I’m visiting home for the holidays and as I was going through old books and papers in my room, I found the journal that I had started writing in at 17. In it, among the pages of teenage angst I found lists. Everything from “Boost of Confidence” Playlist to “Inspiring Quotes.” On one of the pages I found this: 

At 17, What I’ve Learned About Feeling Good About Yourself:

1) Know who you are. Be confident but not condescending. 

2) Realize the world does not revolve around you, your life, or your problems. Don’t always complain. Forget about petty things and ask yourself “in the large scheme of things, does this really matter?” Always focus on the positive.

3) Dream BIG! Set your goals and envision yourself reaching them. Remind yourself of everything what you want to achieve - You can do anything and everything.

4) Thing are not always “great,” “perfect” or even “alright.” But in the end, things are always ok. So if it’s not ok, it’s not the end!

5) Give yourself to others. Help others. This will help not only them, but yourself.

6) Remember that everyday is a new day. Make it count and make a difference. If yesterday sucked, it’s ok because it’s over. Start fresh!

7) Believe in yourself. Don’t let your insecurities get the better of you. If you want others to think you’re awesome, you have to think you’re awesome first.

8) Be bold - take risks

9) Try not to regret, but learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat

10) Always be the flame - not the moth.

I can’t believe I wrote this. At 17. I’m pretty sure this entry was written after receiving a bad grade or wishing some boy asked me to a dance (or something that seemed like the biggest deal in the world, but really wasn’t at all). 

Regardless, reading this particular list six years later took me aback. Was I really this mature at 17? When I reflect on what being 17 is like now, it seems so young and juvenile. Yet apparently I had greater aspirations and belief in myself than I do some days now at 23. 

 Therefore, if you are 17 and reading this, I advise you to pick up a journal and write down your hopes, dreams, goals, observations and thoughts. Even if it is one sentence a day. You might teach yourself something six years from now.