19 Things

I constantly think about what I've learned in life and every time I think about it, my opinions and mindset change. It's kind of annoying because you always want to stick to one thing because it makes sense and makes you content. At the same time, though, it shows your growth. I usually have these note taking bursts whenever I'm in a "mood" and need to write stuff down that seem important and thoughtful. So with that said, here are 19 things I've learned in 19 years. Original, right?

1) Be patient with not only other people, but also yourself.

When we're young, we've always been told to be patient and wait our turn. No one really tells you to be patient with yourself. Finding who you are is such a process and it takes an immense amount of time. Not everything is going to fall into place automatically. You'll make mistakes, as we ALL do, and you'll learn from them. Take it easy and go with the flow. Stop worrying so much :D!

2) Stop being scared!

This one is funny because I think I will always be anxious and nervous and scared about the smallest things. When I was maybe five before entering kindergarten, I remember crying because I didn't know how to read yet... When I was in middle school, I never wanted to get up from my seat to go to the bathroom because what if I tripped? That'd be embarrassing... The end of my junior year of high school I was nervous to go to a college essay "bootcamp" at my own school with my own friends for god knows why. Because it was in the summer? Who knows. All I do know is that I got through it and I did them all. All the little, easy, stupid things I was scared of were just so common and they shouldn't be scary. Sit at that table alone, go to the movies alone, talk to that group of people you've been wanting to talk to. Keep your chin up and just do it.

3) Suck it up and figure it out

I used to HATE the term "suck it up". I would never let my dad say it because I always thought it was rude and mean to tell someone. I still think that, but when said in a nicer voice with good intentions, it's not bad advise. I have to remind myself of this all the time because if I don't, I'd never get anything done. I even have a sticker on my laptop that says "figure it out" because who doesn't need a reminder on a sticker once in a while? When telling yourself that there has to be a way to figure something out, 9 times out of 10, you will. I promise.

4) Love is love is love is love is love is lovajhfuhafbjldf

Don't let ANYONE tell you who to love, how to love, when to love, where to love, and so on. Do whatever makes you happy. Be with whoever makes you happy. Fall in love with the sofa if that's what makes you happy! As long as you're safe and no one is getting hurt, what the hell is the issue?

5) Not everyone is going to like you

Maaaan this one I still need to work on. I always tell myself I don't care what people think of me, but in reality, I REALLY care. Like, a lot. You really can't please everyone though, obviously, but it's hard to realize that sometimes. Do you and brush off the fact that people will question you and probably judge you, but that's their problem, not yours.

6) ALWAYS call shotgun when multiple people are riding in a car you aren't driving

Self explanitory.

7) Shop/give items to Goodwill or any other thrift store

Shopping at thrift stores aren't just fun because of the treasures you can find, it also helps the environment. Reusing clothes and other items is always a great thing to do because you aren't just throwing out old pieces that would otherwise go in a landfill. Dropping items off also helps people who have low budges find clothes and furniture their family can use. Get some friends and do a trade off. Drop off some stuff and then search around and pick up some stuff!

8) You don't have to be the best at everything

I used to think I needed to be the best at everything I did. I'm glad I figured that one out real quick. Yeah, sure, trying your best at everything you do is awesome and I totally encourage it, but when you feel the need to be the best at everything, that's a bit much. I've been around people who feel the need to be better than everyone at everything or be the best at everything and those people are the people I tend to try and stay away from, especially now days. Trying to be the best at everything is just so tiring and unnecessary and being around those people makes me feel like I'm not doing enough in my own life when I know I am.

9) Don't seclude yourself

We all have our friend group that we can't break apart from, I get it, but surrounding yourself with other people you don't usually talk to really helps you grow. In high school, I would say I was friendly with everyone. I may not have been best friends with every stereotypical "group" in school, but I did know quite a few people which helped me figure myself out and learn little more about who I was.

10) You are yours before anyone else

LOVE YOURSELF ALWAYS. I cannot stress that enough. Learning who you are is so very important. YOU can only make you happy. No one else can do that. Someone else can make you smile, laugh, chuckle or what have you, but only you can make you genuinely happy. Don't rely on others to do that for you.

11) Find new music

The 2000's playlist that you've had since middle school is really dope, but you gotta branch out. I am always in a rut when I run out of good quality songs. Once I find new music, I feel like I could do anything.

12) Step away from electronics

THIS IS SO HARD OH MY GOD I KNOW. I have to do this once in a while because I just get so caught up in it, as we all do. It's only going to get harder so do it as much as you can.

13) Mental heath days are ok

Mental health is just as important as physical. Not being in the right mind set can screw up your whole day. You won't be able to focus and you'll just be gloomy all day. Many people don't believe in mental health days, but taking a step back for even a day can help people "realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities" (mental health). So take that day off. You deserve it.

14) Work out

I hated the thought of working out for so long, but it really helps me stay confident, in shape and happy and when I'm confident,in shape and happy, I could rule the world, man.

15) Stay true to you

Always be yourself. Don't let anyone influence you to change unless you truly want to. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. I really started to be who I was the end of my junior year and I have never felt more myself than I do now and I know it's just going to keep getting better and better as I get older.

16) It's my body

Whether it's tattoos, piercing, sex, the way I dress, it's my body and I can do what I please. Whoever judges me doesn't have to look. Do what you want to. Get that tattoo!!! (I'm kind of bias when it comes to those, though...) Don't let people tell you how to be or who to please because in the end, you're here to please yourself and no one else.

17) You can't help everyone

I literally have the biggest heart in the world. I will cry over a sentimental Puffs commercial. The thing I had to learn is that I can't help everyone I meet. I was usually the person people came to if they had a problem and I'd try and help them the best I could, but not all of them could I fix and that's just how it is. Now I just let people spill their hearts out to me and I'll listen, and if I can help, I will, but if I can't, I can't stress about it. Also, I never felt like I could tell anyone how I was feeling because I thought no one would care. There are people out there who will listen even if it's a therapist. That's another thing I had to learn.

18) The past is the past

Forgive and forget. Maybe not forget everything, but everyday is a clean slate.

19) Everything will be ok

I always have to remember that things will work out, things will be ok, everything is here to make me tougher than I was yesterday. It's not going to all happen at once. Things take time to grow, including me.

I have plenty more life lessons for myself but these are definitely the top ones. Yes, the shotgun one is VERY important to me...