This Tuesday, Oct. 4, I will turn 19. Last year of being a teenager, how crazy? Now that I've been an adult for a year, I am qualified to give some advice. (Not really, but I'm going to try, anyway.) Here are 18 things I learned at 18.
1. You Gotta Do You
I've always wanted my nose pierced; literally, as long as I can remember. So what did I do on my 18th birthday? I got my nose pierced! Some people told me I couldn't pull it off or whatever, but I did it because I knew it would make me happy.
2. Relationships Require Work
A lot of my friends started their freshman year of college while I was still a senior in high school. I didn't realize how quickly a friendship could stop because of distance. I really had to work at keeping these friendships, but it was worth it.
3. Allow Yourself To Be Goofy
Don't take yourself too seriously. Seriously. People would much rather laugh than do anything else. Allow yourself to be a goofball; life's better that way.
4. Appreciate Nature
Too often we fly by the roses we are supposed to stop and smell. Pull your car over to take pictures of the sky and look at the flowers.
5. Pet Your Dog As Much As You Can
I know, I know, crazy dog girl. But, for real, you're going to miss your dog so much when you head to school. Go pet your dog right now. You won't regret it.
6. Appreciate Your Family More
Loving people is hard, and your family has done it your whole life. Hug your mom more, text your dad some jokes and hang with siblings as much as you can.
7. Y.O.L.O (You Only Live Once)
You gotta risk it for the biscuit. Some of my best memories come from just saying, "Screw it. Lets do it." Life isn't meant to be lived inside the lines. Get bangs (that's what I did), wear a bold lipstick, go cliff jumping, try out for the play. Do anything you want! (As long as it's safe. I am not telling you to rob a bank or become a serial killer, OK?)
8. Try New Things
You can't knock it until you try it, right? I learned that I love all things productions related, and entered a film competition with some friends. We ended up getting 6th in the whole state! Very new, and totally worth it.
9. Find What Makes You Confident
People always tell us to be confident, but never tell us how. Find what makes you the happiest and do it as much as you can. For me, it was being a band geek. Embrace your passions.
For those of you wondering what that is: it's a contra alto eb bass clarinet. Band geek to the max.
10. Know Who Your True Friends Are
Who is willing to make a dinner run with you at 2 a.m. when you're craving Eggs Benedict? Who will cover you when you forget your wallet? Who laughs at your dad jokes? Find these people, and keep them close.
11. Get a Finstagram
"Finstagram" stands for fake Instagram, but in reality its your real Instagram. You post your ugly pictures and talk about what's actually going on in your life; not the polished, perfect version you post on Instagram.
12. Pay For Experiences
... And by experiences, I mean concerts. But also, go to museums, games and they'll all worth it.
13. Support Others
People need your help. Support mission trips, their dreams or everything. Use what resources you can to help others; whether it's money, time or creative ability.
14. Take Care of Your Body
Eat healthy, wear what makes you happy and enjoy God's creation.
15. Volunteer Where You're Passionate
Spend time with people that need you. Whether it be at church, school or a homeless shelter; try and spend some time there.
16. Get Creative
D.I.Y.s are so fun, cheap and always make good memories. Try and use Pinterest more.
17. Conquer Fears
Drops are my biggest fear. I only very recently started to ride elevators it's so bad. But, this summer I went cliff jumping and I flew by myself. I started to conquering this fear.
18. Be Vulnerable
This isn't the most fun thing to end on, but I do think it is the most important thing I learned, so that's what I'm ending with. Open up to people. Tell them your story. Let people inside your head and heart. It's hard and scary, but worth it. Great relationships are formed because of it.
