18

18

This past Thursday, I turned 18 years old. I’m an adult! I still feel 12.

Underneath the facade of makeup and perfectly coiffed hair, I look very young. Perhaps it’s because I am very short in stature (only 5 foot!), but when I don’t wear any makeup at all, people don’t realize my actual age. In fact, I remember one time last summer, I was volunteering at a local hospital, pushing wheelchairs, when a rather rude lady asked me my age, and when I told her I was, in fact, 17, she exclaimed, “I thought you were 11!”

I also think part of the reason why I seem so much younger than I actually am is because I am an only child–an only girl–to slightly over-protective parents. Since I’m the singular focus of attention for my parents, it’s inevitable that I’m always coddled and spoiled and quite used to having things done for me. It’s nice, because who doesn’t want to be spoiled every now and then? But on the other hand, I’m already 18 and I haven’t ever driven on the highway. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate everything my parents do for me, because I honestly do! I couldn’t ask for better, more giving parents! But, I sometimes feel like adulthood was thrown at me, and I don’t know how to deal with it at all.

To help me deal, I’ve come up with a list of 8 philosophies (for my 18th birthday!) that I want to live my life by. They’re all in accordance with my New Year’s Resolution: to grow up.

1. Dress Well, Test Well. 

I am a strong believer in Dress Well Test Well philosophy, mainly because I know it works. If I take the time to dress up, not only do I feel better more confident about myself in general when I take the time to look put together, but I also have this neurotic fear of “wasting a good outfit” and thus am always motivated to do something productive with my day when wearing my “work clothes”. Furthermore, this will just make pajamas even more special, and who doesn’t love pajamas?!

2. Think before you speak.

I understand that this is a very cliche goal, one that’s taught in various elementary school classrooms. I have always been taught to speak my mind and that my opinion matters. But the fact of the matter is, in such a cutthroat world as this one, everything you say can be used against you. It’s a depressing thought, one that I didn’t think I’d have to confront at 18, but it’s true. At such a competitive school as my own, I’ve been backstabbed more than I can count. I trust too easily, which makes me show an unprofessional amount of emotion to my peers. I need to watch what I say and who I say it to.

3. Keep your private life private.

This goes with number 2, but because I’m so used to having so much attention placed on me (being an only child, and all) that I forget that other people have private lives too. Other people have their own burdens, hopes, and desires, and it’s incredibly childish and selfish of me to assume that they care about mine. So, it’s important to put on a happy face–after all, you don’t want to further ruin someone else’s bad day!

4. Acknowledge others’ faults and strengths.

Along with realizing that others have their own hopes and dreams, it’s important to remember that others have their own talents and faults too. It’s okay for other people to have talents that you don’t necessarily have. I know this seems like common sense, but honestly, acknowledging that some things that my friends accomplish every day, I can’t even fathom to do, is something I struggle with every day.

5. READ

See previous post! :)

6. Try new things.

It’s very well stated that “variety is the spice of life”. With today’s internet and especially with netflix, it’s easy to spend free time zoned out in front of the TV or computer, rather than doing something equally relaxing, but more productive. So, I hope to try something new each day–whether it be a hairstyle or even a new note taking style in class. I won’t know how I feel about something until I’ve tried it, and in an effort to be more worldly, it’s important to step outside of your comfort zone.

7. Learn to Cook.

This goes with the try new things, but I really want to be able to learn how to properly cook. I know how to make a good meal when following a recipe, but I still lack the skill necessary to whip up something out of the blue or that sixth sense that all chefs have. I want to gain some experience in the kitchen, partially because I refuse to gain the freshman 15, but also because I think it’s a proper skill everyone should have. If I enjoy food, I need to appreciate what goes into making it.

8. Be grateful. 

I know I gripe and complain as much as the next girl, but I truly am lucky. I will strive to appreciate all that I have at least once a day.

 

Love,

Adrija