19. Let your dad tell your baby stories.
No matter how many times you've heard it. No matter how old it has gotten. You are forever his pride and joy -- I promise the five minutes he talks about how you could fit in the palm of his hand will not kill you. In fact, it'll make you realize how much love a father actually has in his heart for his kids.
18. It's OK to fall as long as you pick yourself back up.
Ever hear the term, "Fall down seven times, stand up eight"? There is no such thing as failure until you give it meaning -- never give up on yourself. There are gonna be days and weeks where you feel like everything is falling to pieces, but I promise you are more than capable of anything. There's a light at the end of the dark tunnel.
17. Life moves terribly fast.
Do not wish your days away in hopes of getting to the next quicker. Bask in the present.
16. Friends do in fact change.
I know. To think that the group you went through every painful stage of teenage years with won't always walk through life with you. Just remember that as much as you're growing, so are they. It's OK to drift apart.
15. Cherish the people who choose to be in your life.
Enough said.
14. Save your money.
Future expenses. Emergencies. Food. Uber. You never know when that $5 will make or break you.
13. Always carry a pen.
You know when you walk into a room and completely forget what you are even in there for? Yeah. That's how your brain is going to work if you don't write down that thought of yours that you swear you'll remember in five hours.
12. Make healthy choices.
When you eat well, you feel great. No that run doesn't look half as good as a Kit-Kat, but it'll have you feeling 10 times greater. So drink those 60 oz of water, go on that run and push yourself to new limits. Take care of your body and feel good about yourself.
11. Education is important.
To those still in high school, take class seriously. That C in chemistry your junior year will catch up to you. And for those in college, it's so easy to wake up and not go to class, but go. Go, go , go! We live on beautiful campuses being taught by some of the smartest professors. Take their knowledge and use it to your advantage. Take pride in your grades and where you can picture yourself going with your education.
10. Siblings are pretty awesome.
When we're younger, we never really think of siblings as more than that. But being away from home more than usual, you get to missing your little (or older) tormentors. Coming back and seeing how they've grown and what they're up to is pretty exciting -- you feel like an extra parent.
9. Chances are that he is not 'the one.'
No matter how tall, how good looking, or even how athletic he is...no. Let it go. You have standards and they are much too high for someone who you're 'talking to' or 'have a thing with' to reach.
8. You're not who you were in high school.
Coming to college, nobody knows who you are or what you have done. You're no longer the popular one, the shy one, the one who will "never make it out of here." This is your chance to have a fresh start and portray yourself how you've always wished to.
7. Mom is always, always right.
I don't know how I am still coming to terms with this even though she's proven it too many times already. Listen to your mother and take what she says to the heart. You may think she doesn't understand, but this woman has so much life under her belt -- she's dealt with friendships, relationships, school, family, etc. far longer than you have. Take her advice and lessons and put them to use.
6. No is a word that is meant to be used.
It's hard to not want to please everyone. But there's a point when you need to realize that you cannot allow people to use you for their own sake.
5. Coffee.
The limit does not exist.
4. Maturity is indeed a good thing.
It is possible to be mature and still be a fun person. Do not let the little ones fool you.
3. You control your happiness.
Do not depend on others to bring you the good times. You are in charge of your happiness. If you don't like something, don't do it. There is nothing stopping you from doing what you love.
2. Be selfish.
Fall in love with yourself. Know your beauty. Know your potential. Live for you.
1. Be kind, smile and laugh as much as possible.
It's contagious.
