For some of us, we know these as facts, but it takes a specific moment and time in our life for us to fully embrace and understand what it means to live them out. Here are 9 things I learned this summer that I think every young person should know.

1. The outdoors is a beautiful place, and it’s meant for exploring.

Let me tell ya, it’s a beautiful world out there and it’s worth every second of exploring. Take a week, a day, or just an hour to get out, enjoy the sun, and explore something that was once unknown to you.

2. You DO Have Time

If Beyonce has 24 hours in a day like the rest of us, we have no excuses. I used to think I didn’t have time for people, until I gave it to them and realized that I did. You will make time for the things that matter most to you, whether it’s school, work, and people or netflix, solidarity, and procrastination - you choose.

3. Doing something new should be a regular thing

I said yes to things this summer that I usually wouldn't have done. What changed? I said yes. Getting out of your comfort zone is worth it and makes life so much more interesting and memorable.

4. Don’t have expectations

About relationships, jobs, income, grades, housing, trips, what you're going to have for dinner, literally anything. Any expectation you make is just setting yourself up for disappointment because NOTHING will ever go exactly as you plan. Expect the best of yourself and for your life, but the details? Let them go. Trust me, you will feel so much less stressed not worrying about things you can’t control.

5. When in doubt, laugh it out

I learned not to take myself, or those around me, too seriously. The best thing to do when you mess up is 1) laugh about it 2) move on and 3) live your life learning from your mistakes, but not dwelling on them.

6. NEVER Be Someone You’re Not

It’s never worth being a impersonator. People will never love you for you, unless you’re you. So, you get out there and be your crazy, weird, spontaneous, kindhearted, happy version of yourself and spend your time loving life, judgement-free! Then, and only then, will you be surrounded by people who truly care about you.

7. It’s okay to be afraid, but don’t let that stop you from doing something

Don’t take it as a sign that you shouldn’t do something just because it’s scary. I’ve learned that it isn’t easy to take unknown risks, but it’s better than being haunted by “what ifs”.

8. The Most important thing in your life, is doing something that is special to you

Whatever you do with your life doesn’t need to make complete sense to other people, but it needs to make sense to you. Everyone deserves to do what they love and no one deserves to lose it based on other's opinions.

9. The Memories you will have in 20 years won’t be about things, they will be about people

Let’s face it, it won’t matter what car you had, which clothes you wore, or what house you lived in because no one remembers those things. What will matter, is those you surrounded yourself with and those you have an impact on. The people in your life deserve your time and effort because they are without price.

It’s easy to agree with these ideas, but it’s another thing to believe, live, and experience them.