I have been reflecting on my life profusely as my last year as a teenager comes to a close. I spend my days receiving an education, yet, I am not being taught life lessons. In these last nineteen years I have learned so much, yet I believe there is so much more the world will teach me.
1. Stay positive.
Our world seems to be overwhelmed by constant meaningless negativity. Being surrounded by this negativity brings yourself and others down so instead, shed light on someone else's day simply by being positive. It will not only make others around you happy but you will be happy knowing you brightened someone's day.
2. Stop overthinking.
Go with your gut instinct, it's probably right.
3. Do what scares you.
There's no need to be scared in this world. Strive to reach out of your comfort zone. Go skydiving, go cliff jumping, tryout for the sports team, talk to the boy you've had a crush on for months, whatever your fear may be go out and crush it. By conquering your fear you unleash a whole new level of excitement and joy and are rewarded with an everlasting memory.
4. Be spontaneous.
Some of the best memories come last minute.
5. Put your phone down.
Our generation, myself included, are obsessed and addicted to our technology. I hang out with my friends and immediately all of our phones are out. What happened to living in the moment? Instead we are consumed with capturing the moment and sharing our lives with our friends and others. Why? So we can prove to them that we have a life? Why don't we instead go and live our lives.
6. Take summer classes.
Trust me you'll thank yourself later. Very few people enjoy the academic side of school, so why not get a jump start?
7. Always be yourself.
Why would you want to go around lying to yourself and others about who you are. Everyone is a given a unique voice in this world, use it, show the world who you are and why you matter. Use your voice to make an impact on society. Who knows you may be an inspiration to others just by being yourself. Others will look up to for not falling into the pressures of society.
8. Laugh often.
Everyone deserves a good laugh. And what better way to make it part of your daily ritual? Joke around when you can, even about silly things.
9. Listen to all kinds of music.
This past year I let my music preferences diminish and began listening to all genres.By doing so I have opened several doors I never knew existed. Until this past year I was the top hits kind of girl. By listening to new music I have made new friends and had some amazing experiences. Listening to new music showed me that music is created to have meaning and to share a story. So why listen to one?
10. Challenge yourself.
Life isn't always easy, yet I always seem to find myself taking the easy way out. Whether it be as taking the elevator instead of the stairs or microwaving a meal instead of cooking one. By challenging yourself you are almost guaranteed to learn something new, not only about the activity but also about yourself.
11. Sleep is important.
Somehow I still don't understand that going to bed at 3 a.m. everyday is a bad idea. Sleep while you can because you never know what the future entails
12. Everyone has an opinion.
Believe it or not, everyone thinks differently. While our thoughts and opinions may be similar they will never be exactly the same because everyone has had different experiences. And opinions are never wrong, they are always valid.
13. Have no regrets.
Regretting a decision gets you nowhere. Learn from your mistakes and use them to teach others.
14. Work hard.
While working isn't exactly the most exciting thing to do, it is the most rewarding. You will amaze yourself with all the power that comes with working hard and never giving up. The end result may be astonishing. Maybe it's seeing that first paycheck, learning to play a new song on the guitar or getting 4.0 GPA.
15. Jam out in the car.
Don't jam out too hard, still be able to drive. However, enjoying your music on the way to your destination is one of the most easiest ways to make a day good.
16. Have a place.
Having a physical place that is special to you can be extremely peaceful. Whether you go there to think or just enjoy your surrounding. Have a place that is 100 percent your own and visit it often.
17. Never settle.
If it is meant to be it will be. Have faith in your relationships, dreams and ideas, but never settle for anything that you know can be more successful.
18. Tell your loved ones you love them.
We cannot predict the future and what it entails, show your loved ones that you care and love them unconditionally, that you are always there for them and are willing to do anything in a time of need.
19. Appreciate simple things.
We take simple things like the sunsets, or the pesky deer for granted. Enjoy simple pleasures in life as nature is a beautiful thing.
