life at 17
Stairway to heaven, where boys become legends.
How do you know that you are growing up?
I think it has something to do with being more independent. Having autonomy over your own life, and taking responsibility for how you spend your time and energy.
Inevitably, your attention starts to shift. You focus less on what other people are doing, and more on yourself. And you start to realize(more and more) that your friends are idiots and you should have stayed at home.
So I’m 17 now and I’ve entered into my late twenties. I’m not sure if I’m an adult yet as I still have some growing up to do. But, as a work-in-progress, here are some reminders for myself and maybe for you too.
As always, you are responsible for your thoughts, actions, and emotions. If you don’t like something about your current situation, it’s up to you to change it.
Do not practice what you do not want to become.
I’m trying to learn to live like a surfer. The surfer doesn’t control or fight the waves, he rides them. You don’t control the circumstances of your life, but you control the response, and that is enough.
When you feel like you don’t know what to do…
Remember, Action kills anxiety. Action kills anxiety. Action kills anxiety.
Think about the next step. What is the next step that you can take? And then focus on that step, one step at a time.
Forget about searching for your passion. Do what excites you instead!
On Relationships…
If you’re tired of always being the bigger person, stop surrounding yourself with little people. Have expectations from the people around you. People that don’t value your time, energy, and attention aren’t worth it.
Your lack of discovery doesn’t make something special, whether that is a job, a car, a girl, or something else. When you don’t get what you want, it’s not the end of the world. Life is long and the world is a big place. Keep exploring!
On Health…
When you are scrolling through Instagram and you feel insecure about your body, remember that Everybody is on steroids. As men, we are bombarded with unrealistic body image standards. It’s important to stay fit, but comparing yourself to anyone selling “supplements” won’t do you any favors.
Your age isn’t how old you are. It’s how flexible you are.
When you are ready to take on the world…
Take one red pill at a time. Not the whole bottle. Unless you are Jake Tran.
Remember that eventually, everybody is going to get canceled. We don’t need more critics looking for toxic traits in others. We need more self-awareness.
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what we do next that counts. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it, apologize, rectify if possible, and then move on. Put yourself in environments where this is normal. Remove yourself from environments where it’s not.
Lastly remember to live, not just exist. In the words of Jack London
The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Every year that I get to write this is a blessing. It’s another year of mistakes, lessons, and experiences that I get to share. And it’s another year I get to watch you put up with this.
Happy Birthday to all my June 10!! Let’s embrace 2022 with open arms!
Check out what I learned at 10 21 and 18
Finally, for the love of God, please stop taking pictures with peace signs!
