Things I Wish I Knew At 18

There are lots of things post-uni to get excited about. But, there's a lot of things that we don't get told about too. Read on to hear a few truths about life after university and entering into adulthood. Ugh.

I’m not saying you’re going to feel any different over night, but once you turn 18 – that’s when reality hits. You’re moving on from school and starting your new chapter at university, and if not university or education, a full time job. As life’s getting a little bit more serious and stressful, theres some important things to know when you’re 18, and here are 8 things I wish I knew when I was 18.

1. Don’t Take Life So Seriously

Life is hard, and it can be tough. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, and especially wish I knew when I was 18, is not to take life so seriously. Yes, of course you have stressful situations that happen in your life, such as exams and jobs. But, don’t let the little things get you down – boys, diets and even shitty friends – all of these things don’t matter. Being young is the only time you have to not take life so seriously.

2. Everything Always Works Out

We can get so caught up in worry and stress that we often forget to take a step back and look at it for what it is. No matter how big or small your problem is, the world keeps turning and people keep living. Time is the biggest healer, whatever you have going on, it will always get resolved. Everything always works out in the end; if it’s not ok, then it’s not the end. Let things be.

3. Do What Makes You Happy

The key to happiness is to do whatever it is that makes you happy, and to do a lot of it. Don’t spend your time trying to please other people and don’t let others influence your emotions. This is the time in your life where you can be completely selfish, the time you can do things for yourself. Being young can be a confusing and complicated time, but remember that your happiness is the most important thing. So, read lots of books, make memories with friends or pamper yourself until you’re all pampered out – do things that make you happy.

4. Don’t Care What People Think

Now, we’re all guilty of doing this. But from time to time, whether it be a new post on social media or a new hair style – we worry what people will think. But, what’s important, and especially at 18, is to not care what people think of you. Most of the time, the people we worry about are irrelevant and probably won’t even care themselves. Don’t waste energy on things you can’t control.

5. Appreciate The Little Things

The little things are the most important things in life. If there’s one thing to remember when you’re young, it’s being happy in the moment you find yourself in. Appreciate the little moments that don’t come around that often, or even the ones that do. Appreciate the little things.

6. Work Hard, Play Hard

When you’re 18, you already have certain responsibilities and pressures, from exams to probably even more exams. At some point, it will get on top of you. Working hard is an obvious at 18, to secure a future for yourself. But, being 18 is one of the most exciting times of your life – give yourself chance to have some fun and make memories that will last a lifetime. Work hard, play hard.

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7. Take Every Opportunity You Get Given

Help yourself, take every opportunity you can. Do things even if you don’t want to do them. Every opportunity you take, helps you on your way to another. As they say; as one door closes, another one opens. Experience is invaluable, it prepares you for all of your future ventures. Make the most of every chance you get to better yourself. Opportunities don’t come around often, so when they do, grab them.

8. Surround Yourself With Your Kind Of People

There’s nothing more disappointing than finding out who your fake friends are. But, if you aren’t losing friends, then you aren’t growing up. Walk away from people who no longer serve you. Who no longer make you better. Who no longer bring positivity to your life. Surround yourself with your kind of people. The kind you can cry with, laugh with and go through life with.