As we go through life, there are always times when we look back we just wish we could've done things differently. We wish we would have known then what we do now. Who I was in the past sometimes makes me sad to think about. I've grown so much over the past few years and there are so are a few things that I wish I could go back in time to teach myself.

1. It is NOT selfish to rid yourself of toxic people.

For quite a long period of time, I sat back and let so many people completely walk all over me. These people were constantly making me feel less-than. I allowed this to happen simply because I truly believed these people had the right intentions. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Up until the time I learned it's okay to rid myself of anyone who is not helping me become a better me, I let every single thing slide for the sake of having friends. But I know now that you DO NOT have to put up with anyone making you feel lesser just because they claim to be your friend. If someone is not helping you grow, show them the door!

2. Not everyone has the same heart as you.

I will never claim to be someone who is always nice to everyone or that I'm a perfect person by any means. However, I almost ALWAYS have other people's best intentions at heart. I often find myself always putting in so much effort into any kind of relationship, regardless of whether or not that effort is reciprocated. In the past, I was so angry when I wouldn't get back everything that I was giving. Now I understand. Sometimes, you just have to accept that some people just don't have the same heart as you, but that doesn't mean you have to love them less.

3. Don't let the past harden you.

There have been many instances in my life where I have been hurt, and rather than trying to grow from them and make things different for the next time, I made myself hard and built up walls. At the time, I didn't see that being hurt doesn't mean you need to close yourself off. Being hurt gives us the opportunity to learn and to be and look for better. Don't let what others do to you in one period of your life affect how you live the rest of your life.

4. Life is more fun when you stop caring what others think of you.

For so long, I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to make sure that no one thought negatively about me. I was constantly worrying about how I looked or what I was doing only because I was worrying about what everyone else would think. One day I realized that there was absolutely no need for that, so I stopped. I've completely stopped worrying about having everyone likes me and I've learned that the only people who truly matter are those who love you for YOU, not for who you pretend to be.

5. It's okay not to be okay all of the time.

I used to get so angry with myself when I would be sad for a while, because I was so worried about it being annoying to everyone else. I would pretend I was fine just so I wouldn't sound like a "cry baby." I learned that this is actually the exact opposite of what I should have been doing. Don't hide behind a mask of happiness just to "spare others" of your true feelings. It's okay to actually feel things, and you shouldn't be afraid to show that you are sad/angry/happy/etc. all because you're worried about it bothering someone else. Those who truly love you want to know what you're feeling. It's okay to be sad or mad or whatever else you might be feeling...

The things we experience throughout our lives are what help mold us into the person God has us planned out to be. Everything that happens to us is simply all apart of His plan and it's all just a part of learning who we need to be. I've got a lot of learning left to do in this life, but I'm so thankful I've learned these things over the years, because I know I sure needed to.