Never settle for anything or anyone

Never fucking settle.

I can’t stress this enough.

In my 24 years of life, I want this to be the one thing that I have learned better than all other lessons. If a boy asks if you are okay, knowing that you are not, and leaves it alone when you say “yes” please leave. If your best friend is having a bad night and you make her food, lay with her and let her cry on your shoulder and the next week does not do the same thing for you when you are crippled from pain at 3 in the morning, please realize she is not your friend. If your parents invite you over for dinner but antagonize you for dying your hair a new color the moment you walk through the door, please go home and do not let them control you.

Don't let other people determine your worth. Don't let a boy tell you that you aren't worth it. You are. Don't put yourself out there for friends that won't do the same for you. Don't put up with toxic family members that expect you to change yourself for their own comfort. Silence the voices that tell you "no" and that you aren't strong enough. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are more than enough, you're too good for those toxic relationships.

Please realize that no matter who the person is nor their level of importance to you, you do not deserve it. You do not need people in your life who do not appreciate you or what you do. You do not need to belittle yourself just to make others happy. You need to keep yourself at the top of your priority list.

For fuck’s sake, you are all you fucking have. You’re it. You’re everything. It’s all you, baby.

Please, just fucking make the most of it and fuck the rest.

24 things I wish I had known before I turned 24

1. Your first heartbreak is going to be the worst. You’ll be fine within the year.
2. They don't care if you cut your wrists or your legs or your hands or feet for her. Don’t do it.
3. Enveloping yourself in a book or movie on a Friday night is okay. There will be parties next weekend, too.
4. Don’t play hard to get. Don’t play any games at all. If you have to play a game with someone to get them to fall for you, they aren’t worth it.
5. When you find out anyone cheated and you run out of the restaurant and punch a light pole til your knuckles are bleeding and bruised, remember that people can see you. Don’t show them how weak you are.
6. When you find the next person who makes you feel something for the first time after your last break up, do not trust them. They know you are vulnerable and will use it against you.
7. Run from anyone you feel a magnetic pull towards. If you are drawn to someone you barely know, run. That will never end well.
8. Thank your parents. They really do love you.
9. There will come a day when you begin to say the things your parents told you. This is just a sign of you growing and maturing. It's natural.
10. Your priorities should be yourself, then school, then partying. In that order.
11. You’re gonna wanna say, “I love you” much sooner than you should. Make sure you’re both ready for it.
12. You don’t NEED anyone but yourself and a good group of people that loves you. A significant other will not fill the void in your heart.
13. You can like whatever music or movies you want. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re bad or stupid for the things you enjoy.
14. When your animal dies it’s gonna break your fucking heart. It’s okay.
15. Never open your mouth when you’re angry.
16. It’s okay to cry. Whether it’s because you failed a test, the book/movie was really good, or your chest is ripped wide open because someone left without a warning, you can cry.
17. People are gonna leave. That’s not a reflection of you, don’t blame yourself.
18. Don't worry that you don't have life figured out. No one else does, either. Life is just a lot of trial and error. Just be sure to learn from your mistakes. 
19. Smoking cigarettes will not benefit you in any way. Stop while you’re ahead.
20. There's no need to drink every night. You might be stressed, you might have had a bad day, but put the wine back. Go for a run instead. You'll feel better and won't hate yourself in the morning. Especially those mornings you have to be up early.
21. If you are not a whole person, do not try to date someone. Two halves don’t make a whole. They make a broken and toxic relationship.
22. If they call you on your birthday and tell you they are seeing someone else, do not stay on the phone and cry. Do not tell them you miss them. Say, “I’ve gotta go, it’s my birthday.” And never speak to them again.
23. You are always good enough. If people don’t want you, it’s a reflection of their shortcomings, not your own.
24. If you want it, go for it. Don't worry about what other people might say or what anyone else might think. Try now, because you might not be able to later,