We all have different lives. Different friends. Different hardships. Different beliefs. Different minds. But what we all have in common is that life has taught and shaped us -- practically making us who we are at the very moment you're reading this. Though we may have all learned different things from life, here are some that I've learned and kept in mind.

1. Not everything will come to you, youhave to work for it.

This is usually a given, especially since I am starting to grow up. When I was younger, of course things were given to me (like a toy or a new coloring book). But now that I am older, and as much as I usually don't want to, you have to work for the things you want. Whether that is a toy, a new coloring book, or any type of relationship. To receive things requires effort... unless it's your birthday, then all you have to do is receive things.

2.If you enjoy doing something, don't give up on it.

I know, you must be thinking, "Well, duh!" but a lot of people struggle with this. Unlike myself, who has had a lot of support from my friends and family, a good amount of people don't have that. Some parents would like their children to work hard in sports rather than them working hard playing guitar, or similar situations. From what I have seen from those around me, they struggle with the decision between doing what they want to do or doing what others want them to do.

Ultimately, this is your life. You have the decision to do what makes you happy or not. I know that some of you do not want to disappoint others by not doing what they want you to do, but your happiness is important. You have yourself for your entire life, and a lot of relationships are temporary. What is the point of having to do something that will please someone else, when in reality those people might not be a part of your life much longer?

Of course, there may be situations where doing this just can't happen, which I understand. However, if you enjoy a hobby or something along those lines, keep up with it! If it makes you happy, don't let it go.

3. Don't stress about the inevitable.

This is something I still need to work on. As a person who constantly over-thinks and is stressed all the time, this is difficult for me. However, I know that if it is something out of my control, I need to stop worrying about it so much. Whatever the situation may be, it will work out in the end.

4. Never stop believing in yourself.

My brain always tried to convince me that I was never good enough, that I should give up and try something new. But there was always a part of me that believed that I can do it, that I can overcome anything that I wanted. We all feel down sometimes, and we believe that giving up is the best option, but it really isn't. If we just give up, that is the end. You will be giving yourself no chance to improve in whatever the situation may be. So, believe in yourself, push a little harder and keep going. If you need a little motivation, here is a great song to listen to.

5. Just be you.

When I went into high school, I dreamed of becoming a popular cheerleader with tons of friends and a jock boyfriend (maybe it's because of all those 'high school' movies I watched, but who knows). But after freshmen year, I learned that that is not who I am. When I attempted to follow that dream of mine it felt almost... wrong? Like, that's not who I was supposed to be. I tried to impress people and constantly tried everything I could do to become popular. Don't get me wrong, I had and have a good amount of friends, but trying to win people over felt weird.

As years went by, I discovered that I really didn't enjoy cheer that much. I mean, I did and I made a lot of close friends from it, but then what? For me, my heart wasn't in it. It was, but then it wasn't. I wanted to do something else, I wanted to find myself. So I quit cheer, and quickly discovered my love for writing. I took classes and joined clubs, I talked to people who also love writing and became close with some who shared similar interests.

I learned that I needed to be real with myself. Of course the idea of being popular in high school was great, but what's the point in trying so hard when that's not who I was? I dropped that dream quick and was slapped with the realization that to be happy is to be yourself. I didn't want to continue my charade by acting unlike myself.

At the end of the day, I found friends who are still so close to me and I found who I am. Maybe it's not the dream I had when I was thirteen years old, but it really has made my life better.

Th moral of the story is if you just be yourself everything else will fall into place.

I am sure life will be teaching me a lot more than this, and I know it already has, but keeping these five things in mind has changed my outlook on life. It is difficult, and requires a lot of effort, but life will always be the best teacher out there.