It may seem bad right now, and super bad later, but trust me, it gets better. Especially if you apply yourself to something that you are really passionate about and set goals for yourself and continue to work hard until you’ve achieved them.
-Anna, 17, NJ, USA I should be the one who pushes me the hardest.
-Rea, 17, NJ , USA Not everything goes your way, so when they do go your way, take advantage of it.
-Marissa, 18, NJ, USA Hard work is rewarded whereas slacking can help you bs things for a while, but will eventually lead to your demise.
-Meg, 17, NJ, USA Pick your friends wisely. Life is short, and you deserve only the best. Make an effort for those who demonstrate interest in your life, and they will reciprocate.
-Victoria, 18, NJ, USA Don’t judge people.
-Jewel, 16, CA , USA It gets better. Everyone reading this has survived ALL of your worst days. There will be more but you’ll survive those too. Don’t ever ever ever give up. It gets so much better.
-Cristina, 32, NJ, USA There’s too many. Biggest one is probably you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
-Analisa, 17, NJ, USA Never settle for anything or anyone. If for one second someone mistreats you or doubts your potential, they are a waste of your time.
-Cassia, 17, NJ, USA Work hard. Results will show.
-Ashley, 15, CA, USA You can actually do anything. It’s true.
-Alexandra , 29, NJ, USA You get what you give! The personality that you show others is the personality that others will give back to you. I'm super nice and I can even make bullies talk nicely with me :)
-Raymond, 17, CA, USA Listen before responding.You learn more that way. Be kind.
-Emily, 40, MA, USA You should always put yourself first. That is the only way you will achieve anything. No one deserves to be ahead of you.
-Nadia, 17, NJ, USA Never give up on yourself.
-Sumana, 15, NJ, USA To never burn your bridges because you may have to cross that bridge again.
-Monique Lindsay, 36, NJ, USA Don’t hold back. Life is short and very unexpected. Do everything you want while you can.
-Katie, 32, NJ, USA Every experience in your life will cause you to grow and learn more and more about who you are. Don't let yourself get caught in a negative moment- take the lessons from it and move on.
-Meagan, 32, NJ, USA Always stay true to yourself.
-Micaela, 24, NJ, USA Sometimes you need breaks, but that doesn't mean you quit.
-Rachel, 16, Hong Kong Never forget to breathe. Things will always be okay in the end, as long as you believe it. I learned this during the final year of IB, where if I didn't adopt this mindset, I would've lived each day miserably.
-Sabrina, 18, Hong Kong Others helping you doesn't mean you can't do it, it's just that they can help you do it better.
-Rachel, 16, Hong Kong Don’t care about what others think of you. So long as you are happy in yourself that’s all the matters.
-Karen, 16, Dublin, Ireland |
Find balance in your life in all things and that things don't have to be perfect.
-Susan, 47, NJ, USA Do what makes you happy, regardless of what other people think of it (unless it endangers you or others).
-Fiona, 17, NJ, USA Don’t be so hard on yourself. Breathe, and enjoy the moment.
-Sabina, 17, NJ, USA You can't forget about yourself when you put others first.
-Aviva, 17, CA, USA To speak up for myself (something I still struggle to do though...)
-Grace, 16, CA, USA Don't listen to what people say now because later on in life everything will get better.
-Nina, 17, CA, USA To never give in especially over something small.
-Alexandra, 17, NJ, USA Remember that everyone has their virtues and flaws, even the people you love the most and the people you dislike.
-Alyssa, 17, USA Don't be afraid to speak up/ take on a challenge, whether its a subject or learning something new. Take advantage of the opportunities you have.
-Nina, 17, NJ, USA Live happy and without expectations.
-Morgan, 16, NJ, USA Be yourself.
-Amy, 31, NJ, USA Be comfortable being alone. Learn to like yourself.
-Ashley, 28, NJ, USA Every single person you think is judging you is probably worrying about their own insecurities.
-Katherine, 18, Hong Kong Do not aim for perfection. If you don't gain it, then you're left feeling incapable. Anyway, achieving "Perfection" means you fail to fail... therefore fail to learn.
-Clara, 15, WA, US Always be prepared, you never know what will happen.
-Jessie , 17, CA , USA Never take one second with anyone for granted, you never know when it may be the last. cherish every moment by being in that moment.
-Jaime, 31, NJ, USA You shouldn’t spend more than 5 mins worrying about something that won’t matter in a year.
-Laura, 18, Ireland If you think something is wrong, or if you’re struggling, find other people to help you, either professional help, or friends and family. Also, keep a planner.
-Jasmine, 17, Hong Kong If you see a change that needs to be made, make it. Otherwise it won't happen.
-Anonymous Your mind creates your perspective on reality, but society sets the rules of the game. The more you understand how the world functions, the better able you will be to excel.
-Alessandra, 35, NJ, USA Love yourself, be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.
-Jessica, 44, NJ, USA Things aren't as black and white as you think they are.
-Samantha, 17, Hong Kong All things happen for a reason. Sometimes we can't understand the reason, like when it comes to death or loss, but in time we learn that everything will eventually be okay and that the universe has a plan for all of us that we just have to accept and let work out for itself.
-Julia, 17, NJ, USA |
I learned not to take people for granted because you never know what will happen in the future.
-Cara, 16, CA, USA That when you need help - ask for it. It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
-Kathy, 49, NJ, USA Life goes on, you have to make the best of it whether it’s good or bad. Always see the bright side to things and remember to keep on going. Also, never forget to wear your smile.
-Kathy, 27, CA, USA Embrace who you are and embrace others for who they are. We are all working on something, be kind to yourself and to others as we figure it out:)
-Amisha, 43, NJ, USA No one is better than the other. We are all the same.
-Daisy, 34, CA, USA Treat people the way you wanna be treated. You’ll be the bigger person at the end.
-Katherine, 17, CA, USA "Put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others" You usually hear this on airplanes, it is true for life as well. Self care is important. If you are not healthy and happy in your mind and body then there is little you can do to help others.
-Gayathri, 40, NJ, USA Take things in stride.
-Josephine, 46, NJ, USA I’ve learned that when life gives you lemons, you ask life, that’s it? How am I gonna be the President of the United States with just lemons?
-Nikitha, 18, NJ, USA I learned the hard way that you can't trust everyone. You have to be careful who you share your secrets and personal thoughts/feelings with.
-Carrie, 49, NJ, USA Be true to self.
-Pam, 53, NJ, USA Be open minded, and never give up and keep learning!
-Charlotte, 53, NJ, USA I've learned that nobody's life is perfect. There are always going to be people who seem like they have everything and who seem perfect, but nobody really is. Every person I've ever met is facing problems or dealing with issues, from self-esteem to family life. Some are just better than hiding it than others. Everyone has good and bad things about their lives, but you just have to focus on appreciating the good and trying to improve the bad.
-Aayushi, 14, CA, USA No matter how old/young, fat/skinny, pimple-faced/clear-faced, or anything else that might define how you "look" on the outside, I'm always the same girl inside. My outside changes and ages, but I'm the same as I was when I was a little girl, only I know more stuff :-)
-Dany, 56, VT, USA I learned that what you want isn't always going to work out but what's important is to pick yourself back up and find a new path that will make you happy.
-Maeve, 23, NJ, USA Avoiding your problems isn’t the answer, it’s better to get help than set aside your responsibilities.
-Aliyah, 18, NJ, USA Always be careful what you say and do.
-Isabelle, 11, NJ, USA I learned that if others are making fun of you for taking on a new activity or saying your dreams are lame, you are probably on the right track. From this I learned to never, under any circumstances, let the fear of incorrect criticism silence you. To quote Casey Neistat: "Do what you can't."
-Natalie, 17, NJ, USA It is still one I work on every day, but to believe in your worth and your skills. I am my own worst critic. Although I realize this I still don’t give myself the credit throughout my personal and professional life.
-Megan, 37, GA, USA Don't back down. You can do anything.
-Jade, 14, CA, USA Men and women have different leadership styles. Most men just want to position, the title, whereas women strive to make a difference, to live up to their job. Ironically, women have to work so much harder, but women are leaders regardless of their titles.
-Cindy, 17, CA, USA It's easier said than done, but you have to be proud of who you are. You have to love yourself before you can love others.
-Victoria, 18, NJ, USA Sometimes life gets difficult. There's been so many times where I've woken up in the morning and seriously debated whether I should get out of bed. There's been times when I lost direction, when I lost purpose of what I was doing. When times like this happen, find a support system. Find someone who could connect with you and talk to them. For me, it was my brother. A huge turning point in my life was when I talked to my brother and he told me to find something I really enjoyed doing and spend all my extra time doing this. Because of this, I joined a sports team, and I haven't looked back since. Having people who understand and help you solve your problems is so crucial to having a happy life.
-Emily, 15, CA, USA Time is your best friend and worst enemy. While. You’re in the throes of a crisis is so hard to see your way out of it. It it also helps you heal, and learn and grow and help others.
-Cara, 41, NY, USA Nothing good will come from being scared and running away from your issues.
-Bella, 16, CA, USA That with focus and determination you really can accomplish anything.
-Alex, 36, NJ, USA My dad had a great quote "Luck favors those that are prepared." He also told me to count the smiles on the bus ( mass transit, I was a city kid) as I was heading out the door to school.
-Peppi, 60, NJ, USA Never try to be who people want you to be. Be the kind of person that you would want to be friends with.
-Emma, 18, TX, USA It doesn't matter how many friends you have, all that matter is having a few friends who you can tell anything to. One or two deep, personal friendships with your best friends are far more valuable than many, shallow friendships with acquaintances.
-Rachel, 17, CA, USA To always be kind no matter what.
-Angela, 15, NY, USA Most of the times, the things you worry about turn out just fine. But even if everything goes terribly and the worst outcome possible happens, it won't be that big of a deal in the end.
-Katie, 18, MD, USA Be authentic.
-Kate, 18, AZ, USA Find a physical activity that you love and make it an integral part of your life. It can save your health and your sanity.
-Holly, 64, NJ, USA Life is unpredictable. Live a life where in you are at peace with yourself. A little kindness goes a long way.
-Risa, 55, NJ, USA Life is change.
-Ann, 67, NJ, USA Practice, not perfection. We all strive to be perfect at something, but it only leads to frustration and sadness. Practice, practice and be the best you can be.
-Lee, 57, NY, USA Everyone is special in his/her own way (except Trump). We all have something to learn from each person that we meet.
-Pat, 62, NJ, USA Think very hard before you say what is on your mind.
-Laura, 63, NY, USA Don’t waste your time being friends with someone that annoys you and isn’t 100% good. Only be friends with the nicest people. (Genuinely nice people, not people that like to talk negatively about other friends- that can be a big red flag that the person is a bullsh*tter).
-Alexis, 34, NY, USA Get college over with, have fun there and make friends in the process, travel a lot or study abroad, graduate and get married to someone you really really love and have children.
-Alexis, 34, NY, USA Try not to take people for granted.
-Gerry, 71, NJ, USA In the words of Maya Angelou, "'...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." You may regret hurting someone or not helping someone, but you will most likely never regret doing something nice for someone else.
-Ashley , 17, NJ, USA This too will pass. Persevere through the hard times, seek help and advice. Changing the perspective of how you look at a problem can offer new views and solutions.
-Nina, 62, NJ, USA Everything happens for a reason, and that reason is there to serve you. Reflect and understand those reasons to become a better person.
-Laurie, 38, NJ, USA Don’t be afraid to be yourself with everyone.
-Karen, 52, NJ, USA That many stresses and challenges are not as scary as you think they are when you are in the thick of things. A week, month, or year later, I often think, "I was too stressed about X. I made it through just fine."
-Elena, 33, NJ, USA When my children were young, I had another mom ream me out for my kids picking on hers. She was a course type of person and really laid into me. It was sometime later she found it wasn't my kids involved and took me aside and apologized. I thought it took courage for her to do that because she could have just let it go. She changed the crude person I thought she was into someone who was caring enough to make amends. That has stuck with me for many, many years.
-Linda, 66, NJ, USA Take the road less traveled and life will be much more interesting.
-Meagan, 37, MD, USA Life isn't fair and you shouldn't expect it to be, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be fair. You get to choose. There is no one "right" way to be a woman, so do what is right for you, but don't judge others if their "right" is different from your's. Instead, ask lots of questions and try to understand, so the umbrella of "woman" just gets bigger and more inclusive. You aren't a "prize" and you don't owe anyone anything. You are an equal human being and demand to be respected as one. Call out discrimination when you see it, even (especially) when it is not happening to you. It is easy to "do the right thing" when there is nothing at stake, but much harder when you have something to lose, but that's why it is even more important to do so.
We all experience privilege and oppression in our lives, in different ways. It isn't a contest. Acknowledging someone else's privilege or oppression doesn't negate your own and vice versa. Be an ally. We're all in this together. Our successes are not our own; they are built on the backs of all the people who helped us along the way, so pay it forward and help lift others up. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt, at least initially. Imagine if someone's first impression of you was on the worst day of your life. Who knows, maybe you are meeting someone on the worst day of their life? Conversely, if someone is consistently terrible, then they are a bad person and get them out of your life. Love freely and often. You are going to get hurt, but it is worth it and there is always more love and wonder in the world to experience. Life isn't a story. We're trained to think in stories that have clear endings, but your "story" ends when you die. Stop worrying about the end point (there is no "happily ever after"), experience life and try to make the world a little better every step of the way. Some people do ONE GREAT THING that we remember them for, but for every one of those types of heroes, there are so many more who did the right thing, every day, making the world better through the sum of their actions. -Trixie, 41, New Jersey , U.S. You don't have to change the whole world; just make your corner of it a better place, however you choose to do that, whether it's just being kind or becoming an activist.
-Clarissa, 51, TX, USA You think about yourself more than anyone else thinks about you. I learned that even though I felt like everyone was always judging me, they're not. Everyone has their own stuff going on and they aren't paying as much attention to you as you think they are. So don't let worries about what other people are thinking mess with who you are. Be you.
-Jamie, 33, NJ, USA Make everything count. Learn from your mistakes...life lessons are part of growing up.
-Angela, 43, NJ, USA |
Just because you're not the best, does not mean you're the worst.
-Rachel, 16, Hong Kong To act my age. You only get to be that age once, so enjoy it.
-Noelle, 33, NJ, USA To many to count. Friends you want to impress to like you don't count as friends because if they were you would not need to impress in the first place. Don't change yourself for any man or boy for the same reason, no man is worth your time or efforts if you feel the need to go above and beyond to get their attention. Being loved by anyone is a beautiful thing so no need to change because they will love you flaws and all.
-Amanda, 23, CA, USA I’ve learned that something that you think is right for you, might not be what you need.
-Raychel, 16, CA, US High school is full of sharks but it gets better once you find people you care about and love yourself. Also that gossiping helps no one.
-Elaine, 17, CA, USA Always be honest with yourself.
-Mackenzie, 21, NJ, USA you can’t get caught up in what other people are doing -Veronika, 15, CA, USA
Life can be very painful but time moves forward and healing happens. There will always be struggles and times when we feel sad or worthless but it passes and thankfully, self love happens.
-Marlena, 27, QLD, AUS There will be sexist people wherever you go, so always freak them out with your competency and intelligence.
-Kara, 16, NJ, USA Life isn't fair, but you can always choose joy!
-Gina, 40, NJ, USA you can have a boyfriend for life or a boyfriend for six weeks. Keep sex till you are older.
-Diana, 57, CA, USA Always look at both points of view, not the one that agrees with you.
-Amanda, 18, NJ, USA Many years ago, I had a disagreement with my boyfriend, and I was venting about it to one of my friends. She said, "What do YOU WANT to happen next? You're a smart person. Just figure out what you need to do to accomplish what you want." That simple comment has always stuck with me. (In that instance, I wanted to resolve things with my boyfriend and I realized I had been being unnecessarily stubborn out of principle. So I called him and told him I wanted to talk it out. Fun fact: We're actually married now.) In other instances, though, with work, finances, family relationships, etc., I've used my friend's advice and forced myself to stop and think: "What do I WANT to happen next? And what steps do I need to take to make that happen?"
-Ali, 28, FL, USA Pick a few relationships and put effort into them.
-Morgan, 21, NJ, USA Know your worth - be confident in who you are, but be kind too.
-Karis, 18, Hong Kong Sleep is important. Don't sacrifice sleep even though the workload in high school is crazy. It's better to get up early the next morning to do work instead of staying up till 3am.
-Tina, 18, Hong Kong Identity is an integral component in the process of growing up, but don’t let it consume you.
-Jess, 17, NJ, USA I’ve learned to care about what’s important and stop worrying about what’s not. Though I certainly forget this often and find myself worrying about a test grade or what to wear etc., when I really stop to think about it, I realize that I’ll never remember the trivial things that once seemed so significant. I will, however, remember the big things - my family, friends, academic experience etc.
-Allison, 17, NJ, USA Don’t overthink. Live your life without regrets because it’s really not worth it.
-Victoria, 13, NJ, USA I learned that somethings it’s best to laugh things off when you’re feeling down.
-Hannah, 14, NJ, USA A life lesson that I've learned is to be yourself, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, because you live for yourself and not others.
-Sophia, 15, IN, USA Be ambitious.
-Piper, 12, CA, USA Don't just give. Have the courage to take.
-Hannah, 16, CA, USA That even though sometimes people might ruin my day, that I should still be kind to everyone.
-Baylee, 12, CA, USA Don’t take others for granted.
-Allie, 13, NY, USA When you hear something valid and helpful and wholesome being told to you, you don’t have to believe it, just accept it. And embrace it because you can trust them and you have faith in them that it’s something worth believing.
-Anonymous It's okay to ask for help. If you're struggling, please don't hide it, because there are so many people who care about you and want to see you happy.
-Anonymous Things do not come easy in life. You need to work for what you need.
-Jane, 66, NJ, USA Be kind but firm.
-Vincenzo, 63, AZ, USA Be your own person, make sure you can stand on your own.
-Smiljana , 61, NJ, USA You're family is everything. And you may count special people as part of your family.
-Terri, 53, NY, USA Life experience mainly comes from getting to know other people. It's very important not to isolate yourself.
-Sophia, 14, NJ, USA Be yourself, do you, don’t change. It took a long time to really understand this and fully appreciate who I am and to love myself.
-Jennifer, 42, NY, USA Trust yourself! Your gut is usually right. Stick with it and you will always succeed.
-Sara, 36, NY, USA Wear sunscreen. Also, that things pass. The most awful situation doesn't last forever. It might change you and you might not like it, but the one constant thing is change. Hang in there, because IT DOES GET BETTER.
-Anonymous Don’t let anyone get to you.
-Molly, 13, NJ, USA Everyone is different in their own unique way.
-Chloe, 17, NY, USA Look forward to tomorrow, learn from yesterday and never look back.
-Carole, 74, SC, USA I have learned that time is our most precious commodity and that we need to make a concerted effort to use it to our advantage. It is important to budget it so that we get to do everything that we need to accomplish and to create more moments of joy and happiness. I think that one day, we shall sleep forever and we must be good and tired in order to earn that eternal sleep.
-Josephine, 65, NJ, USA Put God first and everything else will work out.
-Brooke, 17, ME, USA Nothing matters as long as you’re happy.
-Ava, 17, NY, USA Don't look back. Once you make a decision don't dwell on the what ifs because they will drive you crazy.
-Darcy, 17, CT, USA Happiness comes from within oneself.
-Cheryl, 51, NJ, USA Don't compare your behind-the-scenes with someone else's highlight reel.
-Kassen, 17, CO, USA Do anything that makes you happy without fear of judgement.
-Cameron, 17, CO, USA Do what you love as a career. Don't listen to people who tell you - oh, you won't make a lot of money doing that! Careers are not all about making money and being rich. It is more important to wake up every day looking forward to going to work - because then it's not work at all!
-Doreen, 51, NJ, USA When it’s hard just remember it will get better.
-Emily, 15, NY, USA Be yourself.
-Faith, 14, NY, USA We are all victims if that is how we want to perceive life. It is so easy to get stuck in the pain of life but it is a trap. I have learned to take charge of my life whether I am in crisis or not. Crisis comes and goes. I take the time to make good decisions and do my best then the rest is not up to me and I just need to accept it.
-Meg, 49, NY, USA Don't stress about little things, never give up, and nothing bad lasts forever.
-Nikki, 14, NY, USA No matter how bad you feel now, and even if it feels like the end of the world, things will get better eventually.
-Emma, 17, NC, USA You never outgrow the need to learn.
-Susan, 65, NJ, USA Some of the worst most manipulative and/or angry people I know and am related to are women. Don’t fall for the idea that one sex is better than the other. Judge someone based on their kindness.
-Alexis, 34, NY, USA Also learn to say no to things. And you could always change your mind. If you say yes too fast it’ll be hard to back out of something.
-Alexis, 34, NY, USA I’ve come to see that life is really about having children. They make life fulfilled. Tired, of course, but pure happiness. Without them life would be darkness (and we wouldn’t even realize it because we wouldn’t know what we were missing).
-Alexis, 34, NY, USA You have to work your ass off for what you want.
-Gianna, 17, NJ, USA I learned that people will always try to bring you down but as long as you keep your head up you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
-Jamie, 15, NY , USA Be humble, no one likes a know it all!!!
-Julie, 52, NJ, USA a dream without action is a hallucination.
-Lorena, 50, NJ, USA Life really does move quickly. People will come and go. Most things are temporary. What is a major problem or issue today, probably won’t be a year or two from now.
-Carrie, 41, NJ, USA It might not seem like it when you're young, but people are always growing and changing - hopefully for the better.
-Lauren, 28, NJ, USA Trust your gut. Always trust your gut.
-Rebecca, 18, NJ, USA Don't be afraid to love - love yourself, your significant other, your best friend, and the stranger you see walking down the street. Love is powerful.
-Lucy, 28, KY, USA One of the best life lessons I've learned is not to look back on previously made decisions with regret, because you couldn't have done any better at that time. All you can do is make the best decision you have with the information you have at that time.
-Andrea, 27, MN, USA Keep yourself busy.
-Natalie, 19, PA, USA |