Growing up isn’t the easiest task, and more often than not it can make you feel so alone, but then excited all at the same time. The guide of a parent makes it a little easier to handle, but it’s easy to get caught up in all the nonsense that comes along with growing up. Looking back at my middle school and high school years, these are some of the things I wish I knew.

1. What people think of you is irrelevant.

In a few years, you’re all going to throw up your caps and part ways, so why stress out over what people think now?

2. The number of friends you have is not important.

Not being friends with your whole town/school/etc. doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t mean you’re not cool, and it definitely does not mean people don’t like you. You’ll learn over time that having a close-knit group of people that will always be there for you is all you need.

3. Your size doesn’t define your worth.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rapid changes your body will go through with age, but superficial things like whether you wear an extra small or a large don’t define who you are.

4. School is so important, don’t think otherwise.

When every one is slacking off and giving up, don’t give in. Grades are important, and your education is more important than that party you wanted to go to or the boy who will only have a temporary spot in your life. You’ll thank me later when your 4.0 get’s you a scholarship to your dream school.

5. A bad day isn’t a bad life.

Never let the stress of a bad day get the best of you. We all have them, and it's important to just move on from it and not stay stuck on what happened.

6. Take advantage of the little things.

Like waking up to the smell of French toast coming from your kitchen, or being woken up by your pet because they want to be cuddled. Never take your parents for granted, or anything that comes with still being a teen for that matter.

7. Never let people make you feel bad about the things you enjoy.

If you want to dye your hair a crazy color, or wear a tutu to school every day because it makes you feel good, go for it. If you want to sing punk songs at the top of your lungs or listen to country music all day, never let someone make you feel bad for the things that bring you joy.

8. Always put yourself first.

Your happiness and health come before everything, and don’t ever forget that.