Nineteen Things I’ve Learned (and am Continuing to Learn) at Nineteen
Doodles by Lauryn Alejo
You do not have to explain yourself to anyone. So long as you are not hurting anyone in the process, your way of life is your business and your business only.
The education system is incredibly ableist. From mandatory physical education classes to banning fidget toys to the entire method of grading... the education system is seriously ableist.
Paint, write, sing, and draw for catharsis, even if you suck at it.
The whole “we are specks of existence floating on a rock in the middle of space therefore nothing matters” mentality is counterproductive. Life is about perspective. In your own bubble of life, no matter how big or small it may really be, you matter and the choices you make hold a degree of importance.
People can feel like home for you, which means you can feel like home for others. Don’t let anyone enter with dirty shoes.
The concept of “finding yourself” is arbitrary. You are a human being, not a lost hair elastic. Beneath the social constraints, cultural expectations, and all the other madness the world has inundated you with, you are exactly who you are meant to be. It’s about peeling back those layers and recollecting who you were before the world got a hold of your heart.
People will come and go in your life. Eventually, you will become a stranger to a person who once knew you best; but, not every friend you lose is actually a loss.
Carry the pepper spray or eye gouger with you. I myself am an idealist, but the world is a startlingly dangerous place. Knowing self-defense is important.
Find a balance between documenting your experiences through pictures and videos and truly being present and living in the moment.
Nobody really knows another person wholly, and that is okay. People are not puzzles. You do not have to completely solve everyone that you meet.
Embrace conversation. Ask the “stupid” questions. Talk to dogs and babies in that high-pitched voice. Go to your professor’s office hours. Tell people how you really are. Ask people how they really are.
After a long and draining cry, take a shower, drink lots of water, and eat whatever you want. Remind yourself that you are loved and cared for, even if it might not feel that way at the moment.
Find solace in being alone. Just because you are alone does not mean you have to be lonely. Treat yourself, learn about yourself, and become your own best friend. Wake up every day inspired and thrilled that you get to spend time with yourself.
Watch a TED Talk every single day.
Make artwork, poetry, note rambles, and playlists for the people you care about. Small gestures like this will be sure to leave a smile on their face and a lot of warmth in their heart.
The things you say leave a lasting impression on others, even if you don’t know it. Choose your words wisely. Be a considerate person.
Do the random act of kindness without expecting anything in return. You may forget about it one day, but the person on the receiving end might always carry the thought of your generosity with them.
You are a whole person. Change your perspective from needing to find someone that completes you to want to find someone that complements you. There is so much more to life than finding your “other half.”
This is from a quote I remember really loosely, but we all have that “savior” mentality within us all. For the most part, we want to change or save the world and leave a lasting impact. It is okay if you are only able to save a single person. It is okay if that single person is yourself.