The past 20 years have been a life-long roller coaster...literally. I've picked up some tips along the way, though.
1. Give yourself more credit.
Don’t dwell on the failures. Instead, remember your success and let that drive you to always do your best. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Be proud of the person that you have become. There is no one else like you, so treat yourself as such.
2. Have more fun.
Go out with your friends even if you have work in the morning. Stay up late watching your favorite shows or playing video games. Do things you haven’t done before.
3. Don’t be too serious.
Know what’s worth fretting over. Some things just aren’t worth your worry. Life is too short to waste your time on things that simply do not matter.
4. Spend time with your family.
You never know how long you’ll have with them. Go to movies with your parents. Visit your grandparents. Go shopping with your cousins. Friends will come and go, but your family will always stay.
5. Make your own style.
Wear what you want. Do your makeup the way that you want. Do your hair the way that you want. You won’t be happy unless you can be yourself. That means being yourself on the outside, as well.
6. Smile more.
Smile for yourself. Smile at strangers. Smile at everything, because there is so much to smile about. You’ll be amazed what a bit of positivity can do.
7. Don’t hold onto toxic people.
People who do not treat you with the utmost respect are not worth your time. There is no use in holding onto something that is painful. It’s okay to let people go.
8. Don’t change yourself for someone else.
You are you, and there is no reason why you should have to change yourself. People who do not respect you for what you are, flaws and all, are not worth your time and attention. Let them go. Don’t lose yourself in someone else.
9. Don’t date someone until you know yourself.
There is no reason to look for love so quickly. Wait for it. Take the time to love yourself first. How can you care about another person if you can’t even care about yourself?
10. Love what makes you happy, not what’s trending.
It doesn’t matter what your hobbies are or what you watch on Netflix. Be yourself and do what makes you happy. Just because it isn’t trending, doesn’t mean you can’t be into it.
11. Don’t be bitter.
There are people that will wrong you and people that do not have your best interests in mind. Don’t be bitter because of them. They aren't worth your time, so don’t waste it on them.
12. Be yourself.
Be your weird, quirky, unusual self. There is no one else like you, so embrace it.
13. You are capable of more than you think.
There is nothing that you can’t do. Take a deep breath and go for it.
14. Know the battles worth fighting.
Don’t waste your breath on something that can't be wavered. Some people will not listen and some situations can’t be budged. It’s okay to accept that. Fight the battles that meant the most to you.
15. Your parents are usually right.
They know what they’re talking about. Listen to them more.
16. Your siblings are your best friends.
Your siblings will never leave your side. They know you better than anyone else and they will always want the best for you. Don’t let them drift away.
17. Don’t waste your time on people who won’t make time for you.
When you go your separate ways, don’t bend over backwards for people who won’t do the same for you. Let them go. Life is too short to try and keep broken connections together.
18. You will drift apart from your friends.
It’s okay. It doesn't mean that you don’t still care for each other. You’ve just grown up.
19. Read more.
Books are a chance to step away from reality. Take advantage of it. Also, you don’t need wifi to read. Netflix? Not so much.
20. Take selfies. Take them with friends too.
Be a little vain. You like your makeup? Take a selfie. You’re out with your friends? Take a selfie. Print out your pictures. Put them on Facebook and Instagram. We have access to technology that can document the best parts of our lives, so why not use it?
