19 Lessons To Remember As You Kiss Your Teenage Years Goodbye

I hate being reminded that I am turning 20. It's scary because this year has flown by way too quickly. If you didn't know, on February 25th of 2019 I will be turning 20 years old. I'm no longer a teen. I know I'm not growing any taller so I will be in between 5'3" and 5'4" forever. I bet you, I won't look 21 when I turn it in two years. I will hand them my real ID and they will say it's fake, but this is beside the point. Turning 21 is exciting. As we grow older we are learning more and more about our selves and the world around us.

So, here are some of the most important things I have heard and learned in my 19 years and eight months.

1. It's not what you say, it's how you say it

In my perspective, this phrase should be considered when talking to someone in person or over text. Disclaimer: I am not as boring as I sound over text, I am actually an outgoing person. Consider how you speak to someone in every context professional, social, or familiar (close friends or significant others).

2. Your eyes are bigger than your stomach

Just know that even at the time that you are most hungry, starving even, you won't need to double your food intake.

3. All those bad feelings are TEMPORARY

I know this is easier said when you are "out of the woods." There have been many times that I have thought I was going to feel the pain of different memories and stressful times forever. But, I promise with proper self-help you will conquer.

4. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill

I'm not sure if this is a unique saying to where I am from but I heard it a lot as a young kid. This means that some problems are not as huge as we make them out to be. So stop being dramatic and check your self.

5. You are a treasure

I always hear from my great aunt "My treasures." I'll say this, I don't care who you are but you are unique in so many ways like every treasure ever found.

6. You got someone to blame, then your all set

This was my senior quote and I wouldn't change it because I live by it. In any situation, most people carry some sort of blame. Always monitor yourself and your actions as well as others.

7. Always work harder than the person next to you

People who try their best will feel their best and will have a great work ethic.

8. Be the bigger person

You know that the other person is wrong, I know that. But you should always consider the opposite point of view no matter how much that person may be wrong.

9. Nobody cares as much as you do

Why should they put forth a lot of effort if you are not giving everything you got.

10. If it's not going to matter in five years don't give it five minutes

Everything seems worse in the moment until you forget about it minutes later.

11. You deserve to be happy no matter what

Don't justify excuses as to why you're not happy. If you're not happy then do something to change it.

12. When you talk you repeat what you know, when you listen you learn

If you're not learning something new every day you are not living up to your fullest potential.

13. You're disappointing yourself if you are being anyone but yourself

Be the best version of yourself because no one is like you.

14. Listen to your gut

If your gut says not to do it, don't because it's usually always right.

15. Take every new opportunity

Accept opportunities that will give you experience or better help yourself succeed.

16. Be a sponge

Soak up a lot of information and always keep learning.

17. Stay open-minded because you're not always right.

We cannot always be right. Always consider that you won't be.

18. It's OK to change

Just because you have certain values now does not mean those won't change over time. Change into a person you would like to be.

19. Friends come and go but the best ones stay

Surround yourself with people of the same values to make yourself a better person.