Dear Reader:

I just celebrated my 36th birthday.

And while there is nothing remarkable about 36 itself, I can't stop thinking...

It's been 18 years since I graduated high school.

Somehow it's already been that long since "the first day of the rest of your life" started.

I remember who I was at 18 and what I cared about back then.

I know how I spent my time. Not well.

Like most people probably do, I wish I could share some insight with that kid. Some pointers to help along the way...

18 things I'd like to say to my 18-year-old self:

1. Survive (Sometimes all we can do is survive to fight another day.)

2. Ask for help (Knowledge and experiences are true shortcuts in this life.)

3. Read & Study (Every day, no excuses. The compound effect of this is unmeasurable.)

4. Write something daily (There is no better way to organize the mind.)

5. Check your emotions (Learn to experience vs express them.)

6. Stay steady (Things generally work out for those who don't panic.)

7. Clean your life up (Food, water, sleep, and cutting out vices.)

8. Be present (There are moments at 18 you'll never have again.)

9. Travel more (Don't wait for perfect. Go on a trip broke with nowhere to stay. Figure it out.)

10. You are more powerful than your limited beliefs (Never feel resourceless.)

11. Upgrade your circle (Find people doing things you want to do and stick with them.)

12. Spend more time with fewer people who matter more (Time is your most precious resource.)

13. Never chase a trend (That's not for you.)

14. Things will not go according to plan (And that's okay.)

15. Work hard when others play (Do the work that puts you ahead of the crowd.)

16. Never let guilt in (Your obligation is to live your life, nothing else.)

17. Keep the confidence, lose the ego (Pride goeth before the fall.)

18. Plan all the way to the end (See what you want and act accordingly.)

I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out.

I don't even know if I would have listened or followed my own advice.

I really can't say things would have been different.

And that's okay...

Because I'm happy where I am at 36.

...never thought I'd say that.

Here's to the next 18,

Deo volente.