On January 26th, 2019, I turn 16. Many white girls make a huge deal about this and I gotta say, I am too. Turning 16 is huge for me. I'm not getting my drivers license today but, I am going to be surrounded by the people who care about me. Even the week and day before, some of my friends want to do something with me because they love me so much. I know they aren't reading this because they all think it's weird but, I want to say thank you to my friends.

Also my family but, I think I want to dedicate a whole other chapter to them;)

Anyway, I know Jenna Marbles did this but, I thought I would do it too. 15 has been...a roller coaster. I've learned so much in the span of 365 days. It's overwhelming quite honestly so, I want to share some of my wisdom to you so you can skip on that realization and the drama it brings with it. So, here we go!

1. Don't get into arguments with your friends about stupid things!

My friend and I got into a argument about The Greatest Showman. She told me it was the worst movie she seen in a while and she thinks that it's ridiculous that anyone likes it. She wouldn't let it go and said that people who like that movie has horrible tastes. I stood my ground and said that Zach Efron, Zendaya, and Hugh Jackman did an amazing job and it was one of my favorite movies because it focuses on a topic that I love and greatly support. She got upset with me because I was ranting to my friends about her not letting it go and she got mad at me. (Even though it's kind of rude to say I have bad tastes in films but, whatever)

We got over it thankfully but, yeah. Don't do that.

We had another argument and we aren't friends anymore.

2. Hang out with the people who you enjoy a 100%

Basically, if they make you the happiest hang out with them. If someone even makes you 99% happy, focus more on the 100%. Just make sure they aren't toxic in anyway like forcing you to do things you refuse to do.

3. Focus on your hobbies

This year I had barely had anytime to do anything I liked truly because I thought other things were making me happier. In reality, writing and drawing do and I decided I would focus more on that then anything else.

4. Remember every day so you can enjoy the even better days

So, let's say you had a pretty rough day and you think it's the end of the world. By remembering each day, you can look back on a worse day and say; "This wasn't so bad." It also helps you remember the amazing, memorable days.

5. Don't gossip

I'm dead on serious. It just creates problems. Just rant about your problems. It helps and some people might be able to help you. Also, don't rant about huge things to untrustworthy people. Because they could gossip about it...Great advice Candi.

6. Appreciate what you have!

Instead of saying; "Ugh I have to go to school/work today!" Say; "I get to go to school/work today. Some people might not be able to like me."

It helps you stay positive.

7. Get the toxic things and people out of your life

Friends are a good examples. If you have a toxic friend, they ain't worth it.

8. Love people and accept their differences

If you learn to accept everyone for their differences, the brighter the world seems!

9. Make people laugh!

I cannot tell you how many friends I have made by just being funny (in a over dramatic way)! People love to laugh! So, try it! Some may need it some day.

10. Realize that people do care about you

It sometimes hard to think this but, if you really look at the people who surround you, it's not that hard to say someone cares about you.

11. Speak your mind

If something is bothering you, speak up. If a friend is hurting your feelings or is being a bit ignorant, tell them. RIP OFF THE BANDAID! They'll get over it and if they don't, they ain't worth it!

12. Find someone to talk to

My mom had helped me a lot through this year of my life and I can't thank her enough! She has so much tea you can't even comprehend! She also is there to comfort me all the time.

13. Don't be scared of others' opinions

Literally. Just don't.

14. Conquer the things that hold you back from your potential or your success!

Letting go or giving up things is something that needs to happen for you to succeed! Accepting that will help you move forward in the right direction. This might take days maybe weeks to figure out. Trust me. It's worth it.

15. Express yourself!

Look, do, and be who you want to be!

16. Love yourself

Just give yourself a hug every once and a while. You need it. If you love yourself first, you'll love others quicker as well as the world around you. I know this can be really hard but, trust me. It works and your life will be so much better!

So there you go! 16 things I learned in 16 years. Hopefully you enjoyed! Love you all!