When we are young, we are constantly making mistakes and finding our place in the world. Looking back on my childhood, there are many things that I know now that I wish I could have known back then. If I could go back, these 27 things are what I would tell my younger self.

1. Call Mom and Dad -- they miss you and have sacrificed everything for you.

Call them, even if you’re busy. Call them even when they make you angry. Tell them you love them. Call them. Smile too often. Love too much. Life is too short for you to be upset about anything. Let it go. Smile.

2. When you’re young, you don’t realize that everything doesn’t last forever.

You take people and places for granted because you don’t yet understand their rarity and their value. Look at every day, every person, and every moment, like it is the last time you will ever see it. Live your life to the absolute fullest. Tell people how you feel.

3. Care about school.

Don’t make it all you care about, but don’t forget to stay on top of it all. After all, it is important. The one test you fail won’t make or break your career. We all have bad days; learn from them.

4. The fight you had with your best friend seems like the end of the world, I know.

Sadly, that never fully goes away, but don’t let it change who you are.

5. Boys seem like they are the most important part of your life sometimes.

You’re young. Take it all slow. Chances are, that boy won’t matter to you in 15 years.

6. Change is okay.

It is scary, but necessary. Never be afraid to be the odd man out.

7. Create values and stick to them.

8. If you see someone having a bad day, comfort them.

If you see someone all alone at lunch, eat with them. That is what you have always done. It is who you have always been. Make new friends.

9. Learn to see when you’re wrong and apologize.

Don’t be stubborn. Make it right, fix the problem.

10. Don’t sweat the little things, but be conscious of others’ emotions and always tell people how you feel.

11. Keep yourself busy, you thrive that way.

Do a million things at once. But make sure you set aside enough time for yourself and the things and people that are important to you.

12. Stay active.

If you want ice cream, eat ice cream. But remember, you are always at your happiest when you are at your healthiest. Don’t sit inside and watch Netflix all day. Experience the world while you are young and able.

13. Let the good things come to you.

Live in the moment. Don’t spend your whole life wishing for more. Be happy with who you are and where you are.

14. Follow your heart.

Money doesn’t matter. Do what feels right. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t have your best interest in mind.

15. Make mistakes.

They’re necessary to learn and grow, but do not let those mistakes define who you are.

16. Your brother, your cousins, and your family are all your best friends.

They will anger you to no end and offend you more often than not. But family is forever. Remember that. With that being said, call Mom and Dad. They miss you.

17. Be spontaneous and outgoing.

It’s who you are.

18. Help the less fortunate and stay involved.

You’ve always loved doing this. It may only be a few hours out of your time, but it can make someone’s day, maybe even change their life. Everything else can wait.

19. It is totally fine to not know.

It is totally fine to not be fine, sometimes. We are all trying to figure out who we are in this world, you’re not alone. You will figure it out eventually, and it is OK to ask for help. Seek guidance where it is needed.

20. Create your own path.

You have never been a follower. You are as independent as they come, and sometimes that intimidates people. Don’t let it deter you. Be who you are.

21. Believe in fairytales.

If we can dream it, we can believe it and we can make it happen. Dreams can always come true.

22. Find comfort in the small things.

The ticking of a clock helps you fall asleep, especially when you’re feeling anxious. Take a step back and enjoy what’s right in front of you.

23. Don’t regret a single moment.

They have made you who you are. Embrace them.

24. Try to understand where your parents are coming from.

If I could go back, I would try to build a stronger bond with my mother. She is the single person who always has my back. I took that for granted and I was mean to her. Don’t be that way. However, it is never too late to try and make amends.

25. See the imperfections in people and love them for them.

But also learn from other people. If you see them act a way you don’t like or do something you don’t like, see it in yourself. Make sure you don’t act that way, either.

26. Life has a strange way of pushing you down and pulling you back up.

It’s like an ocean wave. It attacks and then retreats, over and over again. Learn from this. Go with the flow and listen to what the world has to say.

27. Appreciate what you have.

This is the most important lesson. Be happy, be healthy and be nice. Love your family. Love your friends. Love your life. Don’t look back in 10 years and wish you had done something different. Live in the right now. Get off your bed. Be spontaneous. Go experience the world. Your greatest days are still ahead of you. Go be amazing.