16 life lessons I've learned in 16 years

In all honesty I never thought I would make it to see my 16th birthday. My life has been full of ups and downs, but I wouldn't change it for the world because I have learned many important lessons. Today I am just going to share my top 16 lessons that I have learned.

1. Always give back.-- whether it is just giving someone a compliment, raising money for a charity or lending a hand doing volunteer work.

2. Be confident in the way you carry yourself. -- don't over think things. If you have social anxiety like me, just tell yourself that everyone else has their own problems.

3. Hope.-- if there is any one thing I could tell someone going through anything, it is to hope. Fight for it, live for it, dream for it, pursue it.

4. Live in the now.-- my all time favorite musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda, taught me this. Not one day is promised but yet we make plans anyway. Truly live everyday as much as you can.

5. Aspire to inspire.-- this is something I try to do everyday. No one inspires me more than a good friend of mine named Evan. Coming back from a terrifying experience and embracing it then taking everything head on.

6. Be a #girlboss.-- know when to throw your punches and know when to roll with them. Sophia Amurso taught me this one.

7. Find someone who cares about you.-- Shout out to my best friend Loran for caring about me for 4 years! Shout out to my future boyfriend too, you're just as dandy as a dandelion!

8. Let your heart get broken.-- I know this one sounds odd, but taking away from a painful experience makes you stronger.

9. Work.-- if you truly want anything good to come to you in life then you must work. Don't put in burnt cookie work, not sugar cookie, but put in the amazing pinterest cookie work.

10. Love yourself.-- love yourself first and foremost. It is the only body that will be with you forever.

11. Be kind.-- it costs nothing to be kind and it makes the world go around.

12. Don't start drama.-- don't be the drama and don't live in the drama.

13. Live.-- Life is too short to not have fun. Do what you want to get done in life so when you get to the end you don't have any regrets.

14. Drink Deep from the well.-- I love listening to God's word and strengthening my faith with him. I just know that I need him and it is the most important relationship in my life.

15. Be polite.-- proper etiquette and class goes a long way!

16. Be You!-- there is no one in this world who will ever be you. Make the most of your life.

Hope you enjoyed this post.

Love always,

Madi