Things I wish someone would have taught me so I wouldn't have to learn them on my own.

Pick up that book.

Pick up every book you can find.

Never go anywhere without one.

I know he's beautiful,

but the sky is beautiful
 right before it strikes thunder.

He's full of thunder.

Stay away.

It’s okay to cry.

It doesn’t make you weak.

Look at the rainfall that the ground holds up
 and look at its strength.

You’re allowed to feel
 whatever it is that you feel.

You are valid.

I know his voice is like saltwater taffy

and his kisses taste like sunshine
 and
he looks like every morning
 you’d like to wake up to
 always,

but he's not good for you.

Walk away.

Lonely
 isn’t so lonely 
if you refuse to let it consume you.

Don’t yell at your mother.

Don’t ever think 
for a single moment in your short life

that every breath isn’t as precious
 as every leaf on a tree.

Just because those leaves fall 
doesn’t mean they aren’t here for a reason,
 if only to add beauty to the mundane,

You have a woodpecker in your chest.

Call it a heart or not, 
that’s your choice.

Don’t try to keep it still.

That’s a losing battle.

Apologize.

Adventure. That’s a fun word.

Experience it.

Please,
 let yourself love.

At least once in this lifetime.

At least once.