19 Things I Learned in 19 Years

As a child, my mom taught me the phrase, "Not the brightest crayon in the box." If you have never heard this phrase, it means something like this: To say that someone, "Is not the brightest crayon in the box," means that they aren't the most intelligent person around, or maybe just have the tendency to be a little slow. I don't consider myself to be the brightest crayon in the box. Nor do I consider myself to be the dullest. To exhaust the metaphor, I consider myself to be a green or sky blue crayon, as it were. I've learned a thing or two in my life so far. Here's 19 things I've learned in 19 years of living.

1. Exercise is important.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Aside from the numerous physical health benefits you get from exercising (i.e. weight control, lowered risk of disease), it also releases endorphin that lower your stress levels and makes you feel happy! There's no downside! Do some jumping jacks and smile.

2. So is eating right.

I find that my biggest problem in this area is eating too much sugar. If you eat garbage, you're going to feel like garbage. Your body is a machine- fuel it well!

If you're unsure as to what that entails, here's a good place to start! - https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/eat-healthy/how-to-eat...

3. Take care of your skin.

Moisturize your face, put on lotion after you get out of the shower, and WEAR SUNSCREEN. Wearing sunscreen can drastically decrease your chances of developing diseases like cancer. Take care of yourself!!

4. Spend time with your parents.

Your parents literally brought you into this world, please appreciate them. At this time, please enjoy a picture of my mom holding me like a child at the age of 19.

5. DRINK WATER.

I've heard you're supposed drink 8 8-ounce glasses, I've heard you're supposed to drink one fluid ounce for every pound you weigh, too. Either way, make sure you're consuming at least glass every day!

6. Learn how to do adult things before you move out of the house.

What I mean is that you need to learn to cook, clean, and do your own laundry before you're on your own, or you're in a heap of trouble. That's why a lot of college students go out to eat every night and take all their clothes home to be washed. Rise above!

7. Ask for help.

I know it doesn't do your pride any favors, but ask people for help. Having trouble in a class? Email your professor. Don't know if your outfit looks good? Send a picture to your mom. Not sure how to pick out an avocado at Kroger? Call your grandmother. I've done all of these things. #WorthIt

8. Saving $$$ is important.

My high school economics teacher (and uncle) one told me that I needed to start a savings account as soon as I could. He said to set a percentage of each paycheck you receive aside until you have enough money to pay rent and buy groceries for 2 months, then set aside a smaller percentage after that. That way, if you find yourself in a situation, you have enough money to live on until you can find another job.

9. I have sooooooo much.

I have so many clothes that I'm never going to wear again, so many old bags I'm never going to use again, and so much time I'm going to waste. Give away some of your clothes, donate your useless junk, and share your time with others who need it. It is well worth it for you and everyone you're helping.

10. Branch out.

Branching out and trying new things is how I discovered Sriracha, yoga, and the language of Spanish (which is now my major). 10/10 would recommend.

11. Learn to manage your time.

I like to do this by making a to-do list. This way, I can look at everything I have to do and prioritize. You'll be amazed by how much more productive you are!

12. You deserve better.

Don't continue to be friends with people you don't like being around. Don't date someone just because breaking up would be painful. Better your situation by cutting toxic people out of your life. You deserve the best. Help yourself to get to it.

13. READ.

Not just for class! Read for pleasure. Newspapers, mystery novels, comic books, whatever makes you happy! Amazon Kindle makes that incredibly easy, and with the Kindle app you can read books from your phone! Or you can buy hard copies if that's your preference. It's incredibly relaxing!

14. It's okay to say no.

You don't have to do everything. If you can't handle something, don't say you'll do it just for the sake of preserving someone's feelings. Say yes to things you can do and keep yourself sane.

15. Supportive shoes are no joke.

BUY SOME GOOD SUPPORTIVE SHOES SO YOUR JOINTS DON'T HURT PLEASE.

16. Salad doesn't suck, your're just doing it wrong.

I detest iceberg lettuce. It is water in vegetable form, and I will not stand for it. Get a fun leafy green (Spinach, romaine, arugula), top it with a vegetables or fruits (broccoli, strawberries, carrots, tomatoes), one "fun" thing (cheese, avocado, croutons), and a LITTLE BIT of dressing (like 2 or 3 tablespoons). I promise it's worth it.

17. Splurge on important things.

Do not, DO NOT buy bargain brand toothpaste, razors, or toilet paper. It is not worth the money you are saving.

18. It's okay to fail.

Sometimes you aren't good at things. That's okay. Not everyone is good at everything. If everyone was good at writing books, who would do all the reading?

19. If you want to do it, just do it and DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK.

Do you want to wear bright red lipstick every day? Do it. Want to move to Germany and open a bakery? Good luck with all that paperwork. Do you want to have 17 kids? Find someone who also wants that and find financial stability first. Want to have 17 cats? Buy a lot of kitty litter. Don't worry about trying to impress anyone else because they don't live your life. You do.

I hope you learned a thing or two. Good luck!