I will be turning 20 years old soon, and it is crazy to look back at all those years and to see how I have grown and what I have learned. I am at the point in my life when my life and events that happened six years ago somehow seem like they were yesterday. With that being said, me six years ago does not compare to me now. And I think I have learned most, if not all, of what I consider to be the most important life lessons one should learn before they turn 20 years old.
1. Treat yourself first.
If there is something you need, you do what you need to do to get what you need. Sometimes that just means treating yourself to a night in bed with a plate of nachos. If you need that nacho time, then take that nacho time.
2. Stop saying sorry for things that don't matter.
I am sorry I didn't text back, I am sorry I have that opinion, I am sorry that I am hurt by the hurtful words you just spoke to me. No! Saying sorry for things that are not your fault and don't matter is the same as letting people take full advantage of who you are as a person and your beliefs.
3. Do whatever you want in moderation and you will be OK.
Life comes with temptations, and life is all about taking those temptations and mixing them with reality and then floating somewhere right in the center. Taking a night once or twice a week to have some fun and to party is all well and good as long as your school work is in check and your life is in check.
4. Always keep your head up when you are walking around.
You never know who you might meet, good or bad. This life lesson is simple ... keeping your head up is a sign of confidence, and someone is less likely to mess with you if you come across as a strong individual.
5. Don’t give up on what you believe, but don’t shove what you believe down other people throats.
I cannot stress this enough, this is true in sports, in politics, in morals. I personally am a big fan of Bernie Sanders. But if you, personally, think that Donald Trump is a better candidate, then so be it. I am entitled to my opinion, and I am glad you felt comfortable enough to share yours with me, but I don’t care to listen to why you support said person or why I should support said person. I care, but not that much.
6. “Love come and go, you know that” -J. Cole
You’re not going to find forever right away. It's going to come; it's going to go, but eventually you will find someone who will stick around.
7. Don’t share too much, too fast.
Knowing someone is one thing, but knowing someone is a completely different animal. Make sure you don’t share too much too quick because you can’t trust everyone with everything you know. Stay reserved, but don't be afraid.
8. Take risks.
You will never know what you like or what you want in life if you don’t take the risks in order to find them out. Do this in school, do this in work, do this in love.
9. Dance as much as possible.
By yourself, with a partner, in a group, with your dog, in your room, in the elevator, in the shower or in the grocery store. Dancing can make you feel silly and confident, and you should do it every day.
10. Love with your entire being.
Love a lot because we as humans have a lot to love. If you love everything with all of yourself, then you will gain that same love in return.
These 10 life lessons are not the only life lessons out there. If they were, we would all be set for life. So every now and then sit down with yourself and run through what you pin as the most important life lessons for you. Master those, and then pick new ones.
