♡ 18 things I’ve Learned at 18 ♡

Hi everyone! Hope 2019 has been doing you all good so far. Turning 18 is a big milestone for many people; you are finally considering a legal citizen, with many freedoms like voting, and independence. In my first eighteen years I have learned a lot about life, and although there is much to learn, I thought I would share some of my advice with you all (I turned 18 on the 9th by the way, but just got around to posting this hehe) `:

1. You don't have to listen to people’s opinions.

In high school, you might find the opinions of others to be helping when making day-to day decisions. However, taking these things to heart could to more harm than good. Sometimes, you just gotta trust your gut. You know yourself better than ANYONE.

2. Friends are like passengers on a train, they may hope on or off at anytime.

Not all the people that you will encounter in life are in it for the long run, whether it be acquaintances or best buddies. Some are friends with you for a purpose, or at a certain time. It is ok to let go of these friends. Others are there because they care, and will continue to do so even when you two are separated. These are the people that you should hold onto.

3. Put down your phone and see the wonderful world around you.

As a millennial teenager, I am definitely guilty of getting caught up in the virtual world of social media and the internet, but once in a while, it is nice to put my phone down and just experience life as it is. It's amazing how much more you get out of an experience by JUST experiencing it. These moments are probably the more memorable ones, to be honest.

4. Find your passion.

Discover that one thing that gives your life purpose, embrace it, and work hard for it. Whether you you want to do it part time, full time, pour your heart and soul into it.

5. Appreciate the simple things in life.

Whether it's watching the sunset with your friends, a kind note or the flowers in your garden, enjoy the small things that life has to offer. It will fill your heart with warmth and happiness.

6. It doesn’t hurt to be kind

Everyone is fighting their own personal battle, they all have their own struggles. Something as simple as a smile or a kind compliment can bring positivity and happiness into someone's day, its impact has no bounds.

7. Keeping an open mind.

As you blaze your way through life, you'll encounter things that you don't really expect or know. It's best to be open minded. There is simply a lifetime worth of discovery out there, and you don't want to miss out!

8. Allow yourself to open up to those care and listen.

Don't be afraid to open up to the people who care about you, who will stand by you no matter what. They are willing to listen to what you say and give you guidance.

9. Don't be afraid to take risks

Life only comes around once for all of us, so we all must make the most of our journey through it. It can be very easy to fall into a zone of comfort, and lose sight of what we are missing. I have learned the best lessons when I step out of my comforts and try new things. It's like a roller coaster, it may seem scary but you don't realize how fun it is until you try it.

10. Be original, be yourself!

You're the only one who has the personality and quirks that you have. Embrace your individuality and your talents, and you are bound to go far!

11. Take advantage of all the opportunities given to you.

Life provides you with an abundances of opportunities, whether it is academic, career-oriented, or social. It's best to grab at whatever opportunity you can within means, because you never know what you'll find about the activity or your potential. The unknown may be scary, but it will give you wisdom and experience.

12. Attitude is everything.

It doesn’t matter what situation you are in, it’s perspective that ultimately determines the outcome of your situation. So what do you see, glass half full, or empty? It’s up to you to decide.

13. Treat yourself, you deserve it.

It's always nice to treat yourself once in a while, you deserve some special after working so hard on your goal. It gives you something to work towards.

14. Your mind is the most powerful thing.

Your mind is the only thing that is holding you back from doing what you are capable of. You are more skilled than you know, you just have to trust yourself.

15. Success takes a lot of time, and effort.

I may not be at the point at which I define success to be, but surely I have learned that success takes a LOT more of effort than I expected. On your path to success, you might find yourself in hardships, but the best thing is to pick yourself up, work hard and just keep going.

16. Be aware of what is happening around you.

It is easy to get caught up in your own agendas, but once in a while, it is nice to just take a while to observe your surroundings, and listen to what people have to say. You never know what you may find out about a person when you just pause and listen.

17. Don't overthink, just live in the moment!

In life, you will find yourself with a lot to do in a moment, but don't let that get in your head. Just take a deep breath, and enjoy life as it comes. Make the most of the moment you're in!

18. Be proud of what you achieve.

Take time to appreciate what you have achieved. You have worked so hard to get this far, and this is just the beginning of all the amazing things you are about to do. Celebrate the milestones with pride!

Hope this post inspires you all to take on any challenge that comes your way :) !