Well folks, when you read this I'll have approximately one week until I'm no longer a teenager. My teen years have had their up and downs, but nineteen, by far, was the best one. I learned a lot this past year, and hope to pass on my wisdom to the younger generations. Also, I feel really old. Here are 19 things I embraced at 19-years-old:
1. When one door closes, another one opens.
Kind of basic and self-explanatory, but knowing this changed my whole perspective. I refused to get caught up on denied/missed opportunities, and I started to take advantage of what was right in front of me. This prompted me to study abroad, and here I am living my best life.
2. Be a better friend.
This year I learned the true meaning of friendship. I strengthened old relationships, I let feuds fade, I deeply connected with new people, and I become more vulnerable in my friendships. I feel at ease now, knowing I've made life long friends who I can be myself with. Bonus: they're really cool pals!!!!
3. Indulge in what you love (treat yo self).
I tend to push things away in life that I really want to do. If I want to watch a certain movie or buy an outfit, I don't do it and I tell myself once I accomplish something I'll treat myself. However, I always forget about these items and spend my money on something else. Yet, I've adjusted and if I really love something, I'll do it or I'll buy it... and I've never regretted it.
4. Nobody's perfect.
This one is a derivative of my grades. Once I accepted I can't be perfect and I could just try my best, my happiness increased by a 1000%. Yeah, I could set goals and dreams, but it's life and if I don't achieve them, oh well. It'll be a-OK.
5. You can't please everyone.
I learned this through work. In retail, some people are exceptionally nice while others are brutally cold. No matter how nice and sweet I was, some people were not here for it which is fine, but I realized that it shouldn't effect my personality. Their well-being should have no effect on mine.
6. I'm old.
This was my last year as a teenager. Everything I did had to be worthwhile, and I couldn't spare to hesitate.
7. I'm young.
However, I needed to be patient. Nineteen is still very young and I have a lot of time left on this earth. I shouldn't take anything too seriously and I should relish in freedom and youthfulness.
8. Family overpowers everything.
At 19, I finally grasped just how much my family meant to me. I never took them for granted and I always enjoyed my time with them. My family members are my best friends and biggest supporters; and I would sacrifice everything for them.
9. Forgive and forget.
This past year I've let go of petty arguments and I've decided to not hold on to grudges. I truly wish the best for everyone I've encountered, and I do believe in the power of change.
10. Taking care of yourself.
I'm still learning self-love. Some days I'm amazing at it and other days it's a struggle. But, I'm better at knowing when I need a break from life, a couple more hours of sleep, or when to drink more water. I'm more in tune with myself, but I'm not quite there yet.
11. Getting stains out of clothes.
This has been a struggle for a while. But, I figure if I dab enough of the Tide To-Go stick on the stain it will go away. So for now, that's my method.
12. The power of a smile.
While volunteering with children, this was something I came to value deeply. A smile is universal, and no matter what language someone speaks, a simile can comfort someone and promote peace. I truly feel like my smile helped some people this year.
12. There's no place like home.
Having lived three hours away from home and now 4300 miles away, home is paradise. The anticipation of returning home is like no other. Being able to spend time with my family and friends, relaxing in my onesie with my dog, and baking all night, are much more special when I return.
13. Education is the world's most powerful tool.
Having discovered my passion for educating children, I plan to use this in my future career. I believe education can change the world, and certainly change someone's life.
14. Let life happen.
Some things work out, some things don't. I can plan extensively, and trust me I do, but sometimes it's not up to my control. I've focused on living in the moment this past year, and let anything and everything happen, and it's turned out better than expected.
15. Dogs are the greatest creatures to ever exist.
There's no need for an explanation.
16. Traveling solo is my passion.
I always knew I wanted to travel, but I constantly had the nagging thoughts in the back of my mind: what if I didn't like it, what if it was just a waste of time and money? But alas, I love it. I love going places by myself and meeting new people.
17. Small talk makes a big difference.
Living a different country, I've come to embrace this lesson. If I'm in an elevator, sorry, lift, I'm constantly asking people how they're doing. I've come to make some amazing friendships this way. Also, you never know if someone is having a bad day, so a small compliment can light up someone's world.
18. Everything is so expensive.
This one is simple and to the point, and happens to all of us who move out for the first time. But wow, life is expensive. I need to stop buying overpriced notebooks, and get my life together, but maybe that'll change at 20.
19. Happiness is beyond important.
My 19th year was the best because I found happiness constantly. I've lived so many spectacular moments and met so many wonderful people. But, I know 20 will be even better, so I cannot wait!
See you later adulthood!
