18 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 18

Happy 18th birthday Isabellyyyy!

I am almost 36 y/o, which means I’m writing this 18 years after I turned 18. La lang. Naisip ko lang.

1. Choose a course in college that aligns with your personality as much as possible. This will help avoid confusion in the coming years. You know this already. Don’t be like me.
2. Be nicer to your parents and sister (and of course grandma). You never know which path you’ll choose later in the future, so make the most of your time together while you’re still close in proximity.
   
   Now that I’m older, I regret most of the time that I chose to hangout with friends over my family—so try to balance the two (giving more favor towards family).

3. Befriend people you never thought you’d be friends with. Look outside your social circle. Unexpected friendships might surprise you, and could turn out to be the most meaningful.
4. Once you’re able to identify a few core friends, continue to nourish those relationships even after college. Having two or three people who grow with you through different phases of your life is such a major source of comfort.
5. Try to care less about how you are perceived by others—especially if they aren’t nice people. The keyword here is ‘try’ because it’s hard.
   
   As they say, it’s impossible to please everyone. People judge people all the time. So learn to be comfortable being disliked and just focus on being a good person.
6. The best types of relationships—whether platonic or romantic—are those where you can be yourself.
7. Pick up a sport.
8. Start reading non-fiction books on topics you’re interested in. Bonus points if you explore subjects you’re not initially drawn to.
9. My new favorite quote by Oscar Wilde:
   
   “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
   
   Try to get some balance between studying and fun.
10. Skinny does not mean healthy. Healthy is being * mindful * of what you eat plus physical activity.
    
    Start building healthy habits as early as now. It’s difficult to suddenly shift your lifestyle when you reach your 30’s—so begin early and your future self will thank you.
    
    PS: This reel helped me see what a good balance looks like.
11. Keep a journal. It’s fun to look back at your thoughts from when you were younger. Mama threw away all my old journals and I wish I had safeguarded them.
12. Have good posture. Take care of your teeth.
13. When you get feelings of envy, it’s worth remembering that everyone has their own struggles, and what you see is just a snapshot of their life.
14. If you ever decide to have another boyfriend, he’s probably not the one. I would suggest finding “the one” when you’re already working. Someone who’s probably 2 or 3 (maybe 4) years older—since most guys tend to mature a bit later compared to us girls.
    
    PS: There are exceptions though. This is just general advice.
15. If you need relationship or life advice, seek it from people who have been through it already *ehem* rather than relying on inexperienced peers.
16. When angry, as hard as it may seem, try your very best to pause. Breathe in, breathe out. This will help prevent you from saying or doing things you’ll regret.
17. Sometimes, all you can do is cry. Stop forcing yourself to feel better and just let yourself have a good cry.
18. Lastly, enjoy your birthday and enjoy college! You have so much to look forward to. Congrats on being 18! Love youuuu 🤍