100 Things I've Learnt Before Turning 19 | Lifestyle

Hello everyone!

For those of you who don't know, I will be turning nineteen tomorrow which is pretty exciting (bar the fact Tom won't be here to celebrate with me for another five days *sad face*). 

I've learnt a lot in the past nineteen years of my life and thought I could make a post of all these simple, but in some cases, useful and thoughtful lessons as I didn't get the chance to do this for my 18th birthday. Doing it then would have been better because it's seen as a 'bigger' milestone, but better late than never, hey? 

Obviously because 100 is a large number, I will try to make this post as interesting as possible!

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1. Take every day as it comes, no matter what the situation is

2. Even when the parents are cross with me, it doesn't mean they don't care and won't talk if I'm upset

3. Parents are actually easier to talk to about issues than you think. Even sex!

4. Things are only awkward if you make them awkward

5. Pizza is amazing

6. Never be work centred. Stay motivated, but have fun at the same time

7. Make spontaneous decisions and don't plan too much

8. Don't sit around moping when you feel down. Exercise, read, draw, paint...the options are endless!

9. Exercise can build a positive self esteem. Release some endorphins!

10. The past should not matter to anyone, especially yours

11. Don't eat crappy food then complain you're putting on weight, it's a vicious cycle

12. Think about what you say and do, before you actually say and do it

13. Block out people who have done you wrong. They do not deserve you. Don't even look back on them. Forget their very existence and you will be happier.

14. As nice as it tastes, Relentless is not good for you

15. Never be ashamed of having a 'down day', panic attack or letting your emotions spiral

16. On the same sort of principle, it's ok to baby yourself and put your own needs first

17.  Don't keep staring at your art work. You will begin to hate it

18. Have an open mind at people. You may have completely misjudged them at first

19. If someone hurts you and say it's 'because they care', then that's 100% bullshit and you do not need to stand for it. Erase them.

20. Everyone has their own issues. It's not up to you or anyone else to dictate whether it's nothing or something

Scary to think this was taken about seventeen years ago!

21. Everyone is different, embrace it!

22. Times change, and so do people 

23. If someone treats you poorly, kill them with kindness rather than retaliating. That way, they will be able to reflect on how they're treating you and put themselves right

24. Always carry a list of at least five things you're grateful for in your wallet, pocket or bag in times of need 

25. Don't give in to people. If you're uncomfortable with something or someone, be consistent and say 'no'

26. Never underestimate yourself or your abilities. 

27. Never let anyone else underestimate yourself or your abilities

28. Take rumours and gossip with a pinch of salt. Although drama can be interesting, it can also hurt the person at the receiving end whether it is or is not true. 

29.  Acknowledge the interests of others, you may find common ground and make new life-long friends

30. Beauty really is skin deep

31. The above quote. It is extremely important and true

32. When you get a job and work hard for your money, don't squander it. Budget yourself or get something to show for your hard work

33. When in an argument, always put yourself in the other persons shoes so you can understand what they're saying, rather than jumping down their throat and saying useless things

34. Always speak your mind. Never hide your feelings

35. Never underestimate education. Some children are literally dying for it. Work hard, and do not take the education system for granted. If you struggle with certain areas, that's fine, but don't sit in the dark! Ask!

36. Everyone has fears, but they're not cowards for it

37. Don't let other people tell you who you should be, what you should look, act, dress, smell, speak and talk like. It is up to you!

38. Look after the environment

39. Treat yourself! Whether it's a pizza, new dress or makeup, everyone deserves a treat!

40. Don't spend all your time on your phone- especially in the company of your friends and family. It's rude and disrespectful

41. Value the time you have with your nearest and dearest

42. Write down happy memories, keep a diary/scrapbook, take photos of things you've done or happy moments. You never know whether you may suddenly forget all the good times, and it's always nice to have something to look back on

43. Have something to channel your anger into other than people. Punch a pillow, play a violent video game etc

44. Embrace your inner child. Do silly things, go to the pantomime, laugh at stupid jokes. Enjoy being young while it lasts

45. Ice cream helps everything

46. Unnecessary anger will destroy you. Be open minded about everything and you will be at peace

47. Be passionate about something. Art, history, theatre. Anything!

48. Always fulfil your potential and set yourself targets and challenges

49. Lying will cause more problems for you. Be truthful, people will appreciate it

50. Humans can be shit. But they can be wonderful too. 

51. Smile at anyone and everyone. You could make someone's day

52. Always treat people the way you wish to be treated yourself

53. If you are in a debate, listen to and consider the opinions of others. It may not be right to you, but everyone is entitled to their own point of view

54. Bullying is evil. Do not be a bystander, but do not get too heavily immersed

55.  Never care about what anyone thinks of you. The only opinions that matter are yours, and sometimes your loved ones

56. Do something different with friends rather than sticking to the average cinema trip. Make memories that will last

57. Never stop reminding your nearest and dearest how much they mean to you, even if it irritates them!

58. Never reject attention, but never create dramatic situations for attention

59. If someone asks you an important question, give an honest answer (without being rude of course)

60. Don't feel guilty for getting mad or upset about something that matters to you. If people don't understand, explain it to them. 

61. Never put in effort for people who don't put in an effort for you

62. Never be afraid to try new things

63. Face your fears, it can do the world of good

64. Never settle for second best

65. Don't change your views and beliefs to please other people

66. People will mess you about, cheat and lie. Do not lose hope, because other people do and will love you

67. Be kind to children. They are the next generation. 

68. Donate unwanted items to charity. What no longer brings joy to you, could put a smile on the face of someone else

69. Sex isn't taboo. Don't shy away from talking about it 

70. There's always something to do if you're bored

71. Days without makeup can do wonders for your skin

72. Making humour out of bad times is a sign of strength, as long as it doesn't offend you or anyone around you

73. Don't shame people for the way they look

74. 'Retard' is not a nice word and no one should use it as an offence or 'banter'. Always research the words you use to insult people

75. Gifts do not have to be expensive to express your love or appreciation for someone. Sometimes a small, handmade gift says it all

76. Know your limits on alcohol. It may sound boring, but it will keep you safe

77. Smiling will make you look even more beautiful than you already are

78. Stay hydrated 

79. Never take life too seriously, otherwise you will miss all the fun of it

80. Make your bedroom an environment you've always dreamed of. Tumblr is good for inspiration

81. Do not let the opinion of others determine the opinion of yourself

82. Pull silly faces 

83. Think outside the box when presented with a challenge. You might succeed

84. Calories are pointless to fret about. Eat what you want,  but try and make it balanced and exercise

85. Volunteer for a local project you show interest in or that is in need. You will be rewarded

86. Get back in touch with people from the past, whether it's your pre-school friend or someone you fell out with for no reason. Life is too short to hod grudges or stay reserved

87. Talk to strangers at the bus stop, they could be really nice and appreciate the temporary company

88. A secret isn't a secret when you tell someone

89. Never be too nice or polite to people who make you feel uncomfortable. They may get the wrong idea and make you feel even more uncomfortable

90.  Don't be ashamed of loving yourself or being 'vain'. You have every right to

91. Make a bucket list of things you'd like to do before you reach a certain age or the end of your life. It gives you a good incentive to actually live

92. Never be ashamed of enjoying something

93. Always take life with a pinch of salt. Just because something's happened that seems a bit shit, it doesn't mean it's always going to be that way

94. You may have a best friend who you haven't spoken to in ages. Don't get mad, just because they're not physically always by your side, it does not mean they are not there for you when you're in need

95. Get a job that you love, then you're not even really working!

96. Do not judge the interests and aspirations of others. It may not be your cup of tea, but it may make someone else happy which is none of your concern

97. Avoid avoidable situations

98. Don't squeeze spots, it's bad for your skin

99. Ignoring and walking away from drama and negative situations is not cowardice or a sign of guilt, it is a sign of being a bigger and better person. Get on with your own life and don't throw yourself back into difficult situations.

100. Don't be ashamed of taking a fit selfie