Things I'm Learning

As you get older, you realize that life isn't everything you pictured as a kid.

Your dreams change, friends change, love isn't easy, and everything is totally different. You're confused and trying to figure everything out on your own because you've been told all your life that by the time you graduate high school you're supposed to have a set plan of exactly how your life will play out.
That's a lie. Don't listen to anyone that tries to tell you that you have to make these decisions or what decisions to make. This life is YOURS. It's yours. That also means that your dreams can change and you can chase those dreams however you want.

Don't worry about finding love. People focus way too much on finding love. Love will find you eventually, if that's in your cards. Don't waste the time you have searching for someone when you could be spending that time doing what truly makes you happy. Be happy with yourself.

As for the friends...they won't always be there. Most will only be in your life for a certain time or a certain reason. You'll realize that people can be terrible, users, abusers, backstabbers, and just horrible. But, you'll also see that people can be amazing. You'll have a few friends that just absolutely astound you and teach you so much about yourself. They aren't even your friends... they're your family. Keep those people in your life, forever. They're rare and magical.

Above all, never forget that this is your life. Live it.

Happiness

Happiness isn't the same for everyone. One person's happiness, is another person's hell. It's all relative.

Do what makes you happy. BE what makes you happy.

Never change who you are just to fit into someone else's version of what they think you should be. If someone is trying to change who you are, then they aren't being and doing what makes them happy.

Don't let them dim your shine.

Put Yourself First

Dear self,

Stop letting yourself be hurt just to spare others from being hurt. 

It's not fair.

It's not right. 

It's not your responsibility. 

Instead of swallowing your words and putting on a smile, be real. Don't apologize for what you say, either. Being honest, real, is exactly what you should be. Don't push your feelings away. Be unapologetic with your honesty. Being honest is nothing you should apologize for. 

You can do it.