If there is any time during your life where lessons are learned, it is during your preteen and teenage years, between the ages of 11 and 19. Those are the years where we are learning who we are, hitting puberty, and growing up. No one can say they haven't had any experiences, because everyone does. Every teenager goes through different life lessons during those years, whether it be serious experiences or funny experiences. During my teenage years, there were quite a few life lessons I learned (and that you can relate to as well):
1. Drinking a liquid while laughing is asking for a disaster.
Whether it was my Dad telling one of his famous corny jokes or watching a funny moment from a TV show, I cannot tell you how many times I set myself up for this. Both times this happened to me, my water went from my mouth to the floor and my lunch that I just ate ended up in the sink! If you laugh on a regular basis, please make sure you aren't in the middle of drinking something.
2. Your parents know what they are talking about (most of the time).
Your parents and my parents were teenagers at one point, so they have a general idea of what works and what does not. When comes to life lessons, they went through puberty, relationships, break-ups, school, bullying, family problems, etc. just like you and me. We may not think they understand, but in reality, they do.
3. Siblings are both a blessing and a curse.
When you have siblings, you are not always getting along. There will be sibling rivalry. You will fight about every little thing.You will want space. But, the best part: they are there for you. They make you laugh. They have a heart. And most of all, they are your family.
4. You can't help being accident prone.
To anyone that has a habit of being accident prone, I understand the feeling and frustration. I have sprained both my ankles, dislocated a knee, fallen up and down stairs, run into doorways, tripped on sidewalks, spilled liquids, and smashed my face into a metal auditorium seat. To all the accident prone people out there, I get it.
5. Taking blame for something you didn't do does a lot of damage.
The assistant principle at the middle school blamed me for being verbally bullied and teased in sixth grade. It wasn't my fault, but I took the blame. What did it do to me? It left me scared, depressed, tossing and turning all night, with eating issues, skipping school and long periods of crying. If you have a chance to stand up for yourself, despite being scared, do it.
6. If you have a cell phone, hold onto it. Literally.
We have all dropped our cell phones. I cannot tell you how many dents I had on my previous cell phones from the number of times I dropped it, from on the sidewalk to the classroom to my house. Next time you drop it, remind yourself to hold on tight.
7. Do not eat until you are completely full. Eat until you feel you are satisfied.
All of us struggle with food in one way, shape or form. I learned this one the hard way. Grandparents love to feed us, right? We were at grandparents and when they feed the family, the table is filled every inch with food. I thought at that age that my stomach could handle it. Nope. I had eaten so much that I was in pain and laid on the couch. Never did it again.
8. Always come prepared with an umbrella. You never know when it will rain next.
My friend and I were walking to school on a cloudy day junior year. We hadn't thought about bringing umbrellas, thinking we would get to school before it rained. Instead, it began to rain and we got to school wet and cold. Did I learn my lesson? Nope. I walked home later, the skies opened up and it poured, having no umbrella to cover me. Next time it is cloudy and it looks like it is about to rain, make sure to have an umbrella with you.
9. When told to do something, follow all directions.
What else is there to say about that? All it takes is common sense. If you know someone who tells you to do something (as long as it doesn't put you in danger and it is legal), just do it.
10. Being negative gets you nowhere. Focus on the positive, even when it's hard.
I went through a lot of hard times in my teen years. What teen doesn't? I learned that the only way to get through a bad situation is to be positive, knowing it is not going to be bad forever. If you focus on the negative, of course there is going to be a negative outcome! If you focus on the positive, there is more likely going to be a positive outcome and you will find yourself in a much better position. My personality is like this and I feel this is why I have come so far and have wonderful friends to share the happiness with.
No matter where in your teen years or above you are, never forget the life lessons you have learned.
