A List for Life

With Senior year started, here, and gone, stress rampant, and leisure always a full day taken, some things crossed everyone’s minds this year, but almost none took them seriously. Somethings just don’t stay that long in our brains. Especially at the age we are at, things are fast, fleeting, and always on to the next one. Lists are a vital part of humans, whether it be a mental list, or a physical one. They are always there

A few life lessons have arose throughout the high school years, that, in time, will be mentally checked three thousand times, forgotten in moments, and revered and taught by the people who never thought they would be. For myself, trying to live by these are especially hard, and this year has taught me especially well to try to follow them as closely as possible in order to keep the sanity of yourself and the people around you. I struggle with checking off this list, but with practice and years to come, I hope I am able to learn to keep these in the back of my mind without even thinking.

1. Don’t stress the little things
   • Whether it be a big assignment coming up, or thinking as little as cringing at an awkward situation, I stress about everything. Senior year is coming to a close, and I’m stressing more than ever. Even things I shouldn’t stress about, I do. Stress can cause ruin situations, make happy times ones that you don’t want to remember, but can also be highly rewarding when something you stressed about becomes a big pay-off. Don’t stress the trivial items, as it will do nothing but make you weary of whatever your doing. Eventually, everything works out in the long run.
2. Always take enough time to relax and enjoy life.
   • Relaxing is a great way of dealing with things, because most things can be sorted out when you just relax and take the time to treat yourself. Really think about things in the context of what they need to be thought about with, instead of trying to make it up as you go. Taking time to relax will help you to deal with life’s problems, and deal with your own. Use relaxation as that warm Sunday rain to make you look forward to the beginning of a new start
3. Enjoy the little things
   • Take time to value little interactions, enjoy company, or just enjoy and embrace the moment, you will value these things later on, as life is quick, and never stops to let you catch up.
4. Always take time for friends and family
   • Give those you love plenty of time to make new memories, as you never know when something will happen and it may be a stretch before you see them again, better to have happy memories than regretting not spending enough time with them.
5. Give yourself ample time for the things you want to accomplish
   • Giving yourself plenty of time will reduce your stress levels, as a procrastinator, I know this well. It’s best to give yourself plenty of time because should something go wrong, you’ll have plenty of time to re-do your mistake, due to the ample time you gave yourself.
6. Treat yourself every once in awhile
   • Keep yourself happy, do what you enjoy, because it is YOUR life, don’t worry about pleasing others, put yourself first, your mind and your body will greatly appreciate it, and you’ll be happier in the long run.
7. Do what you think is right
   • If you always do what you think is right there will never be a doubt in your mind on whether you think you helped the situation or not. You will never have a regret in judgement, because you will know that you did what you thought you could.
8. Follow your heart
   • Always do what you want, and you will be much happier in life than if you didn’t. You will enjoy life to the fullest if you can keep following your dreams.
9. Don’t let those who don’t support you hinder your progress toward your dreams
   • Letting those people drag you down will just make you feel your own life is unfulfilled, and will make you not enjoy your own life. Keeping those who support you around will make your life happier, more enjoyable, and keep you happy.
10. Never forget to say “I love you” to those who matter.
    • Unfortunately, in this life, you never know what’s going to happen next. Making sure to say “I love you” to those who truly matter to you will make a bad experience a lot less regrettable. Should something happen, at least you know that those words were the last thing they heard from you before they left.

Everyone struggles with these lists, including me, but I feel lists like these will help to make life easier and happier, instead of regretting certain things in life.

Photo credit to –
n_sapiens at Foter.com