Being alive for 2 decades is a long time. I'm not saying I know more than my parents, but I like to think I know a few things to live by based purely on personal experience. Hopefully these few things will help others.
Know Who You Can Trust
Believe it or not, not everyone has good intentions at heart. I'm not suggesting not to share information with your friends. Friends are one of the most important things in life. I'm referring to those "friends" who constantly bring you down and gossip about others. I think we all know how it feels to think that others are talking about you every time you leave the room. We've all been there. Surround yourself with others that give you compliments, but also tell you if something is a bad idea. Have honest and real friends.
Don't Be Discouraged If Someone Disagrees With You
It is always a good idea to hear your friends' opinion about topics and situations. If someone just so happens to not agree with you 100% about something, it's okay. There is no reason to have a group of friends that have the same political affiliations, opinions about topics, or same thoughts about everything as you do. People have different opinions, and thats okay. There will never be a time when every single person has the same exact opinion about something. If you ask one of your friends about their opinion about a certain thing and you don't get the answer you were hoping for, it's okay. It's okay to have different opinions. And never let someone tell you that your opinion is "wrong", because there is no such thing.
Don't Let Others Belittle You
I can't even put into words how many times in high school I had someone belittle me. If you have to belittle yourself in front of your friends because they judge everything you say or judge every opinion you have, they are not your real friends. There will always be someone that tries to bring you down because they don't agree with you, or make you feel like you and your opinions don't matter. Strive not to be those people. Your intelligence and worth is extraordinary.
Listen To Your Parents
Although we don't like to admit it sometimes, parents are always right. If your parent tells you not to go to a place at a certain hour, don't go. If they tell you not to associate yourself with an individual, don't do it. Parents have a sixth sense for these kinds of things. I can't recall a single time my parents told me something what was wrong.
Cherish Your Grandparents
Grandparents are a special gift that each and every one of us shouldn't take for granted. I wish with all of my heart that grandparents lived forever. Call and visit your grandparents to tell them how much you miss them and love them, because they won't be here forever.
Treat others with respect
Gossiping and making fun of others gets you nowhere, don't make it a habit. Surround yourself with those who don't have this habit either. When you treat others with respect, you will be treated with respect as well. Remember the golden rule, "Treat others as you want to be treated."
Get A Job At A Young Age To Help Prepare For The Real World
I got my first job when I was 16, and that's one of the best decisions I ever made. Working in a place with the pubic is an experience I think everyone should have. You experience how to work with others, and, sometimes, how to deal with people that aren't exactly a ray of sunshine. There will always be people that you encounter that make you feel down, because in reality, there are 16 year olds that act better than adults.
Appreciate Being Young
All we wish for when we were kids was how we wish to be older. I honestly wish i was 10 again. I had nothing in the world to worry about except Upward Cheer at my local church on Wednesdays. I'm not saying i'm old or anything, but believe me, things were much easier when I was younger.
It's Okay Not to Have Your Life Planned Out By 18
Everyone expects you to have your entire life figured out by the time your 18, and that isn't realistic. It's okay to change your major a couple of times because your confused about what you want to become. I think were all under a lot of pressure and shouldn't be expected to be "grown up" when were 18. I'm 20 and i'm still confused about some things in life.
It's Okay To Be Different
It's okay to toot to your own horn. Don't be basic, be yourself!! Love yourself for who you are. And yes, there will be people who talk about you and try to say that your "weird" but there will also be people who wish they were as confident as you. Be your own person and don't let anyone tell you that you should be "normal." No two people are alike, everyone is different. Be yourself.
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