When I was younger, I didn't think very deeply. I typically followed the crowd instead of doing what made me happy. Here are a few things I have noticed and realized as I matured.
1. Not everyone is going to like me, and that's OK
I always seemed to want to make friends with everyone. I never really understood that no matter how nice I was to people, they still didn't have to like me. I now realize that I am not everyone's cup of tea. My rambunctious and very outgoing personality is not for everyone, which is completely OK. Continue to be nice to the people you surround yourself with and always smile at strangers... It's better to be kind than to hold a grudge against someone you hardly know.
2. Less is more
No, I'm not talking about toilet paper... I am talking about makeup. When I was in junior high and even high school, I felt the need to "beat" my face for EVERYTHING. Now, I realize that I look my best with some mascara and no face makeup. Even when I actually do my makeup to go out, it's usually a look that shows off my natural beauty, rather than looking like someone and something I am not. I am not bashing people who wear a decent amount of makeup. I jusst prefer myself with less, at this point.
3. Not everyone you lose is a loss
Friends, boyfriends, and sometimes even family–not every person you lose is a loss. People can be toxic and can steer you down the wrong path or they can tear you down internally. Don't fight for people who don't fight for you. A small circle is usually better than a large one. There are fewer people to cause confusion or problems in your life. Take the L on some people and be thankful for it.
4. Name brand clothing isn't important
THIS. I used to be OBSESSED with wanting everything from Victoria's Secret PINK. I wanted expensive makeup, designer bags, and expensive shoes like UGGs. Now that I'm older, I would rather buy my clothes from Target or Walmart if I think they're cute. There's no shame in saving some money and still looking cute. While some people brag about their $300 bags, I am content with my $30 purse from Marshall's. You can brag about the money you're wasting while I brag about how much money I am saving. The only thing you're paying for is the name and the logo.
5. Time with the people you love is limited
No one is invincible. No one lives forever. Death is one of the only two things guaranteed in life. Hug your friends and family a little tighter and overuse "I love you" when you genuinely mean it. Freak accidents happen and you never truly know when you will see or talk to someone last.
6. Do what you love and love what you do
Don't do anything that doesn't add to your happiness. If you don't like your job, find a new one. If you don't like your daily routine, change it. Don't like the way your life is going? You can make anything happen with hard work and passion. Don't pick a major or a career path for the money–you will only end up being miserable for the rest of your life. Be happy.
7. It's OK to be different
Colored hair, your own style, and your own taste in music are fine. People are not meant to be exactly the same. The world would be so BORING if everyone was alike. Embrace being different and be happy about it. It took me a while to realize this one. At first, I was hiding the fact that I liked to listen to certain music that wasn't popular and the fact that I enjoyed writing. But our differences are the best qualities about us and make us who we are.
8. Don't rely on others for happiness
You are the only person who will be there through your entire life. Do not count on people to make you happy because once they leave, you'll be lost and broken. Make yourself happy on your own and then find someone who adds to your happiness. As I said before, do what you love and love what you do. By doing that, you will be guaranteed happiness.
9. You cannot change the past, so stop dwelling on old mistakes
As humans, we make mistakes. There's no way to be flawless. If you continuously think about what you could have done differently or what you should have said, you will never truly be happy. Use your mistakes as learning experiences and make your future brighter... Just don't make the same mistakes again. That's why we learn about history–to learn about old mistakes and avoid them in the future.
10. Grades are more important than partying
Don't jeopardize your future just because you want to get hammered with everyone on a weeknight. Get that paper or assignment finished before anything else. As you get older, you need to have priorities and you need to get them straight. You have the rest of your life to party. Use the last few years of school to do well and create a path for yourself.
11. The world is massive, so travel
I saw a quote that has changed my mindset on everything: "Travel. As much as you can. As far as you can. As long as you can. Life's not meant to be lived in one place." This quote has spoken volumes to me and made me realize how big the world actually is. There is so much to see and so much to do. Do not limit yourself to your hometown. Expand your comfort zone and explore. You will regret it when your time is limited.
12. You cannot make someone love you
You can care for someone dearly. You could do everything for this person and do your best to make them see your worth. However, the sad truth is that you cannot make someone love you. If it's not there, then it's truly not there. Accept that you are not meant to be and continue with yourself. The right one will come along at the right time. Don't stress–you won't die alone. Don't be too dramatic. I highly doubt the frat boy you like now will be a hot-shot in his 30s... College will be his peak.
