Every day before this age you thought this was it. You've waited for forever for this age. You looked at it as freedom and adulthood, and in a way, it is. I'm not saying this in a "wow, you're so naive" kind of way. I looked at it that way too. I'm also not saying that I'm the wisest person in the world now that I'm past 18. I'm just saying, a lot happens to you during the year of being 18. A lot happens to you that no one bothers to tell you – but then again, there are just some things no one can forewarn you about. You just have to go through them.
Eighteen isn't just the age of making you a legal adult or being able to buy cigarettes (though I recommend you don't). That's the least of what 18 is. Eighteen means the beginning. Eighteen means the start of finding out why you were put on this Earth. Eighteen is the first real chapter of becoming you. So, here are 10 things I wish I would've known at 18.
1. This is the year of a lot of lasts.
This age holds so many goodbyes and last times. Try to remember that when you don't feel like going to sporting or school events or hanging out with your friends. I know it's hard to appreciate things like that when they're always around, but there will come a last time for it all. Cherish everything.
2. This is the year of a lot of firsts.
With endings come new beginnings. You will say goodbye to old friends, but also hello to a lot of other awesome people. You will see new things and experience new things. It is both scary and wonderful. You will learn new lessons and with it become a new person. Remember that change can be good.
3. Remember your parents.
I know you'll be busy making time for your friends and things you'll never do again, but also make time for your parents. Remember that your year of lasts is also a year of lasts for them too. Life with them won't be for forever. Go out to dinner with them. Make one-on-one time with them. You'll need them more than you know this coming year.
4. Sometimes, you need to be selfish.
I don't mean this in the way you probably think I do. I mean this in a way to remind you that this is your life, your future and the only opinion that matters surrounding it is yours. You are allowed to live the way you want and do the things you want to do. Life is so short. Don't spend it by living it the way others expect or want you to. Don't wait for your time.
5. People will give you their crappy opinions, even if you don't ask them for it.
People always seem to want to have a say about how other people live their life. People love to point fingers because people love to think they're right. Let me let you in on a secret – nobody really knows what they're doing, therefore there is no right way. Try to keep your cool when people do this to you. Stand up for yourself, but be kind.
6. Really get to know God. Don't be just a fan, but a follower.
One of my biggest regrets in life is how long it took me to truly start building a relationship with the Lord. Take time out of your day for him. Tell him your fears, your problems, your hopes. Thank him as well. He wants to know about your life and be apart of it. You are better with him.
7. This next year will be hard.
To be honest, these next few years probably will be. You will be busy trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. It is not an easy decision, so remember to be easy on yourself. Take your time becoming who you are. One day, things will fall into place, but for now just enjoy the ride.
8. Remember that happiness is a choice, not a destination.
It is easy to think that if you did this or did that or had this or had that, then you would finally be happy, but that's not true. You can be in a rough place in your life and still be happy. You will miss out on so much in your life if you're always wanting to be in a different stage of it.
9. Stop being so concerned with the way you look.
I have wasted so many hours looking at myself in the mirror, pointing out all the things I hate about my body, and you know what? It's just not worth it. You are you and you're always going to be you. It will do so much more for you to love yourself instead of taking the extra time to hate yourself. Remember that when you see someone beautiful, it does not mean that you're not. We are all different shades of beautiful.
10. Stop existing and start living.
Stop getting used to routines and staying in the same place all of the time. There is so much to do and see out there, so many amazing people to run into. Go see and do those things, go meet those people. You were not made to see how much money you can make. That is not a life. Be apart of things that matter. Make a difference. Help others, love others. Be something worth being.
Whether you're ready or not, life is coming. Sometimes it will tear you down to the lowest of lows and other times it will lift you to the highest of highs. Be hopeful in the rough patches and thankful in the good. You will be great.
