I turn twenty next week, and I realized that so much has changed since I was in high school. My perspective on things, people, and the world is not the same. There are a lot of things I wished I could go back and tell my sixteen-year-old self. The person I was back then was so naive and unknowing of anything in the real world. I wish I was better prepared for all the curveballs that life was going to throw at me, but I had to learn the hard way, I guess. Still, I wish I would have known these things:

1. Don't take life too seriously

Go to school, get good grades, don't back talk adults, be nice to everyone, and always do what you're told. That's what I heard growing up, so that's how I lived my life - constantly worrying if I'm being "good enough." What a stressful way to live. Sweetie, you will exhaust yourself trying to please everyone, so don't even try.

2. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever

The painful truth is that people are going to leave. People will hurt you. People will betray you. You may even outgrow some people, and that's okay.

3. Your heart will get broken

People warned me time and time again not to fall too hard too fast at a young age, it will only end in heartache. I told them they were crazy. Now I tell them they were right.

4. Dream big

At sixteen, you think you have the world figured out. But honey, you have no idea what the world is capable of. Don't become too invested in one predetermined path. Don't play it safe. Dream big and dream often, because life is literally what you make of it.

5. You're allowed to be young and dumb

You are going to mess up. As soon as you come to terms with that, your life will become significantly better. Part of growing up is making mistakes. Just make sure that you are learning from those mistakes.

6. Steer clear of the drama

I don't think I can stress this enough - AVOID THE DRAMA!! I promise you that causing/being apart of drama is NOT the way to get attention. It is actually the worst way to get attention. So, steer clear of the drama and mind your own business.

7. You don't have to have it all figured out

Remember when I said to dream big and dream often? I meant that! Your dreams can change as many times as you want them to. You may dream of being a doctor today, but a NASA engineer tomorrow. Four years later and almost done with college, and I still don't have it all figured out. I'm not stressing, and neither should you.

8. 95% of this stuff won't matter in 5 years

I still kick myself for caring so much about what I wore on the first day of school every year. Like who actually cares?? Answer - no one. Truth is, 95% of the stuff you are doing now won't even be relevant in 5 years. Seriously, it won't be included on your resume, you won't want to brag about being student of the month your junior year of high school to your co-workers. Care enough to do well and push yourself to improve, but don't drown yourself in stress trying to prove something that really does not matter in the long run.

9. Be more kind to mom and dad

Stop being a snobby teenager and treating your parents like crap. They don't deserve that. Thank them for all that they have sacrificed for you, and don't back talk them.

10. Don't ever cry over a boy

You should never cry over a boy. Period.