I watch a lot of YouTube. It’s basically TV for me. Many YouTubers do videos called “19 things I learned in 19 years” or “20 things I learned in 20 years,” etc. I thought this was an awesome idea because it really makes you think back on your life and what lessons you’ve learned because of those years that you were growing up. So, I sat down and thought about what I’ve learned over the 19 years that I’ve been living. These are the main ones I came up with:

You have to love yourself in order to love others
Education is important but not necessarily just in school
Sometimes friends will be there for you before family will be
It’s okay to be weak
It’s okay to get help
It’s okay to not be okay sometimes
Staying true to who you are is important
Changing is okay, it means you’re growing
Study hard
Save your money, you’ll thank yourself
Always charge your phone
Never trust someone who has ruined your trust before
Keep a journal
Invest in something that fuels your passion
Enjoy every day as if it is your last
The love you want will find you when you least expect it
Don’t rush things
Treasure every day with your grandparents and parents
Take pictures and videos of anything you can, you might regret it if you don’t

And since I just turned 20, here is one that I want to implicate to my life this year: “Smooth seas don’t make a good sailor.”

I am so incredibly blessed. I really am. This year has really shown me that. I may deal with a lot but I am learning and growing every day.

If you have been someone that has helped to shape me into who I am today, thank you. Thank you for your patience, friendship, and love.

I am so thankful for these 19 years and I’m ready to see where 20 takes me.