18 things I've learned by 18
I just turned 18 a week ago, and after 18 years alive and finally becoming an adult, I decided to reflect on some thing's I've learned so far in my journal. At 18 there is still so much I don't know, but many things that I do at least think I have knowledge on. Who knows? Maybe I'll refute all of these later on... but for now, I've been able to collect a list of 18 things learned, experienced, and discovered.
Be kind to others, unless you can't be. Don't try too hard to be kind to people who don't deserve it, but go out of your way when you can for everyone else
Always talk things out. Never ignore a problem, it will only get worse. An argument and tear-filled solution is better than leaving things to become worse.
Secrets hurt more than the truth. Telling someone what you think of them or what is being said about them to their face may be hard, but it will always be better than them finding out about it later.
Staying up past 4 a.m. is never a good idea. It doesn't matter how great the party is or how fun your text conversation is, you will regret it in the morning.
You don't have to agree with something to respect it. Try to understand peoples' opinions, cultures, and beliefs, but at the very least if they don't affect you you can respect them.
A good workout always feels great afterwords. No matter how much it hurts, your body and brain will thank you after if you push through and get movement in.
Writing can be therapeutic. Even if it isn't about you, just putting words and ideas onto paper clears your mind and gives you an accomplishment.
You can teach yourself more than you know. Looking for information is the best way to learn it, and if it is something you can be passionate about, even better!
Eyeliner always looks good. Lipgloss too. All it takes to pull together your look/make it look like you haven't been a mess is a little eyeliner and light lipgloss.
Vitamin D and sunlight is an instant mood booster. Getting daily sunlight (or vitamin D in a pinch) can completely change your mood and routines for the better. Especially in the mornings!
Podcasts are wonderful. Find some you like and listen to them religiously. They don't have to be educational or intellectual, if they make you think, you're learning.
Calendars and schedules help a ton. As a former disorganized person and a recovering procrastinator, I fully credit having a fun calendar and aesthetic schedule for getting me to keep up on what I need to do.
If you focus on the moment, you will have fun. Not thinking about the past or future, or someone else's view of you frees your mind to have fun and enjoy life as it is.
Be the one to reach out. It may be daunting, but trust me, it's better to get a "no" than to miss out on a great opportunity. Keep connections, you may use them later. Writing a card or an occasional meet up out of the way is so worth it to be able to stay in touch with cool people. It may even lead to opportunities you wouldn't have had otherwise.
Grudges aren't worth it, wariness is. Holding a grudge is expending too much energy to someone undeserving. Being wary of someone when you know what they have done in the past is self-care and preservation.
Beauty is in self-love and expression. I have never met a person who loves and expresses themself who is not beautiful in their own way. It may not be conventional beauty, but caring for yourself is something that everyone around you can pick up on and see.
There is a duality in what people can be. Good people do bad things, bad people do good things. Ultimately, someone can be both, and it is up to you to recognize that and know where to draw your line.
Have empathy for others and fall back on your own strength. Recognize that other people have situations you know nothing about and use your own power and strength to show them understanding.
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