16 Things I've Learned in 16 Years

Have you ever felt like you just blinked and then suddenly 16 years of your life have just flown by? That's my current state. As you get older, time starts flying by even faster. It's important to savor every moment and learn as much as you can. The world is your oyster, so reach for the stars. So, without further ado, here are 16 things I learned in 16 years.



  1. Don't be afraid of failure. Not succeeding at something does not mean your world is ending (even though it might seem like it). Acknowledge your weaknesses, accept them and move on. Even when you've tried your best, the outcome will always vary, so don't be too hard on yourself.
  2. Work hard, play hard. Push yourself to your limits and never underestimate your capacities. Get out of your comfort zone and pursue whatever calls your name. Hard work pays off.
  3. Sleep on it. Whether you've had an off day or you're trying to make an important decision, sleeping clears your mind and relaxes any thought process. Bad days are normal and usually brief. Know that there will always be a better tomorrow and that today will always come to an end.
  4. A day filled with laughter, is a day well spent. This one is self-explanatory. Laugh until you can laugh no more, because it releases good energy and makes all your troubles go away.
  5. People come and go. You can't control who will stay in your life. Let people run their coarse. Friends especially come and go and that's okay, because we're all just trying to figure ourselves out and find our group of friends.
  6. If you don't have time, find the time. How often do you find yourself say: "I don't have time?" Too often. Time is everywhere, you just have to look for it. Find lost time for studying, reading or getting anything done. Instead of looking at your phone in cars, bus's, during lunch or after school or work, use that precious time to your advantage.
  7. Live in the moment. This one's cheesy, I know. We tend to always think about our future or look back into the past, but what's most important is to be present in time and cherish the moments because those will soon be distant memories.
  8. Acknowledge how far you've come. Be proud of everything you've done over the course of your life and pat yourself on your back.
  9. Listen and learn. Your growth depends on the people you surround yourself with. Listen to your teachers, classmates and family members who will have different perspectives from yours.
  10. Accept your perfect imperfections. We're all different inside and out. Instead of comparing yourself to others, acknowledge your imperfections and move on. Don't worry about the little things and just be you!
  11. Don't fit in. It's better to stand out in your own way instead of conforming to the norm. Be creative and different.
  12. Be grateful. If you ever catch yourself complaining or whining, remember that there are bigger problems that people are facing on a day-to-day basis. Remind yourself of all the blessings you have instead of fussing about the things you don't have.
  13. Jump into the unknown. Scary, I know, but taking risks might bring you to places you've never imagined. Hey, this blog is me jumping into the unknown. So if I can do it, so can you.
  14. Listen to criticism. We always want to hear about the good, but listening to criticism helps your growth. Apply corrections and use criticism to your advantage. 
  15. Take time for yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else does. Solitude might seem scary to some, but it's important for your peace of mind and development. 
  16. Breathe. When you feel lost, scared, confused or frustrated, just take a breath. Things always fall into place, so relax and breathe. 

What to do When You're Bored

Let's face it, we (students) all anxiously look forward to summer, and when it finally arrives, we are left with nothing to do. We have so much time on our hands that it's inevitable; we are struck by boredom. But fear not; here are a few things you can do to spice up your uneventful summer.
  1. Exercise.  I know this seems like the last thing you want to be doing during your relaxing summer, but working out kills time and keeps you active. Staying consistent with your workouts will push your body, and in the long run; make you feel more energized. Set a goal for yourself and try your best staying on track. You might be surprised by the results!
    Tip: Browse Fitness Blender's YouTube channel. They have over 500 different workouts!
  2. DIY something. Whether you're redecorating your room or spicing up your wardrobe, crafting is fun and lets your creative juices flow. Do your research (YouTube can get addictive, trust me) and get creative! 
    Cutting old clothing is an easy way to revamp your closet.
  3. Go thrift shopping. This is the funnest activity to do alone or with your friends. If you love shopping, you should try thrifting at least once in your lifetime. Not only do you save SO much money; but it also feels like a treasure hunt. Rummaging through used clothing might seem exhausting and disgusting, but trust me, when you come across a diamond in the rough, you get filled with excitement!
  4. Read. Summer is the best opportunity to explore what types of novels interest you.  If you're a student, take advantage of not being assigned books from teachers and actually pick up a book that attracts you. Books are food for the brain, so the more you read, the more you know. Dive in and get lost in romance, sci-fi or horror! 
    Some of my favorites: The Master and Margarita, The Alchemist and Unbecoming 
  5. Go on an adventure. Find a park, a museum or a pool and get lost! Go outdoors and get some vitamin D in your system. You could gather some friends and plan a picnic in a park. You could even go to a museum and take some artsy pictures. Whatever you do, go outside!
    Crazy cat lady alert!
  6. Change up your look. Experimenting with your makeup, hair and style is a great way to get creative. Try perfecting your winged liner or mixing and matching different clothes from your closet. You could even attempt French braiding your hair (this might take awhile before getting the hang of it). Experimenting with your look is an easy and fun way to master some skills and of coarse, kill some time. 

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High Waisted Denim Shorts: a Summer Must

Denim shorts are a staple piece to have in your wardrobe. Just like jeans, they have been around for a while now and never seem to go out of style. Unlike a skirt or a dress, shorts (specifically denim shorts) will never fly up and constantly make you worry about exposing your booty. The best part is that there is such a wide variety of styles and colors that cater too all kinds of different bodies and tastes. During the summer, you can never go wrong with wearing a pair. I'll be showing you three REALLY easy and simple ways to style high waisted denim shorts.



This look was inspired by my younger self, when my mom would force me to wear a t-shirt under my tank tops too make sure I wasn't showing too much skin. I used to get so frustrated with her but now, I rather follow her advice because it makes for a KILLER statement. All jokes aside, layering a black tank over a white t-shirt is an easy and simple way to spice up any outfit. This old school trend is definitely making a comeback and I couldn't be happier. Pairing it with high waisted denim shorts adds even more of a retro vibe.



Black tank: Bought this piece at a thrift store, but here's a similar bodysuit from Forever 21
Denim shorts: American Apparel similar


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