Growing up is scary, and I sometimes wish someone had told me these things when I was younger. Even now, these lessons are important, and impact my life every day.
1. Nobody really knows what they're doing.
Everyone gets scared sometimes. Life is scary. And that's totally OK.
2. Your mom is usually right.
I used to argue with my mom all the time; but it turns out she was right about pretty much everything.
3. You're not too "cool" to have fun.
Who cares what anyone else thinks? Life is too exciting not to have a little fun. It's a total waste of time to spend your life worrying about being "cool." Basically, just channel Jennifer Lawrence.
4. Save your money.
Take it from a college student who's just starting to figure this out ... things cost money. Food, books, pens, music — everything. Save your money! Don't buy things if you can't think of multiple instances where you would use it.
5. Listen to your loved ones.
Even if you don't want to admit it, they have your best interest in mind. A lot of times, what they tell you may not be what you want to hear, but they're right.
6. Find a balance between fun and work.
It's important to balance your life. Hard work is absolutely necessary, but so is a little fun. Take study breaks. Spend time with friends. Just make sure you're getting done what you need to.
7. Take care of your mental health.
While physical health is extremely important, don't let your mental health slip through the cracks. Don't let yourself spiral out of control. Don't wait to get help if you need it.
8. You don't have to be in love to be happy.
A relationship doesn't define you, and you shouldn't let your happiness depend on a romantic partner. Being in a relationship can be wonderful, but it doesn't mean that you're worthless if you're not in love.
9. Finding friends that understand you is so important.
When you're feeling down, your friends are sometimes the only people that can make you feel all right again. Finding friends that make you happy and love you unconditionally is so important.
10. You need to love yourself first.
Before you can love anyone else, it's important to not only understand yourself, but to love yourself. You can't depend on anyone else for your self-worth.
11. You only get one life. Do what makes you happy.
You can't waste your life worrying about what everyone else wants. It's OK to be selfish every now and then. Do what makes you happy. Even if it terrifies you to think about. That just means it's worth trying.
