In honor of my 20th birthday this week, I've been doing some reflecting on my life and the long strange journey it's been so far. Technically you become an adult at age 18, but in reality, everyone reaches that point in their own time. In just a few days I will officially no longer be able to call myself a teenager. In light of this, here are 20 lessons I've learned over the years.
20. People will want you to think the same way they do; it's okay if you don't.
I (along with most awkward middle/high-school-ers) spent entirely too much time trying to fit in and go with the flow. Funny thing is, your weirdness and differences are the very best part of you. What sets you apart is what will ultimately help you leave your mark and change the world.
19. When in doubt, take a nap.
Oh, how I wish I could go back and tell little seven-year-old me to enjoy nap time while I had the chance. Whether you're stressed, grumpy, overwhelmed, or just generally unsure; naps are the answer.
18. If you learn nothing else in life, learn to play an instrument.
No natural born talent required just a perfect excuse to practice and develop an enjoyable skill you can carry throughout your life and share with others.
17. Your siblings will become your best friends at one point or another.
Whether you're childhood partners in crime or young adults playing each other's therapists, no one understands you better than your brothers/sisters.
16. Travel anytime you have the chance.
You have your whole life to settle down in suburbia and raise a family or whatever. There's a whole lot of world out there waiting to be explored, so take every road trip, vacation, out of town conference, study abroad opportunity, or backpacking trip that comes along.
15. If he/she isn't "the one," move on to the next one.
There are billions of people in the world, don't get too hung up on any one in particular. The only "one" you need to put first is YOURSELF.
14. A few good friends beat a hundred friendly acquaintances.
I'd much prefer my close circle of real friends than to be ms.popularity without any core group.
13. You can't fix stupid.
Save your breath when small minded people try to argue with you. They'll only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
12. Get a dog.
It's like having a built in best friend, who expects nothing of you and yet is always overjoyed to see and be around you? Yes, please.
11. Positive music can change you whole day.
Feeling bored, sleepy, or down in the dumps? Crank up some happy tunes and watch your mood turn right around. (See: Tim McMorris. You're welcome.)
10. Only you can define who you are.
It's easy to fall into the trap of being who your parents, friends, teachers, etc. expect you to be. Try to remember that no one else can tell you what you're worth, what you believe, or what your limits are but YOU.
9. Attitude over appearances, always.
You can't learn from pretty. You can't laugh at pretty. You can't make memories with pretty. Beautify your soul before your face.
8. True friends can reconnect just like that.
The friends you really want in your life are the ones you can go months without seeing, but feel like nothing has changed when you see them.
7. You don't need religion to believe in goodness.
No matter which God you pray to, or none at all, kindness is a universal belief.
6. Fresh starts are awesome.
Don't dwell on the past, dream of the future. You can be literally anything you want.
5. There are some things you just can't plan.
This applies to simple concepts like a night out with friends and extends to intense life decisions like which college you'll attend or job you will or will not get. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
4. Sometimes going dancing with your girls is just what you need.
Carefree crazy nights dancing like no one's watching with your best friends is the ultimate cure-all.
3. Being confused doesn't make you dumb.
Failing that math test doesn't mean you're stupid. It simply means you're more intelligent in other areas.
2. Comparing yourself to others will only bring you down.
There will always be someone seemingly stronger, smarter, or more attractive than you are. Making yourself feel bad about it won't change that. Don't get bitter, get better.
1. You're capable of more than you think.
Always have confidence in yourself. If you don't believe in you, why should anyone else?
