I think everyone is able to look back at stages in their life and be glad that's not who they are anymore. I know for sure that I am.
As a 19 year old, who just completed their freshman year of college, I look at who I am today and I look at who I've been in the past and I'm grateful for my growth. So here are 19 things I learned throughout the 19 years of my life.
1. Procrastination is a dark, dark hole. It's almost an addiction. You know you need stop procrastinating, but you can't. You're literally procrastinating working on your procrastination problem.
2. You really only need 2 or 3 true friends. They'll turn into your family. Quality, not quantity. Don't forget that.
3. Routines can be good sometimes... but other times they're extremely boring. Jump out of that comfort zone. Stay out late on school nights, go out after work, watch a sunrise even if it causes you to lose sleep. Life is too amazing to just let it be ordinary.
4. Set goals, and accomplish those goals. Repeat. Never stop working for what you want.
5. ALWAYS smile at strangers. You never know who needs a genuine smile that day.
6. Coffee is a must. Caffeine is a must. But remember to throw some water in there too.
7. If something/someone makes you mad, give yourself 24 hours before you act on it. Give yourself sleep so you know you're thinking with the most rational state of mind that you have.
8. Stick up for yourself. Defend yourself. No one has the right to make you feel small. You're grand and you're strong, so start acting like it.
9. Listen to a lot of music, and always play it at max volume. Life is mundane without loud music.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them. Shout it, whisper it, write it down, sing it to them and show them with your actions. Just make sure they know while you can still tell them.
11. Go on a lot of adventures. Do some stupid things, waste some gas, buy a lot of ice cream and make some good memories. The most cherished memories come from dumb decisions... I promise you'll laugh one day.
12. Laugh. Laugh at everything. Life is way too short to be so serious.
13. Appreciate when you catch a green light or when someone lets you out onto a crowded street... not all heroes wear capes. Oh, and calm your road rage. It's not that deep and they can't even hear you.
14. Go ahead and eat some sweets and some carbs too. Food is great, so try some new ones. Eat your favorite things. Bon appetit!
15. When you walk through a door, make sure you check to see if someone is behind you. Hold the door for people.
16. Listen to your gut instincts. They are always right. Go with what your intuition is telling you. Regret is a bitter, bitter thing.
17. You cannot change your past. So don't dwell on it. It is what it is, and it made you who are you. So basque in the glory that you made it this far, and keep going. You're victorious.
18. Accept the person you were from ages 13-17. You were growing...don't be mad at yourself for that. Work to be better in the future and never stop improving.
19. You want to be remembered. Leave the best taste in peoples mouths and become a legend.
At the end of the day, you have to love who you are. Work hard to become the ideal version of yourself and be proud of the person you are when you're standing in front of the mirror.