So you're 19. This is the last year that you can call yourself a teenager. You're going to be a twenty-something soon. You became "legal" only one short year ago, but you still aren't old enough to drink legally, and your drivers license is still provisional. You're stuck in the middle of adulting and being a reckless teenager and its muddy waters. So here's to you, the 19-year-olds.
1. You are important.
Your feelings are valid, regardless of how big or small. Feelings and emotions are all so relative. Why base what you should feel on someone else’s feelings?
2. Someone has it worse than you, and someone has it better.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t feel sad or hopeless or angry.
3. There is a time and a place for everything in your life.
Do not waste seconds and hours and minutes worrying and waiting and dying for things to happen. Go out and do and let everything fall into place in its own time.
4. Not all of the people you meet are meant to stay in your life.
If a person is not beneficial to your growth, building you up, helping you to be better and loving you the way you deserve to be loved, then they don’t deserve you.
5. Speak your mind and live unapologetically.
There will be people who disagree with you and people who don’t like what you have to say. It is OK.
6. Never stop being the beautifully individual you to please someone else.
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not for approval or acceptance. If you’re a black girl who likes sci-fi and punk rock, indulge yourself regardless of what people say you should or should not like.
7. People are mean.
People are cut throat. People look out for themselves and only themselves. There is a way to build yourself up while also lifting others. Don’t fall victim to the vicious cycle you have been thrown into. They will tell you there is no other way. They are wrong.
8. It is OK to be alone.
You don’t always have to be surrounded by people. Be alone. Think. Read. Drink tea. Listen to music. Talk to yourself. Draw pictures. Write a poem or a short story. Paint a picture. Watch a sad movie. Do it all for you.
9. Things will come when they are meant to.
You will see everyone around you falling in love and having their first real relationship, their first kiss or their first sexual experience. You will want and yearn to have those things. You will be dying to finally experience what you’re missing out on, and in the process of waiting for it, you’ll miss it. In the meantime, live your life.
10. Stop fearing the future.
Just stop.
11. Read books.
Books are like movies that go on forever. Books are like food for your brain and your soul. If you don’t like to read, take some time and find a really good book and read it. If you can’t read, have someone teach you, and in the meantime, have them read to you. Read! You will be glad you did.
12. Take care of your body.
Know your limits. Don’t push yourself into something that will harm you.
13. Pamper yourself.
Sometimes it's OK to splurge on a new lipstick or that cute sweater or that new video game.
14. Open your mind to others.
Have deep, meaningful conversations. They will change you. Bear your soul to people, and talk about God and the universe and love and abuse and fears and aspirations and dreams. Those are the conversations that will last lifetimes.
15. Love yourself.
Endlessly and unconditionally and boldly.
16. Knowledge is everywhere.
Beyond the walls of a classroom is a life that is yearning to be explored. Experience life for yourself so that you may know the truth.
17. People will hurt you.
Accidentally and purposefully. Forgive them. Then decide that you will let that hurt teach you and not define you.
18. Respect others.
And life will light up.
19. Your life and your experiences are just that.
Do not silence others and the things they have experienced just because you don’t understand.
