I have only spent 19 years on this Earth so far, but I have learned quite a bit along the way. Many of these things (not all of them) I learned just in my first year of college. It's truly amazing how such a major life change demanded me to grow immensely and learn so much about myself. No, I am not a word-crafting magician with groundbreaking, new ideas in these lessons, but they are authentic to who I am and how I feel at this exact point in my life. Beware now, there are plenty of clichés and cheesy lines. Although you might feel like you are reading an overpriced inspirational quote book from Hallmark with valuable wisdom to take into this next chapter of your life, you are not, I remind you now. You are reading the thoughts and lessons learned by a 19-year-old girl who is just trying to navigate early adulthood.
1. It's OK to admit you're not OK.
2. People change. Even you. It's just an inevitable part of growing up.
3. You can't please everyone. It seriously is impossible.
4. All you really need to do something you always wanted or to step out of your comfort zone is 20 seconds of insane courage. Those 20 seconds really can open up new possibilities.
5. You may not ever find your "passion." But searching your whole life will make you miserable. Just stick with people and activities that make you happy and make you feel alive.
6. Sometimes it's OK to cry.
7. Don't take life too seriously. It's fun learning to laugh at yourself because you do some pretty embarrassing things.
8. Chase your dreams (I know, so cheesy) and work hard, because yes, they might actually come true.
9. Be kind to others, they have stories much deeper than you could ever imagine.
10. ALWAYS be yourself. That is where your confidence lies.
11. Be in the moment, it's much more fulfilling than your celebrity crush's Snapchat story.
12. Take nothing for granted, despite how easy it is to do so.
13. Time really does go much faster than you'd think, especially when you're having fun.
14. Sometimes you need to put yourself first, no matter how difficult it may be as a perpetual people pleaser.
15. People are usually more concerned with themselves than about anything you're dealing with. So no, they probably can't tell you wore those leggings yesterday.
16. Anything worth doing is worth doing with all your effort.
17. What other people think of you does not define you, it won't matter in five years, or 10, so it doesn't matter now.
18. Your parents will always be your best friends, your biggest fans, your wisest teachers...cherish them.
19. You are more than likely the number one thing holding you back—your excuses, your fear, your inability to forgive.
