Things I wish I knew when I was 18

We made it. Our beautiful baby girl grew up despite us, and turned 18 this week. We decided to write her a list of all the things we wish we knew when we were her age, and I thought I'd share it with you.

 1. You can only take one step at a time.

 2. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people, for no reason at all.

 3. Don't wait to follow your dreams.

 4. Be brave enough to be giving and forgiving.

 5. Use white vinegar to get the smell out of anything (even under your arms!)

 6. Appreciate your beautiful body, don't wish and waste it away.

 7. Always wash and pee after sex.

 8. Strive to be conscious of your decisions and choices – never do anything because 'everybody else' does it or it's what you were told.

 9. There is always a choice. Always. Sometimes it's a very hard choice, but it's always there.

 10. If you leave your socks in the boot of your car for long enough, they get clean again.

 11. Money is important, even when you don't want it to be.

 12. Resist oppression from the start. Don't wait and see.

 13. Pain is nothing to be frightened of.

 14. Buy your own condoms. Use them. Wrap them and throw them away, don't flush them.

 15. You don't have to be anything, or do anything, just try – and keep trying until you find out what you love.

 16. In a relationship, sex is like talking. Keep talking.

 17. Like your job, love who you are with.

 18. Cooking is both science and art. Apply your knowledge of both.

 19. Don't let being afraid stop you from doing what you want.

 20. Drink plenty of fluids every day. I know you hear this all the time, but listen this time. ;)

 21. Never go to sleep or leave each other angry.

 22. Remember how fiercely you are loved and keep that with you always.

 23. You brought light and infinite love into our lives. We are better people because of you. Just by living, breathing, smiling, laughing, you changed the world to make it better. So whatever you do, wherever you go, whatever you become as an adult, know that you have already achieved as much as you have to. Anything wonderful that you do from now on counts as bonus points to the universe. Bearing that in mind, you are free to strive to do a tiny, wonderful thing every day. Maybe it'll be a phone call or a social media message to someone lonely; or a smile for someone who looks sad. Perhaps you'll make someone laugh, or create something beautiful, or make someone look pretty; maybe you'll introduce two soul mates, or future change agents, or the leaders of a movement that will affect the future of everything. Maybe you'll make history by refusing to give in to a tiny piece of oppression, like not moving on the bus; or perhaps you'll make history by beginning a revolution. You might invent something incredible, or give someone who needs it a hug. You could ask a question that begins an avalanche of social change; or one that helps one person understand their world a little better. Any one of these things has equal value in the grand scheme of things, because you can never, ever know how a tiny, wonderful thing will turn out. What is important is to do the tiny things, and try to recognise the tiny things that are done for you; and be thankful for both. Be thankful for what you can give; and be thankful for what you receive. This is the secret to happiness.

 I'd love to hear whether you have anything to add (or take away?).