things to learn from a teenage mind

i'm no longer a child;

so please,

take this advice from a newborn adult who doesn't know what she's doing.

things i learned at 17:

• your parents are lovely people, but they really don't have it all figured out.

• sleep is a very pitiful form of refuge.  get out of bed and do some living, dammit.

•  having a relationship with God is important, but so is loving people who don't.

•  learn from other people's mistakes so you won't go through them yourself.  don't be just like your dad, or your mother, or your oldest sibling.

• learn to appreciate the human spirit; don't think that huge black guy on the train is super creepy just because he talks to you about his life before coming to the u.s.                                              
• always listen and give people advice, but please do not interrupt their mourning with your own problems.

• remember that other people's lives are just different, not better.

• the best places have the worst cell phone service.  must be a hint.

• recognize the things you love about yourself: it'll help you see the good in others.

• we were not created as conscious beings just to feel continually victimized by circumstances.

• "in a society that profits from self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act".

• God is the best artist.

• the secret to telling a good lie is don't overly explain, and throw in one good detail.

• work out & eat right to feel healthy.  getting thin/ripped is only just a bonus.

• try to have the same faith as you did when you were a child.

• you honestly don't have time to procrastinate. think about it.

• the pokemon theme is the best song for working out.  like seriously you'll break your elliptical.

• recognize that suffering can be the biggest blessing.  learn from yourself, believe in opposition, and know that the deeper you hurt, the deeper you can appreciate beauty and joy.

• always flush public toilets with your foot.

in conclusion :

love your friends. love yourselves.  love your bodies.  smile. laugh. act beautiful. be beautiful. swim, a lot. eat some veggies.  go for a drive.  the end.

- rosy grey

(anthems for a 17-year-old girl - broken social scene)

(sixteen going on seventeen - the sound of music)

(carmen - lana del rey)

(edge of 17 - stevie nicks)

(furr - blitzen trapper)

(tree by the river - iron & wine)

(17 - youth lagoon) duh

(let's go - the cars)