Rules to Live By (Alternate Title: Things I Should Remember)

• Think about yourself and what makes you happy, prioritize that above all else
• Remember who you are, where you came from, and what you've been through to get where you are today
• Don't be so scared all the time
• Don't dwell on things out of your control, anxiety helps no one
• Have emotions, but do not let them consume you
• Take time to do the things you enjoy
• Take walks alone, play music, get out of your head
• Call your family, especially on the days when you feel like it the least
• Write long e-mails (or letters!) to your friends
• It isn't your responsibility to fix anyone (Also: It isn't anyone else's responsibility to fix you)
• Don't be too hard on yourself
• Write. Even when you can't think of anything useful to write about, keep doing it.
• Plan fabulous summers or roadtrips across the country that you may never take. (It's a more realistic way to fulfill your fantasies of running away)
• Be a good friend, understand others
• Don't lose sight of why you are here (in college)
• Make smart choices
• Take care of your sister the best way you can (definitely me-specific)
• Only take on what you are sure you can handle
• It's okay to always be the one who cares more. Stop seeing caring about other people as a character flaw, but rather as a source of strength.