Teen Years: Three Ways to Have the Best, Most Amazing Time of Your Life

Time of Life

The Teen Years: A Chapter to Remember

Your teenage years are supposed to be a time of fun, laughter, and a bit of chaotic joy—lazy weekends, spontaneous hangouts, and music that becomes your life’s soundtrack. But what if you don’t feel that way?

You’re not alone. If you’re feeling persistently sad or hopeless, it’s time to check in with someone who can help—a therapist or trusted adult. Depression is real, and you deserve treatment and support.

“The purpose of life is to live, to savor to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

So how do you make the most of this time? Here are three ways to own your teen years and turn them into the best time of your life.

1. Let Go and Feel Everything

You don’t need to have it all together. You’re not a machine. If you’re angry—feel it. Sad—feel it. Confused—go ahead and scream into your pillow. The point is: don’t bottle it up.

Yes, you’ll make mistakes. You’ll mess up and feel broken sometimes. But guess what? That’s all part of being human.

• Cry if you need to.

• Say “no” when something feels wrong.

• Say “yes” when something feels exciting.

Let your heart guide you. And when someone doesn’t respect your needs? Let them go. This is your time to live, not freeze in place.

2. Stop Being So Predictable

Routine is boring. You’re not here to live the same day over and over. It’s okay to shake things up.

• Want to wear something weird? Do it.

• Want to speak up? Use your voice.

• Want to laugh like nobody’s watching? Let it out.

Life isn’t a checklist, it’s a canvas. Paint outside the lines sometimes. Hang out with new people. Join that club you’ve been nervous about. Be unpredictable in a good way—surprise even yourself.

And please—don’t envy others on social media. That filtered smile may be hiding the same struggles you face. Focus on building joy your way.

3. Be Someone’s Light

Believe it or not, you have the power to make someone’s terrible day a little better—with just a smile. That’s how it started for me. I was at my worst, and someone smiled at me. That moment gave me the strength to keep going.

Now, I try to return the favor.

• Smile at strangers.

• Compliment someone’s outfit.

• Say, “I’m glad you’re here” to a friend who feels invisible.

It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day—and in doing so, you may brighten your own.

“Sometimes YOU will be the reason someone feels seen. Be proud of that.”

Teen Years: The Time Is Now

Every selfie, every late-night chat, every joke that makes you fall off the couch laughing—that’s what this season is about.

You don’t need to change your entire life today. Start small.

• Make your bed.

• Go outside.

• Text someone, “Hey, I was thinking of you.”

• Dance in your room.

These are the moments that make up the time of your life.