Hi guys! I turn 17 this week (on the 12th) and I decided I wanted to do a post about things and life lessons I have learned at 16 years old. This has been a year of tremendous self-growth! As I prepare to start my senior year of high school, part of me wishes that I could just be in kindergarten again, but I know I’m ready for bigger and better things! That being said, I think I will experience even more personal changes in my 17th revolution around the sun, so I want to document some of the things I feel like I have learned this year and compare them to a future list!

1. You can’t please everyone!! Growing up, I was the type of kid that always wanted to make everyone happy. This year especially, I’ve learned that what one person loves about you may be what another hates. In one of my earlier posts about authenticity, I said that by being authentic, you attract the people who you’ll have the deepest connection with. As cheesy as it sounds, staying true to myself was what enabled me to make decisions I knew were right for me. You are in charge of your own happiness. 
2. You are stronger than you think! Guys, having a thick skin is so important. As an actress, getting used to hearing “no” is a tough but necessary skill. There’s a quote that says, “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it.” Oftentimes, our biggest setbacks reveal the most about who we are!
3. Quality over quantity. I can count on one hand the number of people who I consider my close friends. These are people who I know have my back no matter what. This year, I’ve found out that in times of personal hardships, you discover who your true friends are pretty quickly (and consequently, which friends are not true). Connecting with people can be difficult, but once you find your tribe, you’ll know it. Cherish those people, and let them know often how appreciated they are. 
4. It’s possible that you’ll regret some things you did, but more often than not, you will regret the things you didn’t do! There have been so many times when I was on an adventure and I was scared but didn’t want to regret not taking advantage of an amazing opportunity! I have swam alongside sharks, made new friends both nationally and internationally, and introduced myself to one of my heroes, Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz. I can definitively say that I have had absolutely no regrets this year!
5. Trust your instincts. They’re usually right. 
6. There may be times when you would rather have a Netflix night than go out and party, and that’s totally okay. 
7. Sometimes it’s best to be alone with your thoughts. Meditation is so important, especially for someone like me who’s constantly busy! Eliminate distractions by turning off electronics and take time to be at peace with yourself and your surroundings.
8. Traveling can change your life. See what the world has to offer!
9. There is more to life than fancy cars, houses, clothes, etc. 
10. Swearing is only effective if it’s done properly. Using expletives in every other word makes it lose its emphasis.
11. Turn your dreams into plans. You’ll feel more accomplished, I promise.
12. Live in the moment. Take in all that life has to offer!
13. Learn about the people around you! People can be great!! People can be super incredible!! All it takes is one conversation to find out more about someone’s journey through life.
14. For the love of god, tell your mother you love her!! We may still argue sometimes, but at the end of the day, my momma is the most important person in my life!
15. On that note, tell your father you love him too. My parents are my number one supporters! I got lucky in the family department.
16. Being authentic can be difficult. How can I be myself when I don’t know who I am entirely yet?! It’s okay!! Take time to work on yourself! The road is rarely ever easy (at least in my case) but I am pretty proud of my development as a person over these past 16 years.

Above all else, challenge yourself to be a better person than you were yesterday. You’d be surprised how much change can occur in just one year. 

Until next time…

xo, Liv