I see all these tweets that read, "20 Things I Learned By 20" or "15 Things Every 15 Year Old Should Know," etc. It inspired me to create my own list of 16 things I've learned this year. My birthday is in July, and given June will be a busy month of traveling, I decided I'm close enough to 17 to write this list.
17. It is unbelievable that I am almost 17 years old. My 16th year was not the year many young kids dream of it being. It was interesting to say the least, and I most definitely grew as a person, which is more than most can say, so for that I am grateful. I learned a lot, and after much thought I came up with the 16 most important lessons I've learned.
1. Cherish high school.
I do not say this lightly. While junior year was challenging given the classes I took, it was a very special year that I wish I cherished more. Finally, it's the year you're an upperclassmen, but you aren't a senior yet. It's the year to make real friendships and live in the moment. High school is only four short years, so despite the stress and drama, enjoy being young while you can.
2. Get a job.
I am so happy I got a job when I was 16 and that I am working in high school. It teaches responsibility and discipline, and I have made some really great friends because of it. I love making my own money, and there is something so satisfactory about receiving a paycheck.
3. Spend time with all your family.
Yeah, all of them. My grandparents were generous enough to fly me to California for spring break and I am grateful I got to spend that time with them. I even kind of enjoying hanging out with my parents and brothers now. The reality that I will be leaving for college who knows where in a year is starting to sink in. Spend time with them while you can.
4. Be careful who you trust.
Unfortunately, not everyone is trustworthy. Many do not know where to draw the line between what they can share with others and what must be kept personal. People will listen and pretend to care about what you're saying. Be careful with who you allow to listen.
5. Play a sport.
Or join a club or something if sports aren't your thing. I played tennis sophomore year and continued that into junior year and I am ever so grateful I did. It's fun, you make friends, connect with the coaches, and can get some exercise all at the same time.
6. Never set expectations for anyone but yourself.
You can set goals for yourself, but as they say, expectation is the root of all heartache. If you expect that Sally will be your best friend forever and Joe will love you forever, you will be disappointed. I have seen it happen too many times. Expect nothing from anyone and you will never be disappointed.
7. Sleep.
My lack of sleep this year was astronomical. I felt exhausted nearly all the time. Sleep comes first. If you're up until one o'clock studying, just accept the C grade and go to bed. Not sleeping is so bad for your health and it is important to build habits now.
8. Help your friends, always.
Even if they do not help you. It's that simple. If they are crying or sad or need advice, you are there for them. Be that person. Do good, and do not expect anything in return.
9. Fake it until you make it.
If you are down in the dumps, put a smile on your face anyways. One day you'll realize you aren't even that sad anymore, and the smile is real.
10. Enjoy the good days and allow the bad ones.
There are going to be days where you are on top of the world. You will be so happy that nothing can bring you down. There will be other days where all you want to do is sit around and be sad for whatever reason. Do not deny yourself the right to be sad, but do not let it control you.
11. Discuss ideas, not people.
If you realize that you are only friends with someone because they gossip with you, then realize that it is not a healthy or genuine friendship. If you can talk to someone about your thoughts and ideas and they reciprocate with equally interesting ideas, then you have something special.
12. Be friends with people of all ages.
Being able to connect with people older and younger is valuable and will help you in your future. Learning to relate to people from all walks of life is important and is something you can learn a lot from.
13. Think about the future.
Do not fear or stress for the future. But think about what you like to do now and what kind of person you are. What careers will be available to you in the future and what are you interested in doing? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, and 20 years?
14. Listen to your parents.
I am still working on this one, but I have recognized that it is so necessary. Our parents have been around longer than we have and their advise has value to it. Listen to the story your grandparents tell and appreciate them. They were born in a different time and what they have to say can be pretty fascinating. They won't be around forever, and one day you'll be old and you won't have your parents around anymore. Do not take them for granted.
15. If someone says they love you, believe them.
Maybe teenagers do not know what true, unconditional love is. But, if they say they love you, then in their mind they do. Whatever they feel or believe love to be is how they feel towards you so just accept it. Love is powerful and very special.
16. Love yourself.
There it is, the biggest cliché of all time. Love yourself. It seems so stupid and simple, yet it is one of the most difficult things to do. High school is a trying time, and you will be compared to others and judged and ridiculed no matter who you are or what you do. It is the unfortunate but inevitable truth. Value yourself as a human, set high standards, and do not allow anyone to treat you less than you deserve.
Those were just 16 lessons I learned my 16th year. While there were others I learned, these seemed to be the most beneficial to all. What list would you come up with? Until next time xxx.
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