Being alive for almost twenty years has been one interesting adventure. I have had major ups and major downs, plus a lot of twists and turns. I have grown and learned a lot and can't wait to see what the future holds. Cheers to being (almost) twenty and ready to see what the next years in my life can teach me.
1) Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
In a generation filled with cyber bullying, being shady and having the Kardashians as role models, it can be a difficult one to follow. My dad always told me to always be nice because you never completely know what is going on in a person’s life.
2) Step out of your comfort zone.
Comfort zones are there for a reason, and it is good to have a security blanket when you need it most. But taking risks and doing something that scares you, is one of the best feelings in the world.
3) Understand what it means to be a part of a community.
Community support and love are vital to a stable, positive personal environment. Communities flourish when all members have a mutual understanding and respect for one another, which builds a positive atmosphere.
4) Try to eat five fruits and vegetables a day and go to the gym three times a week.
This is one that will make parents happy and you not feel so bad about eating half of a cheese pizza by yourself.
5) Having a pet is the best way to learn responsibility.
When something else relies on you to survive, it is easier to become more selfless. Having a pet is also a great way to learn about unconditional love and how to become the best cuddler in the world.
6) Learn how to cook without looking at a recipe.
Cooking without a recipe enables creativity, and the ability to work through trial and error. Also, it makes it easier to make friends when a good cook is around.
7) Volunteering and doing community service is an important part of leading a happy life.
Giving back to others is a win-win situation because while it benefits someone else, it also makes you feel good at the same time.
8) Spend time with your grandparents.
Our grandparents have years of wisdom and traditions that they can pass onto us and we can learn so much from them.
9) Laugh at least seven times a day.
Laughter is the best medicine and one of the cheapest pick me ups the world has to offer.
10) It’s okay to get your heart broken.
Going through a heart break might seem like the end of the world, but in the long run, it makes you understand what you want in a partner and to be stronger as a result.
11) Take time for yourself.
It is 100% okay to not be surrounded by people all the time. Take one hour a day for yourself and go watch some Netflix, read a book or take a nap.
12) People come in and out of your life, and every friendship has a lesson attached to it.
Not everyone is meant to stay in your life for the long run, but cherish the ones that have been there no matter what.
13) Don’t lose your inner-child, no matter how old you get.
Being a kid and having a child like wonder are things we once took for granted, but now long for amid the research papers and final exams. Embracing your inner kid makes life seem a lot more fun.
14) Be proud of where you come from.
Where you come from has shaped who you are, so accept that your background is a foundation for your identity.
15) Take a hike.
Travel the places that excite you, scare you and are far away. Traveling is a type of education that keeps on teaching, long after the trip is over.
16) Find something that you are passionate about.
Having a passion keeps us motivated long after the light has burned out and pushes us to enjoy the things that make us happy.
17) Treat yourself.
It is okay to eat your favorite food or binge watch a television show every once in a while to pay off for all the hard work you have been doing.
18) Choose a college that makes you happy.
College is going to be your home for the next four years at least, so choose a place that allows you to grow as an individual and makes you want to go back, even when you are home for a three-day weekend.
19) Appreciate all your parents have done for you, and don’t take them for granted.
Our parents have been there since we took our first breath and were there for every big moment and every temper tantrum. Tell them you love them because we seem to forget to do that as we get older.
