We all wish that we had the opportunity to go back in time and give ourselves a heads up about what is to come in the future, in the interest of preventing some of the mistakes we are bound to make. Since we can't do that we can take comfort in the fact that mistakes make us who we are and we can take these lessons and be better people for it. Things like:

1. High school popularity doesn't matter.

High school is not the best four years of your life, thankfully. High school is just something you have to get through in order to get on to the part of your life that's actually fun.

2. Wear sunscreen. You are pale, child. Embrace it.

I know it sucks and you want to be tan, but it's not worth it. It's not worth the sunburns and misery that will follow.

3. Listen to Mom. It'll save you some trouble in the long run.

She doesn't know everything, but she does know more than you. The earlier you start listening to her the better off you'll be.

4. Be on time and be responsible.

It's easy to want to lay around until the last minute, but being on time (which actually means at least 15 minutes early) will make you a better employee and student.

5. Breaking up is not the end of the world.

Sure, it sucks, but ending a relationship will not ruin your life. You have too much to look forward to to just be hung up on some boy you dated in high school. (side note: later you'll realize how big of a blessing a break up can be)

6. Be nice to your sister, she'll have your back later.

7. Make sure you really enjoy the moments when your brother is little you have no idea how much you'll miss it.

8. Read as much as possible and explore all genres. You won't have as much time later in life in life to do so.

9. Always be a light to other people's darkness.

Negative people are everywhere in the world, make sure you show them the goodness the world has to offer.

10. Get comfortable in your own skin.

Confidence is beautiful and you should wear it everyday.

11. Enjoy your time before social media.

It consumes your time soon enough, whether you want it to or not.

12. Always speak your mind but make sure you're informed.

Don't let people force their opinions of you, but make sure you have your facts straight or you'll just be embarrassed.

13. Know when to shut up. Seriously, you're going to have a problem with this it's better to learn when to be quiet early on.

14. Keep an open mind when someone is trying to show you their side of a situation.

There is nothing worse than someone with a closed mind to everything except what they want to see. Listen. Learn.

15. There is always room for improvement.

Keep working towards a better you no matter what.

16. Make sure to read your Bible and pray every single day.

It keeps your mind clear and your heart full. A little Jesus goes a long way and will take you far.

17. Try new things.

Life is too short. You won't have time to try everything the world has to offer, so don't waste any turning your nose up at new opportunity.

18. Find someone that makes you laugh, even when you didn't think it was possible.

19. Don't let people talk you into doing something you'll regret later.

You have to live with yourself and even if someone convinced you to do something in a moment of weakness, your actions are your own and you have to take responsibility for them.

20. Life is short and it goes by quickly. Experience as much of this as possible.