Innocence, not ignorance
Be cognizant of the whims and ways of the world, but don't give into them, especially when it comes to evils and vices. Be informed and experienced, but know when to say "no" to informations or opportunities. Keep a clean heart and a pure, trusting mindset so that you can always try to think the best of things. Be naive to a point and always believe in the best. Discover, but don't uncover.
Inspiration, not imitation
When it comes to looking up to others, be inspired by them, but don't try to be them. Take pages out of their book and write them in your own words in yours. You will never be anyone but yourself, so you might as well like yourself the way you are and not change things too much. Also, it treats others as dignified beings, not means to ends. "Seek what you like in others and recreate it in yourself."
Let God lead the way
This is how I got my dream husband, my first job, and generally life handed to me or things falling right into my lap with little to no effort. Don't try too hard and don't force what God won't give; it's for a reason! Things tend to be given to you when you're ready to receive them or when you're not forcing it to the point of breakage. God will provide!
Cultivate a culture of happiness
Be amused and interested in anything and everything – allow yourself to be bored and to let your mind wander – and think big of small. Use and keep things that uplift and beautify, and find joy in little bijoux. Laugh and smile as much as you can and come up with silly stories for things (I give slow drivers the benefit of the doubt by thinking they have a precious cake as cargo).
Imagine what you like, always
Build your own "castle in the sky" in your head and visit it often. Imagine the things that you like or that make you happy and keep them there, tending to them, and thinking that they have happened or will happen. Don't spend time worrying but instead wandering and wondering and entertain fairy tales. Make your head and heart a home.
"Honest with the love you give, careless with the way you talk"
Speak nicely and politely, but do it from the heart, not hiding what you think or feel but saying it kindly and fairly. Tell stories unabashedly and allow yourself to be a character, but listen to others with intent and interest. Curse rarely, if ever, and instead keep your speech cute and funny. Share selected personal things sans shame. Keep secrets, but gossip with trusted girlfriends lightly. Use youthful, unique wording and phrases.
Get over what isn't good
There are bad and ugly things in the world, and they must be dealt with, but try to find the good in everything or just keep something good in your heart to always think of fondly. Don't suffer in silence if you're upset – share your feelings and speak your mind or find an outlet you otherwise prefer – and if something is scary or displeasing, learn to decline it and go away without regret.
Love the tender, love the sweet
Hold out for loveliness and tenderness, goodness and sweetness. Believe in it and look for it everywhere; practice it and preach it, too. Be soft, but hard where necessary – you must love yourself and treat yourself and your limits nicely too – and don't take it when others treat you poorly. Self-advocate without being selfish.
You can never have enough flowers
Always, always, always, flowers! Keep some near you wherever you go. It doesn't matter if they're real or faux, dried or fresh. It's good practice to buy fresh ones weekly or biweekly if possible and it's prudent for you, but, if not, dry some and hang them, or keep fake ones in a nice vase. Admire their colors and patterns. Always stop to smell and see flowers out in public and nature.