Turning 18 is a milestone for everyone, although I have a lot more to learn, here are a few of things that have learned about the world.
1. Life is a roller coaster
Life is definitely one of the craziest roller coasters one can go on. I promise you that when life is not going your way and you’re having multiple rainy days, it will get better. Always know that when you’re at rock bottom, there’s only one direction you can go, and that’s up.
2. Friends come and go
As sad as it may sound, the saying is true, friends really do come and go. Whether your friendship may end due to distance, gossip, a fight, or just a lack of effort on both sides, friends will come in and out of your life and that’s perfectly fine. Always focus on yourself and try to be as independent as possible.
3. People change
Whether it’s for the better or worse, people change, including you! You’re going to change so much without even realizing it. The person you are today may be someone completely different a year from today. Your beliefs, mindset, and interest are going to change drastically, hopefully they change for the better!
4. Kindness is so important
We all have a different story to tell, we all have a different fight we’re battling, so be kind! Being kind is so easy, send someone a text telling them how wonderful they are, hold the door for someone, smile at a stranger, donate to an animal shelter, the options are endless. Your simple act of kindness can come such a long way and make a positive impact in this world.
5. Capture the moment
Whether you’re all dolled up or not, take a picture and cherish the moment. Your smile is the BEST accessory anyone can wear. One day you’ll look back at the pictures and smile.
6. Loosen up
It’s okay to be silly and childish, enjoy life and make others laugh (even if that means making a fool out of yourself).
7. Be proud of who you love
If you love a celebrity who was famous generations ago, or if you love someone the same gender as you, TELL THE WORLD! Love is so beautiful, the opinions of others are irrelevant, you’re the one who matters! The world wants to see your cheeks turn all rosy when speaking about the one you love.
8. Find your passion
Explore the world and open up your mind, try writing, try surfing, try drawing, find your passion and love it!
9. Be passionate
Show the world how your face lights up when talking about that person, hobby, movie/show, or sport that you love! Be passionate about the things you like, talk about them for hours with endless great things to say about it.
10. Treat yourself
Make yourself tea, buy yourself that brownie, get that dress you always wanted- TREAT YO’ SELF!!
11. Appreciate the simple things
Watch the sunset, smile at a flower, water a plant, go out and appreciate the simple yet beautiful gifts this planet graces us with.
12. Don’t give up
You will fail, and that’s perfectly fine. Failing is okay, it only makes you stronger. Learn from yourself and walk through the raindrops.
13. Take responsibility for your actions
It’s so easy to go around pointing fingers at others for YOUR actions and bad choices, avoid that at all costs. Own up to everything and mend yourself, it’ll only make you a remarkable individual.
14. Put down your phone
Social media is a wonderful way to connect with your old friends and meet new people, but put down your phone and enjoy life. Talk to your family and ask them how their day was, live in the moment.
15. Keep an open mind
You’re missing out on so much if you don’t keep an open mind. There’s so much to discover and SO MUCH to be open to in this world, make sure you’re not missing out.
16. Smile and laugh for no reason
Grace this world with the sight of your smile and the sound of your laugh for no reason, when you have no reason, that moment of happiness can’t be taken away from you.
17. Remind people that you love them
Whether it’s a family member or a friend, tell someone you love “I love you” and let them know how much you appreciate their existence.
18. Be anybody you want to be
People will have something to say regardless of how you act, so you might as well do what makes you happy!
I still have A LOT to learn and that’s okay!
