9 Important Truths You Should Always Keep In Mind

As usual, I was browsing Tumblr today, passing the time of mundane work days. I stumbled upon this list and realized it needed to be shared because, quite frankly, these are things that each of us should be doing.

1. Always say 'yes' to seeing your friends.

This is something we believe to be so simple, but can easily be brushed off. We often give our friends excuses not to hang out, without realizing they may have had a horrible day and need someone to talk to.

Or in my recent case—putting off visiting my best friend, only to find out he was getting deployed. You always think you have more time to see someone or to be there, but it's not always the case. So, just take the opportunity when it's presented.

2. Eat breakfast everyday.

Eating breakfast is probably something many of us don't do anymore either because we're in a rush, we hit snooze three times this morning or maybe by the hour we wake up, it's already lunchtime.

There is a huge difference in how you feel going through the day when you eat, even if it's just grabbing an apple before you walk into class or work. It's one of those things our parents and doctors try to drill into our heads—"breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

3. Recognize that positive change rarely happens overnight.

Knowing that things will get better in time is probably one of the hardest things to accept in life. Because when you're crying in bed, feeling like your world is ending, it's hard to believe anything will be okay again. But it will be.

This is something that I honestly feel is one of the most important things to remember in life. Whether it be a new job, progress in school, family troubles or relationship issues, if positive change happened overnight you wouldn't learn. There must be the time between the bad and the good, where you grow and become stronger.

4. Accept the f*ck-ups, but try not to let them happen again.

This one doesn't need too much of an explanation. Whether it's failing a test or lying to your parents or getting into a fight with someone you care about, accept that these things have happened, learn from your mistakes and don't let them occur again. This is how you grow.

5. There is a song to remedy every situation on the planet.

We all know the power music has on us as human beings. Music is the ultimate remedy. A single song can change your mood on any given day at any given moment.

Songs have a way of taking you back to specific events in life; I think we can all agree on that one. So, when you're sad, pop on that feel good playlist or that one song that gets you dancing, and smile.

6. Appreciate the people in your life.

As you grow up, especially being in your 20s with all the changes happening, you sometimes forget to take a moment to appreciate all of those who stick around and don't mind hearing you bitch from time to time.

Your  friends who answer your phone calls at 4 am when you're upset, or anyone who's been there through your laughs and tears. Call your parents, your grandparents or the people who were there for you through it all. Tell them you love them and thank them.

7. Look for the good in everything.

Now, this one can be hard because we all have past experiences that hinder us from thinking that there is good in everything.

You can't always assume that something or someone is bad. A little example: A few months ago I went to a music festival prepared for a hot summer day, but then it rained, a lot, like a torrential downpour. It was also freezing. You get the image, right?

This is the time to try to keep positive in a not-so-positive situation. I mean, I got to see Kaskade and Vampire Weekend in one day, it couldn't be so bad.

8. Try new things and try them often.

Whether it be going to a concert for a style of music you don't usually listen to, or facing something you've been avoiding. Just do it. There is this quote from "One Tree Hill," which I live by, that accurately coincides with this point:

"So don't be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble, to fall, because most of the time the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most."

And really, once you've done the new thing, whatever it may be, you generally feel a lot happier and think to yourself, "well, I survived."

9. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Ah, the Golden Rule. The world would be a lot nicer of a place if more people followed through with this, as cliché as it may be. Unless you want people to treat you like sh*t, I suggest you stop treating people that way.

If you spend a little time being kinder, you'll notice how much good comes back your way. That kind of stuff doesn't lie.