I’ve been doing the things I love a lot more lately, but I haven’t carved time to write blogs. My mental health is the best it’s been in a long while. I feel I truly did kick ass on the bounce back. I have the desire to do the things I love and be around others again. I am able to support those in my life better. It’s a nice change from the past few years during the holidays, when I didn’t want anything at all. 

I recently turned 28 and have been reflecting on my first 10 years of “adulthood”. So much has happened. So much has changed. I remember crying the night I turned 18 and listening to “Never Grow Up” from the Speak Now album. I didn’t know what was in store, but I knew a chapter had closed and that made me sentimental. The terrifying excitement of a whole new era on the horizon. What would it be like when the sun rose? Would I survive it? Would everyone around me?

I’m watching this past era slowly set. Soon there will be another sunrise on the horizon, but I’m no longer crying. I am reflecting and ready for the chapters to come. I’m excited to turn the page. Still terrified, yes, because life has a way of kicking down, but I’m much better equipped to handle it than ever before. With that said, here are 10 things I’d tell my 18 year old self:

1. Set boundaries. People tend to resist change, but those meant to be in your life will adjust
2. People in life will show you who they are, don’t wait until they do something to you personally to cut them out 
3. Progress is not linear, the highs always outweigh the lows, and it will not be dark forever 
4. It’s a precious thing to love so deeply that you are burdened by grief. Your happiness is their heaven, remember that
5. Mental health comes first. Love yourself enough to take care of you too and keep in mind some people have a chemical imbalance 
6. You don’t have to be scared or ashamed. One day you will have the courage to face it, to speak it, after all you survived the worst part — you lived through it
7. There is strength in using your support system and wisdom in knowing how best to do so
8. Live in the moment for every moment. A moment is only yours in that instant and then it’s gone. Cherish it all as you experience it
9. You will meet the love of your life. Don’t be so mean to him at first just because you’re scared of that
10. Take the risks and never ever settle