19 Things that I've learned at 19.

As I type away at this birthday post, I realized how far I have come in these 19 years that I have lived. I can't believe that I am almost entering my 20s. Almost two decades of memories and experiences have given me so much wisdom and lessons to learn from. But I also realize that my life is just beginning, and although life hasn't been easy all the time, it is surely about to get so much better. I can't wait to see where this next year takes me. I thought I'd share 19 tidbits of advice that I feel can apply to anyone in any stage of life.

1. Life is truly what you make of it.

Life may be crazy and difficult at times, but the way that you react to your is ultimately what will determine your outlook on life.

2. You don't have to be apologetic for everything.

You don't have to apologize for having feelings, taking up space, taking time for yourself, doing things that you love. You have more value and potential than you think.

3. Fight for your right, your position and you will get your say and place.

Nothing in the real world is handed on a silver platter. You have to speak up for yourself, you have to be confident in your abilities and you have to voice your concerns to get what you wish in life.

4. Take criticism selectively as a way to improve, not personally.

There are always going to be critiques in your life, no matter far you go and how successful you become. You are not obligated to take all of what someone says, you don't know what they've been through. However, you can also take criticism or feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow from. Develop a thick skin and always try to see the bigger picture when things get hard.

5. Be honest with people about who you are, what you want, and how you want to be treated.

If you want people to treat you the right way, you must be honest about who you are and be firm about how you want people to treat you. Be careful with what you tolerate from others because you are showing how you want to be treated in the future. Set specific boundaries and standards that work for you.

6. It is ok to be sad or angry sometimes, your feelings are valid. Sometimes you have to accept and learn your emotions in order to feel happy again.

Know that your feelings are not permanent. Ask yourself why you might be feeling this way and what you need to do to feel happy again. Reflect on this emotion and think about what you can learn from this situation. Try to remember how happy that you can be, and just have faith that you have a chance to be that happy again.

7. It is never too late to chase your dreams.

The older you get, the crazier life gets, and your priorities may shift. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams.

8.Have no expectations, appreciate everything that comes your way.

Having expectations can set you up for disappointment. You set what is considered an ideal life, house, friendships, and relationships

9. Being grateful for what you have is the best thing you can do.

It can be so easy to focus on what you don't have in this capitalistic world. But if you change your perspective to what you already have, you will begin to realize that you have so many things to be happy for and that you are in a better place than you actually feel. According to www.psychologytoday.com, gratefulness can lead to more optimism and positive emotions, increased generosity and empathy, and better health, and more!

10. Explore new places, talk to new people, and try new things.

You never know who or what you'll end up like if you don't try. Also, there is a surprising joy in exploring the unknown.

11. Live life in the present.

As a college student, you tend to sometimes worry where life will take you after college, what you'll do once you're out in the real world (I feel like this can also apply to high school). Accepting that no matter what happens, it will turn out for the best and you will end up where you want to give a sense of relief and allows you to make the most of the time you are living in.

12. Living a life of service will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your soul.

Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living". Living a life that fuels your soul will give you happiness. I

13. Take all or most of the opportunities that you can get.

In life, opportunities don't come all the time. If you sit worrying about your qualifications for a job, internship or other opportunities, you may lose a golden chance to expand your horizons, experience, and skills. I say, just go for it!

14. Friends are passing trains, they get on at some stops and get off at some.

Some friends will stay with you for a while and then drift away. Some friends will stay with you for a while but when you need them the most, they will back out. Good friends will support you no matter what, and will never leave your side, even if there is a distance between you two.

15. Nobody is perfect. Mistakes happen and people will disappoint you.

Be forgiving and don't hold grudges. But also know where to draw to the line and do not forget who has wronged you.

16. Self-worth shouldn't have to be measured by popularity, achievements, or social media.

Your self worth is dependent on who you are at your core. Your personal values are what you should measure your life by, and create a meaningful life around.

17. Don’t beat yourself up over failures. Failure is inevitable in life, you’re gonna have to go through many, many failures before you eventually succeed. The best thing to do is to look for the lesson in each failure.

18. Your only setback in life is yourself.

You are the one who is finding excuses, believing other's critiques and opinions, and preventing you from living your dream life.

19. Family always comes first.

Being away from home from time to time has made me realize the value of my family and home. Spend as much time as you can with your family, be grateful for all the love and care that they put in to make you the person that you are today. Cherish every moment that you spend with them.