“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?”

― C.S. Lewis

In my 15 years on this planet, I have learned a lot of valuable life lessons. For my birthday this year, I decided to compile a list of some of those lessons to share here. While things like potty training and spelling are vital to a successful life, they didn’t quite make the list (it was close, though).

1. Be Brave

Try new things, put yourself out there, unleash your inner child, and be spontaneous. You only have a finite number of years on this Earth, make them count. Ensure that at the end of your life you won’t look back and regret not living life and experiencing as many fun, crazy, embarrassing things as possible. The worst that can happen is you don’t like it, and at least you walk away with the assurance that you tried, and usually a great story.

2. Don’t take yourself so seriously

Get out of your own head and remember the situation is never as bad as you think. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and carefree, even a little reckless on occasion. Give God the anxieties and remember that He has placed you in this world to have fun sometimes, too. Be balanced.

3. Keep low expectations

Going along with the “don’t take yourself too seriously” lesson, also keep low expectations. Allow space for change and understand that things probably won’t go exactly to plan, and that’s okay. It is better to set low expectations initially and end up being surprised than to entertain high hopes and end up disappointed and frustrated. Keeping low expectations does not mean accept less, it only means being accepting of outcomes not rigidly alined with your plans.

4. Observe and Appreciate

Take a minute to stop and smell the flowers. Appreciate the beautiful nature, people, and little moments God has blessed you with. Take time to go for a walk and have lunch with friends. I tend to be so busy getting my to do list done that I forget to stop and be grateful for the things God has already done for me.

5. Be the person you wished others were to you

Follow the golden rule. Be the fun, vivacious person in the room who brings everyone together, be the person who inspires change, take to prioritize others, put yourself out there, and “be the change you want to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi).

6. Remember your worth

Surround yourself with awesome people you bring you closer to God, smile with all the joy God has given you.

7. Remember your limits

Don’t sell yourself short, it is okay to say no. Knowing your limits reflects how well you remember your worth. Make time for the things that matter, but know where to draw the line, because you’re only human.

8. Don’t wait until tomorrow

Work hard today and don’t procrastinate. If you have a God-given passion, don’t wait until you have all the knowledge in the world to start pursuing that talent. Jump in, head first.

9. Be kind to children

Remember the people who were older than you who take a minute of their time to encourage, teach, or befriend you? Be that person. Be the person who inspires kids and lets them know that they matter and that they are special and unique and not alone.

10. Be humble

Remember where you came from, remember how far God has brought you, and how far you still have to go. There will always be someone better than you and there will always be someone worse than you. Get over yourself.

11. You never know what someone else is going through

So be kind to others, a smile goes a long way. Take time to be there for people.

12. Don’t take people for granted

Make time for the important people. You never know what is up ahead, and “do something today that future you will thank you for” (Sean Patrick Flanery).

13. Take time for yourself

Keep a journal, read a book, take a bath, wear cute clothes when you aren’t going out. Do stuff for yourself sometimes. It’s fun.

14. Remember how to be a child

Work hard to never loose that creative, imaginative, carefree spark that children have. Find a hobby that forces you to stay a kid forever, because maintaining the ability to be a child is the best way to stay young forever.

15. Trust

Trust God to take care of the big and little details, trust your friends to befriend others without leaving you, trust your instincts because that gut-feeling was God-given.