I had a misconception about how life would be when and after I reached 18; mostly that everything will be set in place and that I would be ‘free’ from stereotypical high school drama and tense family relationships. Then, life happened. It’s ‘shocking’ that it didn’t go according to plan- according to how I planned how life should be.
Here are 4 important lessons I wish I could tell my 18 year-old self;
1. Accept who you are.
It’s normal to admire someone and aspire to be like them. However, you should always stay true to yourself and be comfortable in your own skin and not to compare yourself to others -especially when there is pressure to conform or when you are feeling out of the mainstream and trying to fit in.
2. Not to be afraid or discouraged by disappointments and failures.
It’s okay to fail and be disappointed by both disappointments and failures. Take time to heal from it, and pick yourself up and try again. Remember what inspired you in the first place.
3. Accepting change
Change is inevitable, it’s an evolving process that basically has nothing to do with you -but you’re part of it (and to keep your sanity) learning to adapt with change takes time, courage and patience. Adapting to change is also multifaceted; different aspects in life (i,e, likes/dislikes/perspectives might change over time, friends come and go, products gets rebranded or discontinued, etc.)
4. Don’t bottle up emotions- learn to acknowledge and resolve them.
This takes practice and time. Find a form of self-expression (i.e. art, embroidery, gardening, jewelry making, journaling, sculpting, sports, etc.). Finding an adaptive form of expression, while confronting the issue head on keeps the ‘inner monsters and demons’ at bay or rear its ugly head and paralyzes daily routine and functioning. It’s also helpful knowing what your personality type is (extrovert vs. introvert) as they have different ways of thinking and distressing.
EvnikiA 