I’m 16. That’s a small number but I’ve lived. I’ve learned a lot and I still have more to learn, but so far in my life I’ve learned life is too short. Life is too short to not say what you mean. Life is too short to not tell the people you love that you love them. Life is too short to not cherish your loved ones. Life is too short to say quick goodbyes. Life is too short to lean instead of hug. Hug, please. Even if you haven’t seen a distant cousin in 10 years, give them a proper hug hello and goodbye because you never know when you’ll see them again. Try to understand those in your life, understand that their lives are as complex as yours. Listen, talk, meaningfully. Make sure your words are yours and not a character you’ve created because life is too short for that *******. Laugh a lot. Enjoy those moments where you can’t stop laughing, take a moment to soak them in because they can end in an instant. You never know when you are going to need that happy moment again. And when you need those happy moments and life is harder than words can express, understand that it ***** and it’s okay to feel that. But share your share of suckage with someone and hopefully they’ll share theirs and it will **** a little less. Live. - From a 16 year old girl trying to honor lives lived