I would like to start by thanking COVID-19 for ruining any potential plans of having a party for my 18th birthday this week. As much as I would love to sit, mope and feel bad for myself, I decided that it would probably be better to celebrate this birthday COVID-style, beginning with reflecting on the things I have learned in my 17 years of life.
Initially, I wanted to write 17 things that I have learned at 17 but quickly realized that I am still trying to figure life out. 7 life-lessons will be more than enough for the purposes of this article.
- Time changes things and that’s okay
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Who am I? A trick question and a never-ending dilemma. I’ve learned that a better way to answer this question is, “I am a person who is constantly growing?”
As time goes on, things change. Friends will come and go, circumstances vary, and your passions and opinions might too. Life throws curveballs at everyone but it’s in losing ourselves that we learn more about who we are. Being adaptable and open to these changes is how we grow.
- You are your own perception of yourself
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No single person has it all, so it’s unreasonable to make comparisons based on what you see. People’s unique qualities don’t take away from your own and their opinions of you don’t define or change who you are or who you want to be. How other people view you is not your responsibility. You are in control of your own life and have the opportunity to decide exactly who you are.
- I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies
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I would rather have a few, authentic and genuine friendships than a hundred surface-level ones. Appreciate the people who bring out the best in you, who support you, and expect nothing in return. Simply put, those who accept you for who you are. To me, this is the meaning of a true friend.
Don’t forget that you also have friends that you haven’t met yet. There are people out there who one day will become so important to you. So, to attract the right people, accept others for who they are and always be your most authentic self.
- Cherish the people you love and cut off the people who don’t love you
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Some people restore my faith in humanity, while others make me think that we are the worst species to have existed on this planet. If someone makes you feel like you have to act like someone you are not, they are not your friend. Distancing yourself from toxic people does not make you a bad person. Remember that you are worthy of having friends who treat you well and that your time and love is valuable; don’t waste it on people who don’t respect or appreciate that.
- You never really lose until you stop trying
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My favourite quote is “pressure is how diamonds are made.” The pressure of working hard outweighs the short-term satisfaction of quitting. Though you may not feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, never quit. Know that it is okay to fail, but when you fail, you must remind yourself that you are not your failures. You are the success that follows. Now I know that nothing valuable comes without failure and that being scared of failure will only push you away from opportunities to grow and become a better version of yourself. The comfort of saying, “I did it,” outweighs the comfort you think you will get when you quit.
- Stop waiting around for other people
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Are you waiting for someone to motivate you to start working out? To inspire you to pick up that book that’s collected dust on your nightstand? If you are, you’re not alone; but let me save you some time: no one will show up for you like you can show up for yourself.
You are 100% in control of your life – own that responsibility! Don’t expect others to give you the life you want for yourself; you are the creator of your own destiny.
- A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles
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Being rich is a mindset. The more you become genuinely satisfied with your life right now, the more you will have. Living a meaningful life to me means appreciating what I have rather than obsessing over what I don’t. Finding happiness in the simplest of things and being grateful are great ways to living a peaceful life.
Here’s to the last 17 years and hopefully many more!