Hello world! The days are slowly dissolving away as I eagerly count down to my 17th birthday.
So, before we reach it, I want to share with you 17 things I've learnt before turning 17!
Right! Let's get started, shall we?
*warning - it's cheesy, but in all the right ways!*
Happiness is really dependent on perspective. If you think something is a problem, then your thoughts/emotions will be negative. But, if you think that it's something you can learn from, then suddenly, it's not a problem anymore! Stay positive and work around the issue, looking at how you can make it something you can learn from.
2) Put others before yourself.
No matter what the situation, (unless you're being robbed at gunpoint etc, you know what I mean!) put other people's needs and happiness before yourself. Treat others how you'd want to be treated, you never know what's going on in that person's mind. How do you want to be remembered in ten years time?
3) Never take your friends for granted.
They're the only people you can tell everything to, have fun with, and can relate to - so make sure they know you appreciate them because you never know how long you guys will stay together!
4) Enjoy the little things.
We're so busy caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day routines, we forget to appreciate the little things in life, such as the smell of freshly cut grass, someone holding the door for you, sunsets, freshly washed hair, laughing until you cry - you get the picture :)
5) Exams don't define you.
When exams were getting tough, one of my close friends sent us a long piece of advice that everyone should read:
"People are good at different things that you can't be assessed in. Can a GCSE tell somebody how much you look after people around you? Can an A Level tell somebody how much precision and care you put into things? On paper good test results look good but you know what looks better, passion and experiences. Different people are good at different things and you cannot live your life stressed because you didn't get the mark you wanted on a test or because you think you aren't good enough because you didn't get what was required. You are completely enough, more than enough in fact and grades do not say a thing about you besides your memory."
6) Eat well.
Eating well makes you feel so much better and makes you feel like you can take on the world - you'll have so much energy! I'm the first to say I don't eat great all the time, but when I do, I definitely thank myself for it :)
7) Don't give into peer pressure.
People may tempt you into doing things you don't want to do, but you are your own person and you can say NO. Don't feel like you will look weak for not joining in, you will actually look strong for standing up for yourself and sticking by your morals. You don't need to follow the norm; normal is boring!
8) Find a passion that you truly enjoy.
Try loads of different things, and you might find yourself loving something you never though you would. My passion is dance, and this time last year I never thought that I would be setting up my own little blogging space - but I love writing down everything and thought this would be the perfect place to do so. Finding something you enjoy can distract you from worries, keep you busy and make you happy.
9) Never change to please someone.
Let's say you make friends with someone because you pretend to be someone you're not. Are they really a true friends if you have to fake your way to friendship? No, people will like you for who you are and if they don't like you? You don't need them!
10) You don't have to please everyone.
Following on from number nine, not everyone is going to like you. You do you, and if people don't want that? They can walk away! You are so much more than them and if they are shallow enough not to see your worth, that's their problem. Don't live life in the shadows.
11) Get a job.
The thought of getting a job is daunting and crazy, but try find one in your field on interest. It makes things so much easier and you might find yourself enjoying it! Learning to adapt to the world of work can massively help you in the future and it helps having a little extra money to save up, too.
12) Laugh more!
You've heard the phrase "laughter is the best medicine" and it really is! Allow yourself to break down your barriers and have fun - the best memories are never made when you're sad.
13) Stop letting people take advantage of you.
There is a massive difference between putting people's best interest before yours, and letting them walk all over you. Do THEM the favour, do not let the become your little slave or puppy dog - stand up for yourself. Be in control, but be kind.
14) Write down your worries.
I honestly feel like when you don't know who to talk to, this is the best thing to do. Even if it's little, like worrying over an exam - writing it down can help you rationalise the situation and read what you would do if somebody came to you ask for help on it.
15) Haters 'gonna hate...
I can say first hand, not everyone will like you. Even if you have been nothing but kind to them, some people just don't get along - it's just the way the world works. Haters are always going to hate, and never stoop to their level and retaliate - you are so much bigger than that! Keep being yourself and don't let anyone stop you.
16) Stop worrying about what you look like.
This is a big one - you're never ever gonna look like a magazine model - the media has this messed up idea of what girls should look like. You were given the skin you're in and you have to get on with it. Stop worrying, because you're fine! Everyone is beautiful and see the beauty in others.
17) Be happy!
Last but not least, BE HAPPY! Being happy and spreading happiness is infectious, and that spring in your step will go a long way and might cheer someone up.
'till next time,
Katie
3) Never take your friends for granted.
They're the only people you can tell everything to, have fun with, and can relate to - so make sure they know you appreciate them because you never know how long you guys will stay together!
4) Enjoy the little things.
We're so busy caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day routines, we forget to appreciate the little things in life, such as the smell of freshly cut grass, someone holding the door for you, sunsets, freshly washed hair, laughing until you cry - you get the picture :)
5) Exams don't define you.
When exams were getting tough, one of my close friends sent us a long piece of advice that everyone should read:
"People are good at different things that you can't be assessed in. Can a GCSE tell somebody how much you look after people around you? Can an A Level tell somebody how much precision and care you put into things? On paper good test results look good but you know what looks better, passion and experiences. Different people are good at different things and you cannot live your life stressed because you didn't get the mark you wanted on a test or because you think you aren't good enough because you didn't get what was required. You are completely enough, more than enough in fact and grades do not say a thing about you besides your memory."
6) Eat well.
Eating well makes you feel so much better and makes you feel like you can take on the world - you'll have so much energy! I'm the first to say I don't eat great all the time, but when I do, I definitely thank myself for it :)
7) Don't give into peer pressure.
People may tempt you into doing things you don't want to do, but you are your own person and you can say NO. Don't feel like you will look weak for not joining in, you will actually look strong for standing up for yourself and sticking by your morals. You don't need to follow the norm; normal is boring!
8) Find a passion that you truly enjoy.
Try loads of different things, and you might find yourself loving something you never though you would. My passion is dance, and this time last year I never thought that I would be setting up my own little blogging space - but I love writing down everything and thought this would be the perfect place to do so. Finding something you enjoy can distract you from worries, keep you busy and make you happy.
9) Never change to please someone.
Let's say you make friends with someone because you pretend to be someone you're not. Are they really a true friends if you have to fake your way to friendship? No, people will like you for who you are and if they don't like you? You don't need them!
10) You don't have to please everyone.
Following on from number nine, not everyone is going to like you. You do you, and if people don't want that? They can walk away! You are so much more than them and if they are shallow enough not to see your worth, that's their problem. Don't live life in the shadows.
11) Get a job.
The thought of getting a job is daunting and crazy, but try find one in your field on interest. It makes things so much easier and you might find yourself enjoying it! Learning to adapt to the world of work can massively help you in the future and it helps having a little extra money to save up, too.
12) Laugh more!
You've heard the phrase "laughter is the best medicine" and it really is! Allow yourself to break down your barriers and have fun - the best memories are never made when you're sad.
13) Stop letting people take advantage of you.
There is a massive difference between putting people's best interest before yours, and letting them walk all over you. Do THEM the favour, do not let the become your little slave or puppy dog - stand up for yourself. Be in control, but be kind.
14) Write down your worries.
I honestly feel like when you don't know who to talk to, this is the best thing to do. Even if it's little, like worrying over an exam - writing it down can help you rationalise the situation and read what you would do if somebody came to you ask for help on it.
15) Haters 'gonna hate...
I can say first hand, not everyone will like you. Even if you have been nothing but kind to them, some people just don't get along - it's just the way the world works. Haters are always going to hate, and never stoop to their level and retaliate - you are so much bigger than that! Keep being yourself and don't let anyone stop you.
16) Stop worrying about what you look like.
This is a big one - you're never ever gonna look like a magazine model - the media has this messed up idea of what girls should look like. You were given the skin you're in and you have to get on with it. Stop worrying, because you're fine! Everyone is beautiful and see the beauty in others.
17) Be happy!
Last but not least, BE HAPPY! Being happy and spreading happiness is infectious, and that spring in your step will go a long way and might cheer someone up.
'till next time,
Katie
