16 Things I've Learned By 16

My 16th birthday came with celebrations and love, but it also brought a wave of reflection. Looking back, not just on this past year, but on all the years before, I realize how much I’ve changed. The highs, the lows, and everything in between have shaped me into the person I am today. So, in honor of my Sweet 16, here are 16 things I’ve learned along the way:

1. With hardship comes ease

Looking back, every tough moment I’ve struggled through has brought me some form of growth. It is only through experiencing hardships like these, that you get to appreciate the happiness and satisfaction of fighting through it. And no matter what, I’ve always seen that what comes after is always easier and sweeter than what life was before,

2. Everything is temporary

By everything, I mean everything—the bad things and even the good things may seem like they’ll last forever, but they won’t. You’ll always reach the light at the end of the tunnel, but that light will eventually turn into some darkness again too. This has helped me hold onto those good moments just a little longer and not let the bad ones break me. 

3. What is meant to be will happen

As much as we try to control and plan things in our lives, some outcomes are simply out of our hands. I’ve learned that if something is truly meant for me, it will find its way into my life and benefit me in one way or another. Letting go of the expectations of making things perfect will allow you to live the way you want to live, knowing that whatever happens is right.

4. Nobody else's well-being goes above your own

One of the most draining things you can be is a people-pleaser. I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and prioritizing your own well-being will allow you to be your best self for others.

5. The right people lead you to the right places

The people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, choices, and even your future. I’ve seen how the right people, the ones who support and inspire me, have helped me be a better version of myself. Sometimes, no matter how much love there is, letting go of the wrong people is just as important as finding the right ones.

6. Letting go is just as important as holding on

Sometimes the things you value the most are the ones holding you back. Growth often requires letting go of what no longer fits, and that’s something that is necessary to embrace if you want to move forward.

7. Comparison is the thief of joy

It was too often that I’d look at other people’s lives and feel like I’m falling behind, but I’ve realized that everyone’s timeline is different. It is important to focus on your own progress and not invalidate your successes by looking at someone else's. 

8. Your perception is your reality

Everyone views the world differently. I’ve learned that how you view the world is how you live it. If you choose to focus on the negatives, that’s all you’ll see and experience. But when you shift your mindset and start looking for happiness, you allow your perception to shape your reality.

9. Self-love isn’t selfish

Loving myself, setting boundaries, and taking time for myself isn’t something I should feel guilty about. It is okay to take time for yourself to better yourself. Sometimes it is only through prioritizing yourself that you can prioritize others.

10. Not everyone is meant to stay

Some people come into your life to teach you a lesson, and that’s okay. I’ve learned and seen that not every friendship or relationship is meant to last forever, no matter how much love and happiness you think comes with it. Letting go of the ones that hold you back is what makes growth possible.

11. Small moments matter the most

The things that I remember and value the most are not necessarily always the big milestones in my life, it’s the small moments. The late night deep conversations, the ridiculous inside jokes that bring uncontrollable laughter, and even the quiet moments of enjoying each other's presence. Those are the memories I want to continue to make and the ones that I will hold onto forever.

12. You’re still learning, and that’s okay

No matter how old I get, I know that I won’t always have everything figured out. Growth is a continuous and lifelong process. The important thing is to keep learning and moving forward despite the challenges you face and the mistakes you make.

13. Everyone is living this life for the first time too

Looking back, the moments I regret the most are the ones where I get angry or frustrated with someone. The one thing I keep having to remind myself of is that everyone is living this life for the first time, just like me. Nobody’s perfect and we’re all just figuring it out as we go. 

14. You are more than any single moment

Too often, I’ve seen athletes define themselves by their performance in sports, or students define themselves by their grades. One mistake or one bad day doesn’t define me, it just pushes me to keep growing.

15. Chase what excites you, not just what’s expected of you

True fulfillment doesn’t come from simply following the expectations placed upon you. I’ve learned that what brings me true happiness is the things I am passionate about and love to do. I want to pursue what genuinely excites me and live life in the most meaningful way possible.

16. Sometimes change is necessary

I was never a fan of change, but with time, I’ve learned that change is exactly what I need. Whether it’s rearranging my room, my habits, or my appearance, sometimes growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and finding what makes you, you.

Despite these 16 realizations, I know I still have so much growing to do. Sixteen is just another step in the journey, and I can’t wait to see what else I’ll learn along the way.