15 Important Lessons I've Learned In 15 Years | The Teen Safe Zone

Hi everyone! Welcome or welcome back to The Teen Safe Zone, where it's safe for teens to be themselves! So, as most of you know, I just turned 15 on July 11th! I decided to share with you all the most important 15 lessons I've learned in my 15 years of life. I hope that other teens reading this can learn a thing or two from this post, and share below in the comments what are the most important lessons you've learned in life!

---

1. Patience

This may sound like a really cliché thing, but patience is the most important lesson I've learned in life so far. I've learned that good things come to those who are patient and wait for their blessings. It'll all be worth the wait in the end! There have been so many times where I was glad that I waited for a particular thing at the end because I learned that I most likely wouldn't be ready to receive it at the exact time I wanted it.

2. Just Because There Is A Delay, Doesn't Mean It Won't Happen.

Let's be honest, we've all thrown a pity party at least once in our lives because we didn't get what we wanted, when we wanted it. This lesson also ties into patience. I've learned that just because there is a delay on something we want in life doesn't mean "no", it just means that you will have to wait a little longer to receive it, and that isn't a bad thing.

3. Don't Beg Anyone To Stay In Your Life If They Don't Want To.

I would've put this as number one on this list, but I felt that learning patience was slightly more important than this one. However, this one is still just as important. I feel that out of all of the lessons I've learned in life so far, this one was the toughest to accept. Don't beg anyone to stay in your life if they don't want to. I get it, it hurts. However, you have to accept the fact that if someone was truly meant to be in your life, you wouldn't have to beg them to stay! If they truly loved you, they wouldn't need you to beg them to do the bare minimum! They should be able to do that in the first place, and then some, without you having to hover over their shoulders. It isn't sincere if you have to force someone to do something for you! A major red flag!

4. The "Teenage Dream" Simply Isn't Real LOL.

The next lesson I'm still trying to process is that the "teenage dream," you know, the fun stuff in movies like getting your first car at 16, high school stereotypes, parties, etc. just doesn't exist for most people. When I became a teenager, these were the things I had high hopes for. I'm not sure if it's just because my first year of teenhood was during a global pandemic, but being a teenager is most definitely not as fun as in the movies. So if you are a pre-teen, I wouldn't suggest getting your hopes up super high. What I'm learning is that you can't compare your life to a movie; it's just simply unrealistic. One of the main reasons I think that being a teenager is so difficult is because we constantly compare our lives to unrealistic standards, whether that's on social media or on television. We grew up watching all of these "fun" teen movies, hoping that's what our lives would be like when we became teenagers. Now, I'm not saying that you won't have good memorable times from time to time, but life is not like party every day and not face any consequences like in the movies. Don't throw your life away because you want to live the "teenage dream." Another reason why being a teenager is so hard is because no one ever talks about the real things you experience as a teen, and if they do, they're most likely very sugarcoated. Like, for example, peer pressure. I don't really hear many people speaking up about that topic, so when you experience it, you don't know how to react to the situation. At this point of being a teenager, it's best to go with your gut feelings and use your wisdom during difficult times.

5. This Is YOUR Life Not Theirs.

As mentioned before, experiencing peer pressure is a very real thing at any age in life. Keeping this short but simple; this is your life to live, not other people's. Don't let a stupid decision ruin your life, your future, your body, etc. When something bad happens (which hopefully won't happen, but I'm being honest here), those people will flee faster than you can blink. They'll pretend like they don't even know you when something goes wrong (trust me, I've seen second hand on this situation). So think to yourself: is this decision worth throwing your life away? Think for yourself; don't let others do it for you. "It takes nothing to join the crowd, it takes everything to stand alone."

6. Teen Romance Can Wait.

I hate to sound like a party pooper to some of you, but being completely honest, teen romance can wait. We all know that romance comes along with teenage stereotypes, but just because "they" say you have to do it doesn't mean that you have to. The teen years are a very crucial part of your life that you can't get back. So many things are happening at once, and the last thing you need is an extra add-on. I would recommend focusing on yourself, who you are, and who you want to be in life, before looking for a partner. A lot of people jumped into relationships so early on in life that they never gave themselves a chance to grow and accept being alone and independent. Obviously, as mentioned before, this is your life, so you can do as you please and agree or disagree on this one. I just want you all to know that we're young and we have our whole lives ahead of us. You don't need to have everything "figured out" or jump from relationship to relationship in your teen years. Do what makes you comfortable.

7. It's Better To Have One Real Friend Than Have A Group Of Fake Friends.

People say this quote all the time, but in all honesty, I'm not sure if too many actually take it and live by it. It's better to have one real friend than to have a group of fake friends. I've heard people say the excuse, "But at least I wouldn't be alone." Little do you know that you already are alone dealing with a group of fake friends. If it comes down to you or them, you know they're all choosing themselves and you'll be the laughing stock. Having at least one real friend is better than having a group of fake friends any day!

8. Don't Be Afraid To Speak Up For Help.

So many people are afraid to speak up about their mental health struggles, but believe it or not, most of the things you are experiencing, the majority of the world has also experienced or is experiencing the same thing. Never be afraid to speak up and ask for help. There are mental health hotlines you can anonymously call or text for help. An easy one to remember is 988 (for the US).

9. Confidence Is The Key To Life.

Never underestimate the importance of confidence! If you don't learn your worth and value in life, you'll go and search for that empty space in other people. There's a piece of you that you and you alone can fill up. No matter how high or low you search, you'll never be fully satisfied in life until you gain your own confidence.

10. Love And Actions Go Hand In Hand

Love and actions goes hand in hand together. Never fall for someone who claims that they "love" you but they never show it! If their actions don't match their words, leave!

11. Don't Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself

You're not the only person in the world who puts too much pressure on themselves; we've all done it before, so don't feel even worse about it! Believe it or not, most things you are probably overthinking and no one but yourself will notice. You don't have to look your "best" every time you go out because you most likely won't see those people again in your life! No one will even remember! Stop living your life to please other people, and start living for yourself.

12. People Only Show Highlights Of Their Life On Social Media.

The next lesson I've learned in life is that people only show the highlights of their lives on social media. No one's life is picture perfect, so don't fall into the rabbit hole. As mentioned before, stop comparing your life to social media or to TV. If you find yourself getting envious of someone's life on social media, just remind yourself that you don't know what goes on behind closed doors. Your life is probably a lot better than you think it is.

13. Focusing More On Self Care Gives You A Better State Of Mind.

Something that I've been doing lately is focusing more on my wellbeing and self care. Focusing more on pampering myself has definitely been giving me a clearer state of mind. There's nothing wrong with treating yourself; and there's ways you can do it on a budget too! I'm thinking of doing a post on affordable self care products for teenagers in the near future so just let me know if you would like to see that in the comments! I also did a self care collection haul on my YouTube Channel HERE.

14. Saving Money

When I was younger, I used to be really bad at this, but saving money is a very important lesson to learn in life.

15. I Learned How To Cook LOL.

---

Well, I hope you all enjoyed today's post! If you want to contact me about anything, please visit the "Contact Us" page on this blog where we can privately talk! NEW POSTS EVERY SUNDAY! - Lexi