As I'm approaching my twentieth year on this planet, sometimes I look back and wish I could give my ten-year-old self-little pieces of advice. Things I know now that would've made life a lot easier in the years to come. I'm sure there are countless things I could say, but these eleven are the most important.
1. Don’t take friends for granted
This should be your number one rule, kid. It sounds basic, and maybe a little bit cliche, but you’ll run into plenty of times when you have no one to sit with at the lunch table, and you’ll be left wondering how you let yourself drift apart from your friends or why you let a stupid argument ruin your relationship.
2. You’ll always hate school
Taking tests will always feel like a death march, doing math homework will always feel like ripping your organs out and shoving them back in again. But high school is better than middle school, and college is better than high school. You’ll get through it.
3. You’re a terrible procrastinator
No matter how many times you tell yourself you’re going to start a paper a week early, you’ll always end up starting it the day before it’s due. Every time.
4. Growing up can suck
Sometimes, you’ll miss being a kid. You’ll miss playing outside, you’ll miss old friends. Cherish the time you have, because it goes by quick. Another cliche, but it’s true.
5. But sometimes, it’s not so bad
Mom’s crazy curfew rules taper off, you can take responsibility for yourself, and hanging out with friends is more enjoyable when you can drive. Plus, you can eat ice cream for breakfast.
6. You’ll still need your mom in college
Whether it’s sending her pictures of your outfit to make sure it matches or asking for advice after your first parking ticket, you’re not going to be completely independent at twenty.
7. Ramen is 79 cents
Buy it. Lots of it. It’s good food and you’re poor.
8. Do anything it takes to make you happy
Just keep it legal.
9. You’ll have to date a bunch of terrible people before you find someone nice
Your first few boyfriends definitely aren’t keepers. And that’s ok. It’s a learning experience.
10. Don't stress about the tiny things
When people say the small things won't matter in two years, they're right. They won't. It doesn't matter what you got on that test or who is popular in school.
11. It’ll be ok
I promise.
