18 Words of Wisdom for an 18-Year-Old
My friend's grandson turned 18, and teenagers LOVE unsolicited advice so...
Teens listen to everything we say! They love being told what to do!
Oh. Um. Wait. When you’re a teenager, anyone over 30 is ancient and none of those old fogeys know **anything.**
I mean, c’mon, they don’t even understand basic English.
No cap.
But it wasn’t my kid turning 18. (Mine are currently 14, 20, 23, and 24.) So I couldn’t resist sharing some pearly words o’ wisdom.
Plus, I figured I’d soften him up first with some “junk mail” (a package full of things teens love that didn’t exist back in the Stone Ages when I was growing up, like pocky cookies & cream and dragon sweet chili takis. Junk mail. Get it?) and some cold hard cash.
Here are 18 things I wish my 18-year-old self could’ve known way back when …
18 words of wisdom for an 18-year-old young man
💁🏾 Be as kind to yourself as you are to other people.
🧠 When you want something, visualize already having it.
🥗 Eat healthy food 95% of the time. It’s the fuel that makes your body run.
⛰️ Know you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to (see #2).
💋 Don’t ever rely on your partner to use birth control. You need to be sure you’re both protected.
🚀 Don’t ever let anyone else define your self worth. You’re an amazing person, full of kindness, respect, and ambition. You always will be.
👎🏽 Things will suck. Often.
🪨 Boulders will be put in your path. Often (see #7).
#7 and #8 will be your best teachers 👨🏽🏫 👩🏽🏫. Even though it won’t feel like it at the time. Or maybe ever.
🕺🏾Dance!
🚮 Clean up the trash even if it’s not yours. Literally and metaphorically.
🪻Make beauty from the ugly. Stephen Crane had a character who “blossomed in a mud puddle.” Be beautiful in spite of the ugly around you.
🧸 Never be too old or too busy or too stressed out (see #7, #8, & #14) to play games with a small child.
🏃🏾 If you feel depressed, go for a run or take a nap.
🛣️ Know that you can always do things your way. Don’t be defined by anyone else’s path.
🕍 God can be who you want him to be, not who your church or family says he is. Mother Nature. The Divine Force. Ganesha. Athena.
🕯️Pray to your god (see #16) in your way (see #15). Call on him/her/it/them to help you and guide you and make sure your desires (see #2) are aligned with the universe’s divine plan.
🙏🏾 Say ‘thank you’ to your bed when you wake up in the morning. Gratitude always helps.
Did anyone ever give you helpful advice when you were younger? Or more recently? What’s your best advice for young people? Or for me?! Please share your pearls of wisdom in the comment section below.
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About the author:
Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D., is an award-winning health journalist and book author. An accomplished editor and sought-after speaker, she is internationally known as a champion for patient rights. Support medical freedom and independent journalism by becoming a paid subscriber to her Substack, Vibrant Life, today. Or buy her a cuppa (organic, free-trade, mold-free) Joe via Venmo: @Jennifer-Margulis-2. How can you resist? Joe via Venmo rhymes. And even a couple of bucks will help the cause.
Gosh I love this list Jennifer! I don't recall getting much sage advice when I was 18 - but maybe I just didn't hear it. I do recall the one time when I was 23 and considering returning to university, to a 4 year program that I found quite daunting. I was really hung up on the fact that I would be 27 when I finished (aka ancient). I recall sitting with my dad and feeling really stuck. I didn't come from a family that talked about anything, so it was likely a stretch that I was sharing with him at all. However, he thought about about the whole " it's 4 years long!!" and "I will be 27 and ancient!!" for a bit and said "how old are you going to be in 4 years if you don't go back to school?". I said "27". To which he replied " so the only thing we know for sure is that you are going to be 27 in 4 years. What would you like to be doing, because the 4 years will pass either way?" That has always stuck with me. And yes I went back to school and am I ever glad I did!! Thanks Jennifer xoxo
The truth is fine.
Really.
Just tell the truth. Most people honestly don’t care and won’t get mad.
You forgot?
Ok.
You didn’t feel up to it?
OK.
You made a mistake?
OK.
Let’s move on.
We don’t need your white lies. And trying to cover up lies is even harder.
The truth is fine.