
10. There is more to the world than your small town.
The world is big, bright and beautiful—so much more than you could ever imagine from pictures or blog posts. Experiencing other cultures and learning from other people is priceless. Traveling for an extended period of time is absolutely terrifying at first. But, the tears and homesickness do go away and are replaced by timeless moments.
11. You'll be more productive if you wake up early.
This one really is common knowledge but is so hard to do when your bed beckons you to sleep more. Staying out late is all fun and games, until you don't wake until noon the following day. Having a bedtime is the way to go.
12. The hardest part of achieving something is getting started.
Half of the battle is just doing it. Even if you fall on your face, just try. You will learn and grow from the experience and be more prepared for the next time. Stop the procrastinating!
13. Your family can really hurt you.
It's an uncomfortable and sad truth. They can and will at some point in life let you down or cause you stress and anxiety. You may even be the cause of some problems. All you can do is love them for who they are.
14. Knowing that tomorrow is always is a new day.
You didn't work out today? No big deal. Just do it tomorrow. Your time on earth is truly precious and there is no time to waste. Every day is a blessing and a gift. Live wisely, don't stress about what you didn't achieve, and instead focus on what you did.
15. Write. It. Down.
Your intentions for the day, what you want to do in the next year, why you are angry at so and so, what you need to buy from Costco, your homework assignments, your dream job: just write it. Who cares if it doesn't make sense to anyone else, you're writing it for you. Not only does this keep you accountable, but also its fun to look back on. Plus, forgetfulness can no longer be used as an excuse.
16. Death is definite.
Life is fragile. People only seem to realize when they are personally affected by death just how instantly someone can be gone. You can't get them back, no matter how much you pray or cry. With that being said, as much as someone hurts or wrongs you never wish death upon them, they have a purpose in this word.
17. Positive thoughts do wonders for the soul.
Every single second of the day you have the power to change your attitude. It's astonishing how simple this fact is, yet so many people do not act upon it. You are entirely up to you. It is impossible to spread kindness and love if you do not value your own self-worth first.
Here's to learning many more lessons in 2018!