Entering adulthood is a weird feeling. It’s a time of growth, independence and reflection. Turning 20 has made me realize how far I’ve come in this crazy world we call life. A lot can happen in two decades and it’s amazing how the lessons you’ve learned over time can stick with you forever.
1. Kindness is one of the best things you can do for someone.
As they say, “everyone is fighting a battle” so tread lightly. What you give out, you get back.
2. Call your parents once a week (or once a day).
Communication is key. Whether you’re talking for 10 minutes to an hour, it’s always important to stay connected with the ones who love you the most.
3. Keep your word.
If you say you’re going to do something, do it. This is how you build trust and form strong relationships with people. Be the person someone can count on.
4. Dedicate time to service.
Father Pedro Arrupe was right when he said, “to be men and women for others.” Giving back boosts your mood and allows you to see things from a different perspective. Make time for a service project or two; a week-long trip can turn into a lifetime of memories and lessons.
5. Friends change, but that doesn’t mean you should too.
Some people are meant to only make an appearance in your life. Everyone’s interests and personalities change but no matter what always stay true to who you are…because you will eventually attract the right type of people.
6. Don’t victimize yourself.
Your problems are your own and no on else’s. Take responsibility for your actions and the situation and move on. Blaming yourself or anyone else is only creating more negative energy.
7. Go outside your comfort zone.
Join an a capella group. Go to lunch with your favorite professor. Start an intramural team. You never know what opportunities you could be creating for yourself.
8. Find your passion and stick with it.
This does not mean in a career sense (although you interpret it that way) but rather find something that gets you excited like an activity or hobby. We all deserve an outlet that is a source of happiness.
9. Keep a to-do list.
It could be for today, tomorrow or down the road but you should always have a reminder of your own personal goals.
10. Love and learn.
Take something away from the relationship, friends with benefits, hook up or whatever word you want to call it you have with someone and grow from it. It can be fun, exciting, heartbreaking and painful but the best thing about relationships are that they teach us more about ourselves.
11. There’s more to a social media post than you think.
It’s easy to compare your life to others, but the life portrayed in some posts may not always be as accurate as it seems.
12. Give second chances.
People can surprise you. We’re human. We make mistakes, but we can learn from them. In fact, sometimes second chances work out even better than first; and that can be the best surprise of all.
13. Appreciate mornings.
Slow down, take in the quietness and begin your day with a clear and refreshed mind.
14. “Man makes plans, God changes them.”
My dad tells me this almost every day. You can’t plan out the journey you’re on so you might as well sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
15. What happens in high school stays in high school.
The best thing about college is you can reinvent yourself. It’s a fresh start where someone can become the person they didn’t know they could be or didn’t know how to be in high school, and that’s awesome.
16. Learn to (decently) cook.
It’s the first (and most important) step into adulthood.
17. Read as much as you can.
It can fuel your imagination and be the perfect escape from everything around you.
18. People don’t owe you anything.
You cannot have expectations of people because it’ll only set you up for disappointment. The only person that owes you anything is you. Live a life that’s worth living and do your thing.
19. Experience over education.
Success is sometimes more than having to graduate with honors; it’s the skills you’ve developed and applying them to the real world.
20. “But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that you love, well, that’s just fabulous” –Carrie Bradshaw
Be yourself. Love yourself because everything else WILL fall into place.
