1. Time heals all.
No matter what the occasion is; death, a bad breakup, a sickness, a job loss, time ultimately does heal all wounds. In the moment we might yearn for a quick fix, although I have come to realize that as time passes, so does everything else. No matter how badly we may want to forget something or someone, we probably won’t, so turn the page and enter the next chapter.
2. Everything is expensive.
Whether it is gas, clothes, dinner, or a plane ticket, everything that we need adds up. I have recently come to the conclusion that college sucks the life out of our wallets and bank accounts. Knowing this, I have learned the value of a dollar and how important it is to work hard in order to be able to afford life’s price tag.
3. Friends come and go.
I find it comical looking back to senior year of high school when me and my best friends all cried saying "goodbye" to each other as we all departed to our respective colleges. By now I have learned goodbye may not really be goodbye, because we keep the relationships in which we truly value. We lose friends because we drift apart and no longer have things in common; but that's life and that is okay. We make new friends and grow stronger through the experience.
4. Having a hobby is so important.
Having a hobby means having an outlet. Whether it is after a stressful day at work, or on a lazy Sunday, it is crucial to do something you find joy in doing.
5. A smile goes a long way.
Even science has told us that smiling not only makes us happy but also makes others happy. Everyone is fighting his or her own battle, even if you are unable to tell. Life can always be worse, and you probably have so much to be thankful for, so smile as much as you can.
6. Organization is key, but so is being carefree.
To do lists and calendars are of great importance. As life speeds by so rapidly, keeping organized in your daily routine allows for a smooth ride. At the same time, being carefree is a trait I have been blessed to acquire over time. Not everything in life must be planned out. Going with the flow and playing things by ear is a breath of fresh air.
7. Your family is always there for you.
Although you may find yourself in tiffs with your siblings at times, and disagreements with your parents, they are truly the ones that you can always turn to. I used to be the teenager that would make my mom drop me off at the corner by the movie theater because I was embarrassed. Now, I want to value every second I spend with my parents and sister because I know that life is short and time is precious.
8. I might not know what I want, but I do know what I don’t want.
While I do not know exactly what I want to end up doing with my major, or even what I want to eat for dinner, I can point out what I do not want. I think a lot of us feel pressure to lay out our life plans, but I also think deciding what you want takes time, and that should be okay.
9. It is okay to binge on Netflix.
Ignore the pathetic feeling that immerses you when Netflix asks you “Are you still watching?” I lead a moderately busy life and I find myself most relaxed when I’m binge watching Grey's Anatomy in my bed at night. It is okay to binge on Netflix because you probably deserve it.
10. You should always stand up for what you believe in.
Being able to get your opinions and voice heard is so amazingly important. Whether it is gay rights, saving the whales, or recycling, preach what you practice. Doing so on a regular basis will get you further in life.
11. Not all men are the same.
Despite the rumors we have all heard growing up, men are not all the same. Just as females differ person to person, so do men. There are some great guys out there that you might be missing out on if you keep a closed mind, so let’s do away with the saying that “all men are the same."
12. It is okay to wear white after Labor Day, and black is always the new black.
Just like on the runways, white can be worn after Labor Day (my favorite winter sweater is a white one). In addition, when you read a tabloid that says “Blue is the new black”, do not believe them. Black will always trump all colors in the fashion world.
13. Spending your money on experiences is better than spending it on things.
Yes, a new phone might seem great at the time, but how long will it stay new and great? Spending money on experiences will allow you to grow and invest in your life. So, travel often and spend your money on something you have always wanted to do.
14. Technology is taking over.
Although I can remember when the first IPod came out, I am living in a time where cars can park themselves. Technology is always advancing and in order to stay relevant in the work force, you must learn to be tech-savvy. So, make a twitter, and watch the news.
15. Life is an amazing gift.
Although we may be handed some lemons, life is truly a beautiful gift and we are all so lucky to go through it’s highs and it’s lows. Always live everyday to it’s fullest but sometimes stop to take everything in. There is not a day in our lives that should be taken for granted.
