As time flies by, you are finally eighteen. Now you can drive, move out, club, start college, get a job, and even get married if that's what you wish. The problem is that not everyone-and I think that almost no one- feels or even thinks like an adult. 

When you turn eighteen, you're expected to have all the life skills you need to start your own new chapter. You know how to make a doctor's appointment, pay taxes, manage your new place by yourself; you certainly know how to earn money, how to spend it the right way, and how to study at the same time. Sadly, not every school and every family teaches their children how to actually be responsible adults. Most of us end up learning by ourselves and learn especially from mistakes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but that doesn't mean it should be normalized. 

   Then, there comes the pressure: from family, friends, and, let's not forget, from ourselves. Some people get to move out and go to university as they turn eighteen, and some are still in high school and living with their parents. This is not something you can really change or decide, but it can still bother you. 

     Regarding the ones that move out, maybe to a different city or country, and start going to university or getting a job, real life begins. You are basically by yourself in a whole new place with, most likely, new people. No one is going to welcome you home with a warm meal on the table, do the dishes and laundry, help you clean, pay taxes, or do the groceries. Now, it's all on you, of course, along with your studies or job. Some people are craving that transition and independence, but not everyone is the same. Some might feel overwhelmed, fail at the beginning, and recover with time, if they are capable.

     As to the ones that are still in high school, the experience is very much different. You're still living with your parents, you have the same routine, same obligations, some extra studying, and if you're lucky, you have your own car and no time limit for going out. Basically, you turn eighteen and your life remains the same. This might be someone's dream and someone's worst nightmare. Your parents are taking care of most of the things around the house, which automatically ties you to obeying their rules. You prepare for your upcoming exams, which will turn your life around, but you're doing that in the same room you used to play with your toys.

     Then comes the question: who are you making proud? Your family, teachers, or friends? No matter who you can check off this list, the most important person is you. First you need to be proud of what you've done and who you have become, and only then can you look around. I struggled quite a bit with this side of myself while growing up, and I think everyone did at some point. You wish to please everyone so you can be everyone's friend and have everyone's gratitude, thing you can't do all the time and still be a sane person. A crucial life skill that everyone needs is the ability to let go and accept things the way they are. A person who doesn't treasure you and doesn't put any effort into the bond between the two of you will never be worth it, so please don't spend years trying to change that. The ones that are meant to stay will stay. 

    My parents were the first that did that for me. When I was still a child, I was completely clueless about how much love they were giving me, just like every other kid enjoying their simple life. As I got older, I started reflecting and noticing things that completely shaped the person who I am today. No matter how much you argue with your parents sometimes, how much better you think life would be without them, or how annoying and old-fashioned they might be, never stop saying "I love you too".

    Whatever you're doing when you turn eighteen, you still feel like the child you used to be and still are. No matter how old you are, you still need comfort, love, and security, things that should not change as you age. You need to face life with confidence no matter what happens, because if not now, you will have to do that later, and you will still feel and act the same if you don't change your mindset.

     On a personal note, all I want is to make my younger self proud, accomplishing her dreams that haven't changed ever since. I want to be able to provide myself an even better life than the one my family provided me all these years and be able to treat them with some nice vacations once in a while, just like they did for me without fail each summer. I know exactly what I would like to do, when, where, and how, and I'm working for that each day. Not everyone has it figured out, and that's more than alright because you never know what life might surprise you with. Everyone should know their potential at every age and nourish it for the better.

     Life doesn't tear apart and give you a new page when you turn eighteen. Life goes on just like you left it at seventeen. It's important to know what you want from it, be your own self, and, most importantly, love every aspect of it and everyone who's around you.