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Ah, the golden age of eighteen. You’re too young for some things yet too old for others. In other words, I am in a constant state of the term “in limbo” and I’m sure many of you can relate. However, this seemingly stagnant condition hasn’t stopped me from growing and learning. I’ve just hopped on a nonstop enlightenment train and I’m in for the ride of my life. Literally.

18 things that I have learned in my 18 years:

1. Accept when you’re wrong. Take the blame for your mistakes. Own up. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes; they’re a part of life! The mature and decent thing to do in an accidental (or deliberate) situation is to accept the blame when it’s due.

2. Back up your files. I know you’ll cry when you lose your homework. Also, beware of printers. They smell fear. Especially 10 minutes before your work is due.

3. Your mother, your mother, your mother, and your father are the best people in your life. They will love you until they take their last breaths. We are indebted to them as they have struggled and continue to struggle to keep us happy, healthy, and treasured. Cherish them.

4. Lazy days are okay. If you want to lay in bed all day and watch Tom and Jerry marathons, do it. However, be thoughtful of time. It tends to go on without much notice.

5. Remember where you put your hijab pins. How many pins-from-hell are you going to step on/sit on before you learn to put them back in their container?

6. Cats make you happy. Surround yourself with cats.

7. Unnecessary arguments should be avoided. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) once said: "He who gave up disputing while he is right, a palace of high rank in Paradise will be built for him.” (Tirmidhi) So when you’re tempted to respond to that ignorant facebook comment, resist the urge. It takes strength to do so, but trust me, it’s not worth responding.

8. Dreaming is good for you… but only a fool lives in their dreams. So live in the moment, neither dwelling on the past nor living in dreams of what the future holds.

9. Gossip is deteriorating. Don’t do it and don’t listen to it. What good could possibly come out of discussing someone else’s personal life?

10. Seize the day. Shakespeare once wrote, “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.”
    
    Shakespeare was right. We are blessed with opportunities from the minute we get out of bed.

    One opening leads to another, and that is your life. Losing these chances, however, is a fate too cruel.

    Take these ventures and run. Also, remember to “seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” Thank you, Robin Williams.

11. A handshake is always better than an autograph. Undoubtedly.

12. Keep your promises. Promises are only as strong as the person who makes them.

13. Listen more than you speak. Your ears mean more than your tongue. Besides, since when have your ears ever gotten you in trouble? Life is but a symphony, so take the time to just listen.

14. There is always room for improvement. However, that doesn’t mean you have to beat yourself up over it. We are human and flawed. We are learning and that’s all that matters. Remember to “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”  

15. You are NEVER alone. God is always with you. Trust that your prayers will be answered.

16. Read, read, read. Find that tranquil corner at your favorite cafe, grab a hot cup of coffee, and begin to stimulate your mind. If you like to read, then I guarantee that reading likes you. It’ll pay off in the end.

17. Unplug for a few days. Life is meant to be seen through your eyes, not a screen.

18. Don’t worry too much. You’ll be okay, inshAllah.

Though you’ve learned these things over the years, are you really applying them to the best of your ability?

Oh, and one last thing: eat as many cookies as you’d like. Cookies mend the cracks of the heart.

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