2016 was a year of happiness and growth, here's a few things it taught me

1. Friends are so important – human interaction is what fills the soul with endless love, support, courage, empowerment and plenty of other important necessities for a teen trying to succeed. Make sure you let your friends know how much you love them, be there for them just like they are for you, and compliment them. A smile compliment can make someone’s day. Its okay to have friends that are guys. Contrary to popular belief it’s possible for a guy and girl to be just friends. Lastly, be open to new experiences because you will find the greatest friends in the most unlikely places.

2. If you fail, it’s not the end of the world it’s just a learning experience.

3. Listen to your mom – yeah I know you probably think she’s crazy and annoying but she’s the only person that will always have your best interest at heart and spoiler alert she’s right about everything 99% of the time. When she talks, listen with an open mind. You don’t always have to agree but I can promise you she’s incredibly experienced and knows what she’s talking about. She’s seen the best and worst of times.

4. Coffee is important!

5. Don’t think that this world is a horrible place – crappy things happen… that’s just life. Looking at it from a bigger perspective, life is incredible. We have so much knowledge and there is so much for us to explore. Find something that you’re passionate about and peruse it. You’ll be happy you did. Don’t let negative circumstances or person determine your outlook on life. Lastly, if something bad happens for a few minutes of your day just remember all the other minutes that were great.

6. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay.

7. Enjoy being by yourself – being alone doesn’t mean your lonely. Take time to go for a ride and clear your mind. Journal, read, paint your nails, do your hair, do something for yourself. Your mental health will always be most important. Respect what you can and can not do. Try your best but also be kind to yourself.

8. Hard work pays off, it always will!

9. Learn how to handle rejection – this stems from loving and being confident with yourself first. Not everyone is going to love you. Not everyone is going to understand you and not everyone will be nice to you. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter if the cute boy that sits across from you in bio thinks you’re cute and it doesn’t matter if your professor is annoyed that the ink on your paper isn’t dark enough. Learn to not take others opinions so seriously BECAUSE THEY DON’T MATTER. THEY DON’T. END OF STORY!

10. Make sure your alarm is set for am not pm.

11. You’re old enough to make your own decisions – don’t rely on your parents to answer your questions. Educate yourself and make your own political views. Respect your elders but make sure they respect you in return. You’re old and your voice matters; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise

12. Let the person with the longest arm take the selfie.

13. Set goals for yourself – whether they are big or small there is no better feeling than accomplishing something you’ve set your heart on. It’s important to be proud of yourself, there’s nothing wrong with that.

14. You still have a lot to learn.

15. Be more vulnerable in your daily life – it’s the road to success. You meet new people, experience new things, and leave your comfort zone. Don’t be so terrified. Life is all about trial and error and the worst that can happen is that you’ll learn from your mistakes.

16. Stop worrying!

17. Always trust your gut – it’s simple. There’s a significant difference between your heart and your gut. Think with your brain and love with your heart. It won’t steer you wrong.

18. There’s no reason to have enemies – let it go, not because life’s too short but because it puts a heavy weight on your heart. Forgive. You don’t need to associate with people that you don’t enjoy being around but there’s no fun in talking behind someone’s back. It says much more about you than the person you’re talking about. The way you speak about others shows how you view yourself.

19. Talk with confidence, more people will respect you.

20. Don’t be scared to ask for help – there’s no shame in it. If you don’t know something just ask. If you’re feeling down talk to someone. Call a friend, a parent, a sibling, just someone. They won’t judge you. You might find out they’re feeling the same way

21. Don’t forget to smile – there’s endless reasons to do so. If you think there aren’t any I hope that 2017 brings you happiness, love, and anything you wish for. You’re human and you deserve to be happy.