since I turn 16 in exactly five months and it’s been one year since the Elle magazine, I thought I would do 16 things I learned before turning 16! 🌈💓🦋 Here we go:
1. Taking time for you is ESSENTIAL!
Every single day (if I can) I take some time for myself whether it’s just watching Netflix for an hour, painting my nails, reading a book, etc. Taking time for yourself is essential because I’m order too be in a happy place you got to be happy mentally.
2. Stepping away from technology for at least an hour everyday.
For me, stepping away from technology is something I die every single day for at least an hour. Whether it’s practicing my flute, going for a walk, reading a book, baking, etc. Knowing that I stepped away from technology for even an hour makes me very happy at the end of the day
If I’m feeling not my best mentally I usually go to one of my trusted friends and tell them the situation and they help guide me. Sometimes if they can’t help me I will make a stop at my guidance department at school and talk to a trained professional to help me through a tough time.
4. You do not need to please everyone.
This is something I learned very early on. If you were to please everyone it would be impossible. There is always going to be someone who knocks you down or gets in the way of your happiness but you can’t let that one person ruin your happiness.
5. Surround yourself with people who love and appreciate you.
Sometimes the coolest cats in school really aren’t the nicest ones, at one point in time I was friends with the “popular kids” but when I was friends with them I was so insecure and I didn’t feel confident at all.
6. Your family are your #1 best friends no matter what
I can fully admit that my brother is my rock. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him, he is the one who got me into Taylor and I am forever grateful for that. My oldest brother does anything for me it could be midnight and I could need a ride home from a friends house and he will be there in five minutes. Although my youngest brother and I fight a lot I love him unconditionally! My mom is my best friend and my dad is the one who taught me how to cook!
7. Doing random acts of kindness makes you happy
I learned this from my mom, my mom is one of the kindest people I know. She may not make a lot of money but she is ALWAYS giving back to the community, if one of her friends/ family members needs financial assistance she is the first one to help them. Whenever we go out to the dump we ALWAYS bring the people who work there pizza, donuts, coffee, etc.. Whenever I do something kind it makes me so happy.
8. Don’t stress about the small things.
I remember reading somewhere the 5x5 rule if it doesn’t matter in five years don’t spend more then five minutes stressing about it. I live by this rule, people don’t remember the “embarrassing” things you do they remember the kind things you do.
9. Having something to look forward to keeps you going
As Taylor mentioned in her 30 lessons before turning 30, I 100% agree with this. Even if it’s just having your grandma over for dinner it makes the time more memorable and you enjoy it more.
10. Work hard for things you want.
Over this year I got my first real job, it was so exciting! There is nothing like going shopping and saying to yourself “I really want those pair of shoes that cost $50!”. Then for me, if I really wanted that pair of shoes I would pick up extra shifts so I could get the money to afford them. Once I had enough money because I knew that I worked hard for it, I would go to store and buy them and there is no greater feeling.
11. Money does not buy happiness
Although it is a very hard pill to swallow, money only brings pleasure. The things that make you happy is your family, friends, and people who love you! Whenever I go shopping I always ask myself, “how long will this make me happy for?” and if it’s under a week I know I probably shouldn’t buy it.
12. You are beautiful no matter what
Self confidence was something I struggled with for a long time but, for me I learned instead of looking into a mirror and pointing out all the negative things about yourself point out the positive! Just by doing that I felt more confident instantly.
13. Asking for help is NOT a bad thing
If you need help preparing for a big math test, there is no harm asking for help. Asking for help does nothing but benefit you.
In a friend the number one trait is loyalty for me, I really don’t have a lot of “friends” but I have a solid group of 5 that I know no matter what I can go to and they won’t tell anyone anything.
15. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
This life lesson is something that has inspired me everyday and I definitely live by. Through hard times comes lots of strength. In the hardest times in your life is when you really find who you really are.
This is something I live by every single day. Why put a girl down when you can just life them up, there is no greater feeling in the world then giving a girl confidence to do something and lifting them up. Taylor you have taught me this life lesson in so many different ways. Thank you.
Hope you enjoyed! 💌🌈💛 @taylorswift @taylornation
