Some say life is too short to fully grasp the lessons it teaches us. Yet with all of these years humans have roamed the earth, how can we not pick up something along the way? In my short 19 years of life, I have gathered lessons I wish to carry with me as I continue the journey of life. And now, I share them with you in hopes that you, too, can pick up something along the path of life.
1. Never forget.
Obviously, this is easier said than done. But any feeling, any words, any actions that were powerful enough, you’ll never forget.
2. Reminisce.
Some days are better than others. Return to those memories, feelings, you love. That warm summer day you spent at the park with your Grandpa or those words your Aunt told you in an Easter card –those are the times best not forgotten.
3. Reflect.
I hereby give you permission to reflect (not that you needed it anyway), for that is the way we can promote change within ourselves.
4. Pen and paper do it best.
I don’t care who tells you that a cursor taunting you on a blank word document is satisfying. The true way creativity begins is when pen hits the unlined paper.
5. Smile and compliment others.
It’s simple and makes others feel good. You never know what someone’s got going on behind closed doors, and a little pick-me-up never hurts. It could prompt little changes in the world.
6. Love the little things.
That one song you know by heart, the poem that gives you hope, that picture that makes you smile constantly –cherish those little things.
7. Be grateful.
Many would kill to be in your shoes living your life (and you’d never know it). What may be here today may be gone tomorrow.
8. Ask questions.
This somehow confuses people, but it’s quite simple. Asking questions lets us get to know others better and gain insight on things we haven’t considered. Yes, “Can I have help?” is a question –don’t be afraid to use it.
9. Say thank you.
Thank the people who raised you, who influenced you, who made you who you are today. They are the reason why you’re still here today.
10. Try something new.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Go do something you’ve always wanted to do, but never have done before; something you never thought to try that might let you discover something about yourself that you didn’t know about.
11. Don't be afraid to say how you feel.
Not ok, great, I love you –no matter what it is, speak your mind.
12. Be honest.
Well, that’s self-explanatory.
13. It's not your job to fix people.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be. Be with them when they need someone to keep them away from their thoughts or situation. Just be there for them.
14. Live in the moment.
Watch your life like you’d watch a movie –laugh, cry, and feel.
15. Stop doing things for _______.
Stop doing things for Facebook/Instagram/social media, to show off, to prove something/yourself. Do it for you.
16. Feel.
Wholeheartedly, truthfully raw. Don’t be afraid to feel, no matter what it is.
17. Ambition is success.
Don’t let someone hand you anything –make opportunities for yourself. Go get it.
18. Do before you can't.
Cross off your Bucket List, take chances, travel far and wide wherever your heart desires.
19. It's ok to not know.
Give it thought, but not too much. Everything will work itself out, but be actively seeking opportunities to put yourself on a path that feels right.
Now, these aren’t the end-all-be-all rules to life. This list will go on for ages, even when I die. But that doesn’t mean you can’t consider these things and change yourself, your life, for the better. It’s never too late.
