So as much as I hate to admit it, I turned twenty today. (I even updated my About page!) It’s absolutely ridiculous because as far as I’m concerned, I’m still seventeen and a high school junior. Basically, I have no idea how I got here, but here are a few things (in no particular order) that I’ve learned over the years… I think…
1. Dogs are women’s best friends too.
2. Starry skies are beautiful.
3. There are few sounds better than applause.
4. Your friends are the family you get to pick- choose wisely.
5. Your real family can still be pretty amazing. You know, when you’re not screaming or complaining about each other. Appreciate them.
5. Your mom is probably the most amazing woman you’ve ever met.
6. Take care of yourself, really- mental and physical health are invaluable.
7. It’s necessary to indulge yourself.
8. Guys and girls can really be just friends. Promise.
9. Relationships can be incredibly rewarding, but there’s a certain freedom that comes with being on your own.
10. Volunteer and help others often- it makes the heart smile.
11. … but remember that you can’t help everyone.
12. There really is no place like home. Even if that home is hot and humid South Florida.
13. New York’s one of the greatest cities in the world.
14. Don’t burn bridges- it will keep doors open.
15. Inside every little girl there is a little princess.
16. Stand by your principles and people will respect you.
17. Change is scary. There’s no way to look past it and overanalyzing things certainly don’t help. (Not like that stops me.)
18. It’s fun being one of the guys.
19. Appreciate the gift of vision and learn to document everything.
20. Find something that you’re passionate about it- it will give you so much to look forward to.
And because I’ve been thinking about life a lot lately, I just wanted to share a quote my friend Mariana sent me:
“I think it’s important to live life, and to enjoy life. You can’t stress about things because stressing doesn’t change problems, so enjoy life to the fullest.” Usain Bolt
One last thing, an important reminder for all of us:
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Annie Dillard
Go out and do something amazing today!
~ Sarah