In a few days, I will officially be 19 years old. This past year was a monumental year in my life, so I compiled a list of 18 things I learned at 18.

1. Self love is the best kind of love

I always say that you must treat yourself like your own best friend. Above all else you must first have respect and care for oneself. You can’t let your bonds with others precede as the main source of your happiness, otherwise you’ll never be content.

2. Treat yourself

The best treat we can give our bodies is a break, a time for us to reset and forget about all of our worries. Sometimes putting on a cute outfit and doing my makeup to go nowhere just makes me feel confident and ready to take on the day.

3. Change is okay

While we don’t like when things change and we wish everything could stay the same, over the years I’ve learned to accept changes in life. Change isn’t always bad and scary, but an opportunity for new things.

4. Home is not a place, it’s the people around you

A house is nothing but the four walls and ceiling surrounding you. As I’ve embraced change, I learned that home is wherever your loved ones are.

5. Keep in contact with your loved ones

If this time in quarantine taught me anything, it’s that I wholeheartedly appreciate every text, call, or video chat conversation with my family and friends.

6. Quality over quantity

As cliche as it sounds, I’ve learned to choose wisely the people you let enter and stay in your life. All you need is a small circle of loyal, caring friends that you know will be by your side for life.

7. Don’t overanalyze

I used to think too much into certain situations and come to my own conclusions about them. I have now learned not to stress myself so much about these things that will have no affect on me whatsoever later in life. Sometimes there’s no why and it simply just is.

8. Adulting sucks

Yes, the stage in life we most looked forward to when we were young and naive isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But, it allows you a higher level of respect and freedom to be who you have always set out to be, so just breathe and hang in there.

9. Everything happens for a reason

Even if we never figure out or understand why, we must accept that all our life experiences happen for some reason.

10. Get outside more

I’ve come to embrace the beauty in nature, and understand how important it is for our physical health to get outside more, to breathe in fresh air and soak up the sun as much as possible.

11. Studying at home can be tough

As someone who chose to continue their studies online, I’m aware that it can be tough. You must pace yourself and work on a schedule to avoid procrastination. Don’t think so much about the race, but keep in mind the finish line!

12. Have a routine

In our daily lives, it is important to have a routine. Sticking to a routine allows you to get what you want or need done and provides you a sense of accomplishment as you finish tasks throughout the day.

13. Make every moment count

Even under unfortunate circumstances, we must make the best out of every situation. Instead of wasting your time and dwelling on the negatives, have a positive outlook on things in order to get through them.

14. Be grateful

Now more than ever, I realize how grateful I am for the life that I have. It’s a terrifying tragedy that in an instant, a life can be taken away. So, we must fill compassion for others in our hearts and never take for granted each day that we get to awaken.

15. Follow your dream

In order to find joy in the path that life is taking you, it is crucial to follow nobody else’s aspirations but your own.

16. Effort = Success

If you put in the work, it will pay off someday. I’ve learned to work hard at my passion and to not give up, because true success doesn’t happen overnight.

17. Manifestation is key

Whatever your heart desires to pursue in life, manifest it, and it will happen. You are the author of your own life’s story, so make mistakes, have patience, and hold on to faith.

18. Love only

Through my eighteen years of life experience I’ve believed in the power of compassion. Love heals. In a society consumed by violence and hatred, there’s only one thing we need more of: love only.

Although I never imagined my 19th birthday would be spent in the middle of a quarantine, I am just thankful to see another year!