18 things learned in 18 years

I spent a good handful of hours chain-clicking through Bloglovin' blogs and posts last night and there are some serious gems on here. So much so that I wanted to go ahead and whip up my own version of a post that I particularly enjoyed. It's pretty appropriate too because I recently remembered (yes, I genuinely forgot) my birthday is next month so we're getting in there just in time. 

Here are 18 things I have learned in my 18 years of being alive and stuff. 

1. If you want things to happen, make them happen. Take initiative. Don't sit around waiting. 
2. 'I grew into myself' is a real thing for the most part. Both physically and mentally. (It's an on-going process, I'd say but it does plateau nicely when you're in your late teens) 
3. Grown-up domestic things like cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes/laundry etc. are all important things that you should learn to do relatively well. 
4. A good cup of tea is essential and comforting, especially in cold and/or stressful times.
5. When deciding on whether or not you want to keep something, ask yourself: 1. Is it useful? 2. Is it making me happy? (Aesthetically, sentimentally etc.) 
6. Don't fill your life with social media accounts. Pursue only those that inspire you, keep you connected and enhance productivity and keep it to a minimum. 
7. Document things you want to remember. Photos, videos, journals. 
8. Your phone is simultaneously your best friend and worst enemy. 
9. Music is really important. Go out of your way to find music you love and then spread the love.
10. Being kind is worth it. 
11. Always consider the other person's perspective. We all have bad days. See the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt. 
12. Fresh bedsheets and sunlight will transform the atmosphere of your room and also your mood.
13. Most people, if not all, are just as scared as you are when it comes to making friends. Everyone has a little shield up and is waiting for someone else to do it first. Don't overthink it, just say hi. 
14. Things won't always be okay and sometimes things get really, really bad but bad times always pass. Time does heal. 
15. Friends and family are really, really important. Always make an effort to love them and tell/show them this love all the time. Go out of your way. Remember stories, birthdays, present ideas, quirks. 
16. Take care of yourself, you literally only have one body. Exercise, eat a balanced wholesome diet, drink lots of water, pamper yourself, meditate, do yoga, pray, think good thoughts. 
17. Make things. Help the earth and your soul and use what you have. Re-purpose, recycle, donate etc. Get the creative energy flowing all the time in one way or another. Making music, drawing, dancing, writing.
18. Read and write and get inspired.