Things I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self

This week I was asked to give the son of a friend some advice before he heads off to college.  She wanted something inspiring, something helpful to pass onto him.  Then she asked me, "What would you tell your eighteen-year-old self if you could?"  The more I think about that question the more I get lost in memory.  Eighteen was a good year for me but there are still a few things I wish I had known.  Here are a few things I wish I could tell my eighteen-year-old self.

1.) It won't always be okay; anyone who says differently is lying. 

2.) When you meet bullies, fight back.  Even if it makes waves. 

3.) Brothers are great but brothers won't be around forever. Learn to do the hard things in life yourself. 

4.) Be bold and say what you are thinking. People might like it and if they don't, well, you were never going to be friends with them anyways. 

5.) People with purple hair are always interesting to meet and have long conversations with. Bonus points will be awarded if those people have piercings and tattoos. Having either of these are not a moral choice and some day you will have all of those.  Just not the tattoos... yet.

6.) Wear big earrings. Those homeschooling moms are going to gossip about you whether you dress and act like them or not. Don't sweat it. Some day you will find people who will love you for who you are not what you wear. 

7.) Take care of your phone. By the time you are twenty you will have destroyed eight phones and that is a legacy that you haven't lived down yet.  

8.) On possible boyfriends: if he makes you happy be happy but if he only makes your parents happy move on. Everyone will be disappointed but you won't have to wonder later. 

9.) Don't sweat the small stuff.  A lost earring or a broken shoe is not the end of the world. 

10.) Please learn to talk in front of cute boys, even if you don't think you have a chance with them. Don't hold people at arms length. Don't be mean to boys you have a crush on... it doesn't get easier as you get older. 

11.) It is okay to grieve.  It is okay to be cry.  It is okay to be weak.

12.)  If people don't believe you when you tell them the truth that makes it their problem not yours.  Don't doubt yourself.  If you don't believe you, no one will. 

13.) Cars are not gender biased: please learn about them. Learn how to change a tire, how to check your oil, how to change windshield wipers, how to replace your tail lights, how to put gas in the car.  Just learn. It's easier than asking a stranger when you are in your twenties.

14.)You are awesome. Some day YOU will save a life and someday you won't; that doesn't make it your fault. 

15.) Don't hold a torch for anyone.  People will disappoint you.  You will learn to forgive them and if not move on at least you can let go. 

16.) Call Mama and Daddy every Sunday.  Even when you're mad.  Especially when you're mad. 

17.) Change is inevitable; growth is optional. 

18.) It won't always be okay, but you'll be okay. Happiness is a choice no matter what the predicament.