Twenty years on this planet may not seem like a lot of experience but there were so many things I’ve managed to learn, these are just a few:

1. Love yourself.

As obvious as that sounds, self-love is one thing I will always appreciate and value.

2. Always say what you mean.

Don’t be rude, mean or a bully. It’s more along the lines of never saying “I love you” when you don’t really mean it or going along with something just because it is what other people want.

3. It’s okay to be alone.

Sometimes we get scared of being alone with our thoughts, so we settle for bad company or we become tethered to our phones instead.

4. Never let anyone make you doubt yourself.

NO MATTER WHAT!

5. Do the things you love.

The more you do what you love, the happier and fulfilled you’ll be.

6. Cut out bad friends.

Or any person in your surroundings that brings bad energy or affects your mood and ruins your day.

7. Give second chances.

Sometimes it is good to give second chances especially when arguments break. However, when you do, always be careful not to give in a 100% of your trust.

8. Never let people walk over you.

All you people-pleasers know that when you are nice to people, sometimes they think that you are easy to be taken advantage of. It can be very frustrating, so make sure to know your limits.

9. Be patient.

Take the time with everything, whether it is driving, making plans, or simply being with the ones you love.

10. Be nice.

Always say thank you, and remember that people have different opinions, needs and ambitions.

11. Stay away from drama.

We all know at least one person who always seems to be followed by drama. Try to stay away from those people. The thing is, life is pretty dramatic, but the less it is, the better.

12. You can do anything you put your mind to.

I have so many friends that say that they are bad at something and they can never be good at it. If that is you too, you can do it! I hated linguistics because I was terrible at it to the point where I thought I would never pass it. It took me a lot of effort and very long study hours to understand it, nevertheless, I did it.

13. It’s all about discipline.

Whether you want to write that novel you’ve been thinking about for so long, be able to run a mile without feeling like you’re dying, or simply go out and socialize more, you will find yourself needing discipline more than motivation.

14. There is nothing wrong with failure.

As long as you learn from it, failure is always something that can help you build up and be better, rather than something that brings you down.

15. Be confident but not arrogant.

They are separated by a thin line that so many people do not see. Being arrogant drives people away, while being confident attracts people (usually, the right kind).

16. Stop hating your body.

Whether it is your acne scars, stretch marks, or weight, remember the only way through which you can love your body is through loving its imperfections. I had acne for 10 years which left so many scars (on my face and back), so many other scars which were the result of me being stupid and clumsy, and so many stretch marks even though I haven’t gone through a significant weight gain/loss. These were the source of my insecurities and self-hatred until I kept reminding myself that beauty standards are so relative and highly elusive. Now, I see beauty in my scars because each one is a story, a memory.

17. Love is not about giving and expecting nothing.

It is about expecting respect and support. If those are absent, there is no way love is enough to make anything work whether it is a friendship or a romantic relationship.

18. Listen to your parents’ advice, they usually know best.

I know it can be hard, especially if you are stubborn or just independent and want to do it your way. Again, be patient and give it a try.

19. Choose your role models for their values, not their “beauty”.

If you choose them for their beauty, they will become a reminder that you’re not as pretty, tall, skinny or curvy as they are; and that will directly or indirectly affect how you feel about yourself.

20. Laugh, enjoy the sun and stop worrying about wrinkles.

Life is too short, so enjoy every aspect of it and stop worrying about them wrinkles. They are a part of growing old, and that’s a blessing.