When you're nineteen, people begin to look at you differently. Yes, you are still a teenager technically, but now you are in college making life decisions and many people also see you as an adult now. And while us teenagers are seen as inexperienced or naive and ignorant of the lessons of life, I'd like to share 19 lessons life has taught me thus far.
1. People will let you down.
As children we expect every person to make us happy and live up to the ever-so-important pinky-promises. However, I've learned that promises are broken, people do let you down, and the only person you can rely on 100% is yourself.
2. People will come and go.
As we begin to move states and move on with our lives, we lose friends. But we make new ones. The important part of this life lesson is that although people come and go, the memories stay forever.
3. It's okay to cry.
So many times I've heard that crying is for the weak or for babies. But it's natural. So cry. But after your cry, pick yourself up and take on the world.
4. Not everyone will like you.
I've always been a people pleaser and have, on numerous occasions, gone out of my way to try to make people like me. However, they don't; and that's life. Move on and focus on those who do like you.
5. Stop waiting for love.
Yes, I may seem too young to know what love is. But I do. I've learned to stop waiting for "the one" to come into your life. It's all up to fate and while it's exciting to think of love, stop waiting; it'll come.
6. Speak your mind.
Don't lose your voice. Especially in this point of life. Don't let others walk all over you. Tell your opinions, be passionate about something, and speak up!
7. Get sleep.
Because God knows that's not going to happen when we are old with full-time jobs and kids.
8. Don't live in the future or the past.
You can't change what happened and you can't plan your life. Live for today and cherish every moment of it.
9. Your heart will break.
Whether it is from a relationship or losing a close relative or friend, your heart will break. And it will probably break more than once. The most important part is to not let it stay broken and pick up the pieces and find something that makes your heart feel whole again.
10. Always be yourself.
Because everyone is different and unique in their own way. It's not fun to be someone you are not.
11. Try new things.
Go surfing, eat snails, go hiking at sunrise. Anything! Trying new things will make life so much more exciting.
12.There will always be someone better.
You will never be the prettiest or the smartest or the bravest. There's always someone better at something. But remember that while there is someone better, there is someone else who strives to be half as good as you.
13. Spend time with your parents.
You don't realize it, but they miss you when you go out or move to college or forget to call. Spend time with them; the time you have with them is precious.
14. Your parents know everything.
Trust me. Your parents were once your age. They understand the hardships of friends and school. They are much wiser than you think.
15. Mom is never wrong.
This is the greatest lesson. Mom is always right. No one knows why but it's just accepted.
16. It's okay to be alone.
You don't always need to be around people. Take a day to walk around your city or in a park. Spend the day by yourself it'll amaze you how relaxing it is.
17. Love with all your heart.
If you are passionate about something, put 110% into it. Put your heart out there and love everyone and everything with all you have.
18. Somedays just suck.
There are days when all you want to do is curl up in a ball, cry, and eat ice cream. That's okay. Some days are better than others. But remember that the sun always comes the next day.
19. Have fun--you only live once.
It's a long but amazing ride so make it the best.
