My eighteenth year of existence has most certainly been my most eventful, life-changing, bold, adventurous, confusing, self-discovering, fun and eye-opening year of my life so far. This year brought me to new places, people, jobs, and a new realm of unknown, and I learned a plethora of values about life regarding others, and about myself.

1. Avoid negative people.

If people only bring negativity in your life, learn how to let go of them for the sake of your own happiness.

You will feel better in the long run if you listen to whatever your body is telling you. You need to take care of it.

3. Unnecessary competition is a waste of time and energy.

Don’t compete with others; encourage them. Just do you, let other people who have a competitive nature do them, but just focus on you and try not to get sidetracked.

4. Don’t force connections with people.

If it does not work out naturally and organically, then it just was not meant to be and that is okay. When you find people that it just so naturally clicks, it feels effortless. Those are the people worth thinking about and putting energy towards.

5. Do. Not. Worry. About. The. Future. Or. Things. You. Cannot. Control.

Seriously, it takes time and focus away from the present moment, which is really what is the most important. Anxiety is so powerful, but for me, my anxiety about the future shakes me, but I know at the same time that it is so silly to be worrying about. Sometimes I need to go to a beach and clear my mind and reconnect with what is important in my life to be thinking about.

6. Explore.

You learn a lot by getting out of your comfort zone and into new places. Live for the moment because it will never happen again.

7. It is important to stand up for yourself.

Do not let people overpower you. Have the strength and ability to recognize that you are being put at an unfair lower position and even the balance.

8. Hold onto your values.

Remembering what is important to you is key. When you go off to work, school, or do whatever you are going to be exposed to new things. Grow, but don’t lose what you believe in and what matters to you.

9. Stay in touch with high school/childhood friends.

They knew who you were before you went off to do your thing and now they get to see the person you become so be there for them and don’t forget to cherish their support.

10. Meditate.

It helps you feel grounded and clears your mind of negativity. You can meditate on nothing and you can meditate on several things. Just freeing your mind of constant thought is like de-cluttering. There is a very apparent change when you are done meditating because you feel rejuvenated, brighter, and more able to do things.

11. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Just because you cannot see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Treat yourself well even if that means seeking help when you are scared because no one deserves to suffer alone. Your mental state is crucial in being a healthy human.

12. Stop stressing.

Take a deep breath. If it won’t matter within the next week, let it go.

13. Self-care.

It can be as simple as fitting in a nap on a very long, busy day. Take care of yourself even in the smallest of ways.

14. Ask how people are doing.

It’s a nice habit to have to keep in mind that the well-being of others around you matters just as much as yours. Make sure the people in your life are doing just fine.

15. If it doesn’t work out, try again.

Sounds basic, but either try again from where you left off, or just start fresh. We all deserve new beginnings.

16. Appreciate every moment you have.

Every moment, every person.

17. Be grateful.

For everything, that you woke up, that everything is okay and will be, for every loved one and every stranger.

18. Don’t forget where you belong.

It is a part of you, wherever, whatever, and whoever home is.