1. Surround yourself with good friends. It’s important to have those friends that you could run to with anything. Keep ‘em and take care of ‘em. They’re a second home that’ll always have a welcome mat.
2. Take a break. Whether it’s taking a jog around the block, watching reruns of Friends on Netflix or readingHarry Potterfor the 80th time, do something you love and take that much needed rest.
3. Treat yo ‘self. If you want that extra doughnut, go for it! Starbucks run? – you got it! While it’s important to stay healthy, it’s also important to indulge yourself every once in a while.
4. Let the haters hate. Let’s face it. You’re never going to be able to please everyone and that’s 100 percent okay. Let the comments roll off your back and know that you’re a better person for it.
5. Stand up for what you believe in. Passion is one of the most extraordinary things human beings have in their arsenal of emotions. Use it. If you care about something, tell the world (trust me, you’re never as alone as you think you are).
6. Form healthy relationships. Falling in love is a beautiful thing, which is why it’s so important to find someone who thinks of you just as, if not more, beautiful. Never sell yourself short in a relationship. Remember, you are worth the world and I know you can’t wait to share it with someone else.
7. Express yourself. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to laugh. It’s okay to yell, cheer, smile and be angry. There is no shame in anything you feel. Emotions are a natural thing, let them happen naturally.
8. Do something you love. Life is too short to waste your time on a job you hate. Go after your dreams and leave no regrets for the end. Write that novel. Take that trip. Welcome adventure with open arms and an overbearing grin. Show life who’s boss.
9. Dance like nobody’s watching. Sometimes, you just have to let it go. Elsa references aside, cut a rug and jam out like some soccer moms chaperoning an eighth grade dance. You’ll have a wonderful time, I promise.
10. Ask for help. There is no weakness in a cry for help. If you’re having a hard time, talk to someone, whether professional or personal. Know that you are not alone in this world and that there is always, always, someone ready to offer a warm hand to hold and a sturdy shoulder to lean on.
11. Take care of yourself. If you’re sick, whether physically or mentally, take a break and let your body rest. Exercising is also a great way to raise endorphins and build more confidence while eating right can make your body feel invigorated. Be happy and healthy – visit the dentist, the doctor, and the everyone in-between. Treat your body like a palace – you have to live in it for the rest of your life after all.
12. Give yourself a compliment. Pat yourself on the back, be proud of your accomplishments, and be your own biggest fan. The person you see in the mirror is beautiful, inside and out, and it’s important to remind yourself of that every once in a while.
13. But, most importantly, do not fear failure. There’s a stigma on failure in today’s world that dismisses the necessity behind the concept. There is no shame in falling short - what is important is that you pick yourself back up and try again tomorrow. Failing is a necessary part of life; it doesn’t determine who you are, but it can shape you into who you want to be.
Remember, while you may fail, as long as you try again, you can never, ever lose.