Eighteen x's Two

Maybe it was just my parents way of keeping up with all of us, but in my family, when the first birthday of the year rolls around in January, we all somehow magically turn a year older on that day too. As the New Year inches closer and that first January Birthday looms, I can't help but think about turning 36 this year. {As in I'm going to be eighteen years old times two. Eek!!} Looking back, there are a few things that I wish I could say to my 18 year old self...
 

1.   Sex will not make someone fall in love with you.

2.   Beer makes you fat.

3.   Reality TV makes you stupid.

4.  Envy drives you crazy.

5.   Vote. But arm yourself with knowledge before you just go and vote for the popular one who smiles nice.

6.   Write down your feelings- destroy it afterwards if you want- but write them down.

7.  Go on trips with your girlfriends and have the time of your life.

8.   If you know you really don't have a handle on them - ditch your credit cards.

9.  Find a cause you believe in with all your heart and vow to somehow make a difference in it.

10.  You never know what other people are going through. Try not to be too judgmental.

11.   Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever get in a car with someone who’s been drinking.

12.  Ditto for drinking and driving.

13.  Take lots and lots of pictures. One day you will look back and wonder why your legs don't look that anymore.

14.  Most of the things you want in this life are waiting for you right outside your comfort zone.

15.  Drive a paid off crappy car for as long as you can. It saves you money and gives you character.  

16.  Travel the world and explore other cultures.

17.  Surround yourself with positive people.

18.  Save your money- no one will care if you wear the same boots as you did last year.

19.  Be mysterious.

20.  Older people really are smarter than you- listen to them.

21.  Spend more time with your family- before you know it, many of them will be gone.

22. Be empathetic.

  23. Floss your teeth.

  24. Whatever it is- it is not the end of the world.

  25. Learn to enjoy salads- after 30, that's all you can eat.

  26. Wear sun block.

  27. You are stronger than you ever thought possible.

  28. You will kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.

  29. You will find your prince.

  30. You never really get “there.” Live in the moment.