life, happiness, life stages, teenage years
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

19 things I've Learned in 19 Years

Make the most of every second.

62
19 things I've Learned in 19 Years
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-beautiful-child-cute-289825/

In all of my 19 years on this Earth, I can say I have experienced enough to preach some advice.

I have traveled across the world, made mistakes, and been at my highest and lowest points. Just like most 19-year-olds can say.

It's so easy to get caught up in life and not really experience it. One of my New Year's resolutions for this year was to actually live life, if that makes sense.

I don't want to just go through the motions and look back one day and say to myself, "Where has the time gone?"

So I've put together 19 things I've learned after 19 years of existence.

1. Waking up early isn't the worst thing in the world.

media.giphy.com

If we're being honest no person, no matter their age, enjoys getting up early. But I've been doing it a lot recently (forcefully) and found it actually helps me be more productive with my days.

2. Alone time is important.

media.giphy.com

It's important to enjoy your own company. Sometimes you need those days where you just do you, get sh*t done, and relax to protect your energy.

3. Be kind.

media.giphy.com

Ignore those people who say, "Being nice gets you nowhere." It's simply not true. Spread happiness and good vibes; the universe will respond with good karma eventually.

4. Cry when you need to.

media.giphy.com

Holding in tears actually makes me more sad. Just let it out, and move on.

5. Tell your family you love them.

Giphy

At this age, it's so easy to fall into the flow of life. Don't forget to acknowledge the people you have raised you into the young adult you are now.

6. People change.

media.giphy.com

And that's ok. It's up to you to accept it and move on. (AKA be like Drake.) Some people change for the better or for worse; it's up to you to decide if they deserve you anymore.

7. Self care is important.

media.giphy.com

I'm a firm believer in putting yourself first. Take a nap if you're tired, exercise, eat your vegetables, spend $60 on a facial.

8. Don't be selfish.

media.giphy.com

Though I do believe in putting yourself first, take care of others. I once saw a tweet reading, "Choose those who choose you." I completely agree. Care for the people who also care for you.

9. Tell the truth.

media.giphy.com

I can't even begin to describe the importance of honesty. I don't know if it's just because I'm an awful liar, but I always tell the truth.

To be honest, lying is a lot more work. Simply be honest, say what you need to say, and move on. It's simple.

10. Save change.

media.giphy.com

I always watch my dad leave change everywhere. And it drives me insane.

A coworker of mine told me her seven-year-old sister saved up all her change over a summer and it wound up being $70. Why can't we all be as smart as her?

11. Eat the ice cream.

media.giphy.com

Cliche, but life is too short not to enjoy the little things. Ice cream is the greatest thing on earth and should never be turned down.

12. Sleep.

media.giphy.com

It's so important. It sounds dramatic but anything less than eight hours of sleep is literally defined as sleep deprived. There is no worse feeling than exhaustion.

13. Travel.

media.giphy.com

Don't be trapped in your own environment. There's so much to see out there.

I have been lucky enough to have visited eight countries already, and I can't wait to continue doing so. Traveling allows for new experiences, people, and food.

14. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

media.giphy.com

We're human. We get lonely, upset, and needy. It's normal to need reassurance.

Tell the people you love. Don't hold back because you never know what will happen.

15. Speak your mind.

media.giphy.com

Sometimes it may seem impossible to say what you want to say. But I promise, after you get it off your chest, you feel 100 times better.

16. Smile.

media.giphy.com

If you're happy. If you're sad. If you're anxious.

17. Spend money on concerts.

media.giphy.com

But only if it's actually worth it. What's the point in getting nose bleed seats to see Drake? Literally nothing.

18. Eat at home.

media.giphy.com

Not only does eating out destroy your bank account, but it's also bad for you. Everyone loves pizza and McDonald's, but nothing beats mom's home cooked meals. Made with love.

19. Make the most of every second.

media.giphy.com

My final piece of advice is kind of a summary of everything I've listed. Just live in the moment, but be smart.

Use common sense. Do what makes you happy. Surround yourself with positivity. (Listen to Kanye.)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92813
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments