Miranda’s 18 bits of wisdom

Upon the recent arrival of my 18th birthday, I got to thinking about this huge milestone in my life. I’m an adult now — I can vote, buy lottery tickets, update my driver’s license, get a credit card, and as my family reminds me, I can actually have an opinion now.

But for me, the best part is looking back on what I’ve learned and discovered about myself, others, and my life in general. I know I’m still young, but I’m proud of what I know thus far. So, to celebrate this, I’m going to share 18 things I’ve come to know, at this point in my life.

• It’s exhausting to be angry. Sometimes it’s just easier to make-up from a fight than to walk around with a “ready and waiting” frown on your face.

• Peanut butter and jam sandwiches are amazing. I didn’t know this until age 17. At that age, I also began to love tomato soup, apple juice, and Alphagetti — foods that I hated as a child. Now I can’t get enough of them.

• Sometimes, homeless people are great. Talk with them whenever you can.

• When someone hurts you, whether it is a friend or significant other, and they ask for forgiveness, remember this — sometimes people ask for forgiveness and apologize to ease your pain. However, sometimes they do this to ease their pain, and to take a load off their shoulders. This was one of the hardest things for me to learn, because it can sting. I’ve also come to realize, however, that sometimes we forgive to ease the pain of others, and sometimes we forgive to set ourselves free. There is immense power in forgiveness.

• Sing in your car, loudly. It is amazing. When possible, add safe hand motions.

• Never underestimate the power of support from family and/or friends. It is the most precious.

• Your parents are (usually) always right. This is something I have learned the hard way.

• The best therapy can be an hour in a salon chair, or on the dance floor. Use both often to keep yourself sane.

• If you hold in your tears, the most ridiculously small thing will open the floodgates. It’s better to cry at things that actually made you want to cry, than to realize the peanut butter jar is empty and burst into sobs.

• If everything you do is done with 100 per cent of your effort, you will be incredibly happy. Whether it’s a hockey drill, a dance routine, or a school assignment, if it’s done full-out, you can’t lose.

• Drown in music regularly. Use it as an escape. For me, half an hour in some Mac Miller, Florence and The Machine, or Red Hot Chili Peppers is the best.

• It’s not where you work; it’s who you work with. Any job can be made better with good co-workers.

• Be with people your grandparents love. They often are more laid-back than your parents, but they’re wiser. My grandparents seem to have the ability to see into souls. Nothing slips past them. And ladies, be with a guy who will grow up into someone like your grandfather. You want someone who will sit in an uncomfortable hospital chair and hold your hand all night when you’re weak.

• If you need a sick day, take it. You’ll get better faster. Sleep, drink water, and watch movies on the couch. The world continues to turn even if you’re not out taking it on.

• Naps are the best thing in the world. Recharge those batteries, people.

• If he cuts a visit short to go train his Pokemon, it’s not meant to be.

• Your high school social studies teachers will help raise you almost as much as your parents do. They make you into good citizens, help you learn respect, and show you how to fight for what you believe in. They’re out there to rid you of your teenage apathy before you go out into the real world and get your butt kicked. Mr. Teeling, Mr. Haggarty, and Mr. Labrie — I love you guys, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve taught me.

• Last, but certainly not least, let the world change you. Go through your travels and experiences with an open mind, and absorb your world like a sponge. Keep your morals, your values, and your soul — but be willing to learn from what you will see, what you will feel, and what you will come to know.

There you have it, my 18-year-old knowledge in a few simple paragraphs. I can’t wait to learn more. Thanks for reading.

Miranda may be reached at smalltownmusings@gmail.com