Advice for Someone my Age

Know yourself!

A lot of people usually say "be confident", but they don't really explain how to get to that point. I think knowing yourself is the best way to become confident. The world will throw a lot of stuff at you, and knowing and understanding your values, goals, and what's close to your heart can help you persevere. You wouldn't be confident taking a test if you didn't know anything about the subject.

To know yourself better, spend time with yourself! One of my favorite pastimes over the summer was going out by myself to the mall, then visiting a local park and drawing. I tried to limit my screen time and listening of music (so I could be more immersed in my surroundings). Every time I went on one of these solo dates, I made sure to try something new. I combined dark chocolates with strawberry drinks, or I stopped in to a furniture store to talk to employees, or I drew a different tree in the park. These simple actions allowed me to meditate on what I like and don't like.

And I don't mean if I liked that combination of dark chocolates with strawberry drinks, I mean is this person in my life really worth all the effort I put in? In my future relationships am I going to change what I do? Or what I value?

Knowing yourself helps you get a better gauge on your abilities, so that you can recognize opportunities that you normally think would be out of reach.