We make mistakes, and we learn from them...at least, some people do. We learn from our experiences, even if it wasn't a mistake. That's what growing up is all about; learning and changing, but there's a lot that I wish I knew when I was younger.

1. That boy was not worth my time.

I wish I knew that boys were not worth my time and suffering. I spent so long chasing after them, only to end up having my heart broken into a million tiny pieces. I wish I knew that I should have used more of that energy on my schoolwork or hobbies. I learned that the right boy will some along if I just let it happen naturally, instead of trying to force it.

2. A little bit of studying would have gotten me a lot further in school.

I never studied, and my grades were fine. I got A's and B's all through high school, yet I was never satisfied. I wish I pushed myself to study, even if it was only for half an hour, even if I already thought I knew the content. I wish I knew that it's okay to give up extra sleep to study for that quiz. I learned from this, though, that if I'm not pleased with how things are, I must change them in order to make a difference.

3. DO NOT join too many extra-curricular activities.

Yes, joining too many extra-curricular activities is a thing apparently. I wish I knew that I should have kept it down to two or three, rather than nine. I was constantly busy with something, so busy that I couldn't have a job, which sucked right around ages 15 and 16. I wish I knew that I'm not a time bender and that a week only has 168 hours. I learned, though, that I definitely need to cut back on all the commitments.

4. Make more friends.

I wish I knew that in reality, it wasn't that hard to make friends. I psyched myself out, and probably missed out on so many friend opportunities... "friendortunities," if you will. It wasn't until that latter part of my junior year in high school that I fully realized. I wish I knew sooner that nobody really declines the chance to make a new friend. I learned that it's actually very simple to just walk up to someone and say "hello."

5. Step out of your comfort zone.

I wish I knew that high school was a time where everybody was trying new things. I didn't, however, because I was scared. I was scared to try new things because I was afraid of judgment. I wish I knew that I wasn't going to be judged, and even if I was... I would have survived. I learned now that I should step out of my turtle shell every now and again because the world is full of things that I'm missing out on.

6. Exercising and eating well is so important!

I wish I took all my elders seriously when they told me that I need to eat healthy and exercise. I'm on the track team but that's only a few months of the year. I wish I listened to them because I'm not all that confident with my body. I learned that when someone superior to you gives my advice, I need to listen.

7. Accept myself as I was made.

I wish I knew that I needed to just accept myself to be happier. All through middle and high school, I spent a lot of time trying to fix myself with the right clothes and makeup, so that other people would like me more. I wish I knew at an earlier age, that I didn't need that. I know now that the only people I need in my life are the ones who accept me just the way I am.

8. It's okay to grieve about the end of a relationship, but it isn't the end of the world.

I wish I knew that a breakup wasn't the sign that the world was ending. My very first breakup was so traumatic and 14-year-old me was convinced that there was no point in life afterward. I wish I knew that there was going to be more boys and that it definitely was NOT the end of the world. I learned that yes, I will get my heart broken and yes, its's okay to grieve, but that I should remember life goes on.

9. Forgive and forget.

I wish I knew that life is so much easier if you forgive and forget because the drama isn't worth holding a grudge. In so many instances, I chose to be angry and to take it out on everyone. That made a negative impact on my life. Recently, I've taken the higher road and have begun to just let go. I learned that forgiving someone and moving on makes me feel a lot better in the end.

10. Appreciate the little things in life.

I wish I knew that life was going to grant me all these small, wonderful moments, that I should have appreciated more. Now that I'm older, I've found that life is just a 'big picture' that is made up of individual memories and moments. Those individual moments are the ones I should have cherished more. I have learned that life is much more pleasant when I appreciate the now.