Nearly two years ago in my freshman year of college I published a list to twitter titled “18 things i’ve learned in my short 18 years of life” and although many of the things i’ve learned still ring true, with my 20th birthday just around the corner I feel like a lot more has changed.
https://twitter.com/beeccaquesnel/status/590625933905829889
1.) Everything is easier with a partner or a friend.
Eating healthy, working out, exploring new places; surround yourself with people that want similar as you and guide you to be a better you. Your co-pilot should at least be holding the same map, even if the routes a little different.
2.) You’re not always going to see eye to eye with everyone you meet.
Their opinions, ideas, and feelings are still relevant. You don’t always need to justify that what you feel is right.
3.) You don’t need to discuss politics with friends.
Unless you and your friends are bonded by your undying love of political science, you don’t need to constantly speak about what you believe in. It’s not worth losing a friendship over, reference point number two. (Especially if you’re a radical liberal from Canada living in a land of republicans in Miami.)
4.) Starbucks dates are a nice treat
…but learning to make your own coffee, and buying a travel mug is not only rewarding but so much easier on the wallet. As much as I love my 2.60$ Grande Blonde roast, a little boiled water in the french press is saving me hundreds a year.
5.) There will be relationships where you feel like you put in 80% of the work if not more.
Always the first text? The plan maker? Constantly feeling like you just care so much more? These relationships and friendships are tiring and you deserve so much more. You deserve people in your life that will meet you 50/50, people that will go out of their way for you, because you’re important and worth so much more than billions of “O bombed” snapchats.
6.) Take pictures of everything if that’s the kind of person you are.
I hate when people tell me to live in the moment because sometimes scrolling through my events on my I Cloud is exactly what I need to bring me back to some of the best days of my life. These photos cover my bedroom walls, and fill me with endless emotions. They’re not just a like gimmick on the Instagram.
8.) Post awkward teenage years, (if you’re lucky) your mom is going to become your best friend,
And you’re forever going to wonder why you were such a pain in the ass to her. Boy advice, personal questions, lunch dates, you name it; my mom is there for it all and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
9.) If you’re having a rough day, do something good for someone else.
This is tough, I know. Something as simple as a compliment can change a persons whole day and I promise their energy will change yours. Humanity is good, contribute to the good and the universe will be good back.
10.) Take a class, apply for the job, write some articles.
You’ll never know what you like (or don’t like) until you try. You’ve got a solid few years in university but there’s so much more to your life than endless homework and your weekend turn up. A little extra work is tiring but at least you’ll be one step closer to knowing what you really want some day. No stone unturned.
11.) Sundays are meant for brunch.
Unless brunch isn’t your thing, then Sunday’s are meant for long walks in the park, or church, or whatever it is that makes you happy. Whether you see Sunday’s as the beginning or the end of the week, you owe it to yourself to spend your Sunday’s on you.
12.) See bands you like live.
I can't think of a moment where I feel more alive than in a room of people who share the same interest as me. Sure I could spend money on clothes, or shoes but concert tickets and experiences you wont ever forget. Every band i've ever seen holds a special place in my heart.
13.) Your parents told you not to speak to strangers but they’re wrong.
Just don’t talk to creepy strangers. Some of my life changing moments or most memorable conversations have been shared with people on the train, or when I get delayed in the airport. Life is about experience, and sharing your experiences, I’m a strong believer everyone has a story with sharing.
14.) Yelp is your best friend.
No seriously, this sounds like a stupid thing i’ve come to terms with but theres always a chance to eat ‘chipotle’. Open your Yelp APP and go enjoy an amazing meal. Food is an experience and it’s meant to be shared and appreciated.
15.) There’s other things to treat yourself with that isn’t food.
Yes i’m a huge food enthusiast, but i’ve discovered theres so much more you can do for yourself than a cupcake. A spa day, a movie night, even a damn good nap. Not to mention I’ve also developed a healthier relationship with food when I decided I don’t need to do something ‘good’ to deserve junk food.
16.) Sometimes no plan, is the best plan.
All you need is good company and a ton of free time and the world is yours. Trust me, I got stranded two hours from home last night, and forgot to print concert tickets but the people I was with and our go with the flow attitude are the reason I was able to make the best of a night where nothing wanted to go my way.
17.) Don’t ignore your friends because of your significant other.
Repeat it with me, your friends are still important. Relationships may not work, and what do you want to have at the end of the day? A pack of people that genuinely want the best for you. I have made the mistake time and time again of getting caught up but every time when things fall to pieces, my girls got my back and I am so grateful. (still not sure how they put up with all my shit)
18.) Time alone is time well spent.
Sometimes you need to disconnect. Sometimes you need to be physically alone and just take a break, and sometimes you need to be mentally alone. (single). You’ll only get to know yourself, and get to like yourself when you spend sometime doing things for you. Buy yourself a coffee, write, draw, go on walk. You’re cool and you should get to know yourself a little, just like the rest of the world gets to.
19.) Theres a silver lining to every set back.
Every missed alarm clock, failed exam, a concussion that renders you unable to participate in months of your life. They happen for a reason, and the way you react and comeback from these set backs solidify who you are as a person. Every day you’re tougher because you have decided to use your failures to drive you forward. You are here, you are breathing, and you’ve got a lot of amazing stuff to do still.
