Level 15!

I've never understood why people don't like birthdays. They're a day to celebrate the great things that have occurred throughout your life and the great people that have contributed to your successes. A day to appreciate everything you are blessed with. A day to reflect on the past year and see just how much you've grown.

So that's what I'll do...

my new favorite shirt

I am so grateful. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me. I am grateful for all that this year has taught me. Here are some of the most valuable lessons that I learned at level 14.

#1: ☆ LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ANYTHING BUT HAPPY ☆
Most of your days you won't have much to complain about. This life is pretty good, after all. So embrace it. Cherish it. Make the most of it. Keep smiling that pretty smile and keep living for the little things - the sunshine, the morning coffee, the chirping of the birds.

#2: ☆ IT IS BETTER TO BE ALONE THAN WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE ☆
Finding your people is hard, man. You think you've found your forever friends and then people change and you end up back at square one. Take your time when making friends/relationships and don't rush into them just because you feel like you have to. Being alone for a while helps you learn a lot about yourself, which is much better than having a group of unloyal friends to go out with on a Friday night.

#3: ☆ BREAK OUT FROM YOUR ROUTINE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ☆
You'll be told that a "healthy lifestyle" is one that's full of veggies, 64 oz of water, 2 mile runs every day, and nine o'clock on-the-dot bedtimes. While I do agree that routine is important and most of these things are true, a little bit of spontaneity never hurt anyone. So don't be afraid to change it up - your training, your foods, your bedtime.

#4: ☆ WATER IS A POWERFUL THING ☆
It gets rid of headaches, clears your skin, and is used to make coffee... so duh, it's practically the best thing ever.

#5: ☆ YOUR PEERS ARE NOT YOUR COMPETITION ☆
I am one of the most competitive people you'll probably ever meet. I can't stand to lose, come in second, or be worse than someone at anything. I put a lot of pressure on my self to be the best at everything (one of my positive and negative traits), but I have learned this year to only compete against myself. Be better than I was last year, last month, last week.

#6: ☆ STAY ON YOUR OWN PATH ☆
(Kind of similar to #5!) Although it's been one of the most difficult things I've had to learn how to do, I have become happy for everyone else. I am not threatened by other people's successes. I do not worry about other people's lives. My journey is my own and my goals are my own. I stick to my path (diet, habits, fitness routine, study habits, etc.), trust that I'm doing the very best I can, and know that everyone else is doing just the same.

#7: ☆ BE SPUNKY ☆
In high school, everyone dresses the same, everyone does the same things, everyone acts the same way, and it gets boring. I know it's hard - really hard - but just do your own thing. Wear your own cool clothes and do your own cool things.

#8: ☆ JUST ENJOY THE NOW ☆
There's so much anticipation for the future, but life is just wasted away if you're not enjoying what's happening now. The little moments, the family dinners and trips to small cafes, are what make now so sweet.

#9: ☆ CALL YOUR GRANDPARENTS ☆
They'll be happy to hear from you, but it might be even nicer for you to be able to talk to them. They're awfully good listeners and have top-notch advice.

                    

      

     

          

        

         

14, you were so good to me.

stay on the sunny side,

meg