Looking back on our younger years, we have all probably done things we wish we could take back. People often say you shouldn’t have regrets, but let’s face it, who doesn’t wish they could erase some of their mistakes and get a do-over? The reality is most people don’t get second chances, and we often aren’t given the opportunity to make things right. Maybe it’s not always a matter of what we wish we hadn’t done, but things we wish we had. This is a list of things I wish I could tell my younger self. Things that have taken me many years of tears, stress, and heartache to figure out.

1. Don’t be in a rush to grow up.

Stop and smell the roses. Don’t be in a rush to grow up, because this life will pass you by quickly enough. Cherish those times were you have little responsibility and allow yourself to live a little recklessly. Being an adult, while it has some perks, can often times be a major drag.

2. Put yourself first.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself first every once and awhile. Putting yourself first doesn’t make you selfish, it’s healthy and will keep you sane. Take a bath, get a pedicure, read a great book, and take that nap. It’s okay to say no; do what’s best for you.

3. Be open to new experiences.

Be open to new experiences and learn from the people around you. Travel and be adventurous. Learn a new language, explore different religions and cultures.

4. You don’t have to be friends with everyone.

Now that I'm in my 30’s, I have realized that you don’t have to be friends with everyone. People aren’t always going to like you, and you aren’t always going to like them. It’s better to have a small handful of close friends than to trust your heart and your secrets with everyone you meet. Recognize the good ones.

5. Protect your heart.

Make people work for your trust and that close bond. Whether it be friendships, or relationships, you don’t have to give it all right away. Look out for yourself and let people in slowly. Not everyone has good intentions.

6. Don’t let someone decrease your self-worth.

Don’t ever let someone else decrease your self-worth. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you are less than you are. You are the one person who should always love you unconditionally.

7. Admit when you’re wrong.

It’s important to realize and admit when you are wrong. More importantly when you are wrong, and that wrong has hurt or impacted someone else, apologize.

8. Realize you can’t change people.

You can’t change someone else. You cannot make them be something they aren’t just because you want them to be. You either have to accept a person for who they are or move on. People have to want to change.

9. It’s okay to say goodbye.

Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever. You don’t have to keep toxic people in your life. If someone is constantly causing you stress, and pain, it’s okay to admit that the relationship isn’t for you anymore. Relationships of every kind are a give and take, and it will never work if one person is not doing their part.

10. Take risks.

You cannot reap big rewards without taking big risks, so take them often. Take a chance, because some of the best things in life are earned through overcoming your fears.

11. Allow yourself to grow.

Allow yourself to learn from your mistakes. Reflect often, and use life’s challenges to launch you to something great. We become better people when we accept that we are flawed and that we can always be better. We are in control of our own lives and we become the people we want to be.

12. Don’t give up.

Never give up. You will get knocked down a lot in life. Some of those times will hurt more than others. Sometimes you won’t be sure how you will make it through, but you will. When you do, you will be so glad that you hung on tightly, because you will be a much stronger person in the end.