18 Things I Would Say To My 18-Year-Old Self

#1. No, it’s not “the end of the world”.

No matter how big or small the problem, the best way out is always through.

#2. Appreciate your parents.

Parenting is an extremely difficult job, and if they did things wrong, forgive them.

#3. You don’t need tattoos, a popular boyfriend, or the latest iPhone to be “cool”.

Real friends won’t care about those things. And who the heck are you trying to impress anyway?

#4. It’s just hair. It will grow back.

Go get that pixie cut you’ve been dreaming of!

#5. Don’t make important decisions on the fly.

Take your time, babe. Spontaneity is not worth a broken bone or a wounded heart.

#6. “Done” is better than “perfect”.

TBH, your report will probably be the 28th paper your teacher will be grading in one weekend. There really is no need for thirteen rough drafts and eight spell checks.

#7. Don’t let other people make your choices for you.

Your life is your own — take responsibility for it.

#8. Someday, you will miss being in school.

This might sound ridiculous, but it’s true. Learn to enjoy the experience (and learning!) while you’re there.

#9. Some relationships are like tumours.

They need to be removed right away to avoid ruining your entire life.

#10. Nevertheless, there are relationships worth fighting for.

Know the difference.

#11. Learn to love your body and all its imperfections.

Someday, someone will love all the things you hate about yourself.

#12. Manners maketh a teenager.

Adolescents are notorious for being callous and impolite. Be the kid at the party who offers to clean up after.

#13. Learn a skill like playing the drums, or baking.

Your future self will thank you.

#14. Life is one giant curve ball, so make sure you’re well-equipped.

It may sound boring, but emotional and financial stability are adult superpowers. They will help you land a home run in life.

#15. Make time for your loved ones.

They won’t be around forever, and neither will you.

#16. Passion > Money.

If you have to choose between doing something you love and something that will make you money, always choose happiness. When you’re fifty and chained to a desk, you’ll know why.

#17. You will grow up to be the sum of the people you’ve met, and the memories you’ve had with them.

Choose those people wisely. Make those memories count.

#18. You will never be as young as you are right this very moment.

You’ll grow up sooner that you expect. You’re only 18 once, so enjoy the hell out of it.