I just turned 20. And as I looked back at my life and the things that I've learned, I realized that I still have a whole lot of living to do and I still have a lot of things to learn. I don't think I'll ever stop taking valuable life lessons from the experiences I have been through. While I know that I'm only 20 and I can learn a lot from others, I thought that I would compile a list of 20 lessons that I have taken from the first 20 years of my life.
1. It's never a bad idea to try new things (unless they're potentially life-threatening). You may just discover something amazing.
2. If any of your friends try to change you or pressure you into doing things, they're not really your friends.
3. Taking time for yourself is a wise choice-- at times it is necessary. I know that FOMO (fear of missing out) is a very real thing, but don't let it keep you from having some "me time".
4. Fight for the things you want. Don't let people think that they can push you around.
5. Your parents have a lot they can teach you. They really do have a lot of wisdom if you actually listen to them.
6. Sometimes you know that you're making a mistake, but you have to make it anyway. You take your mistakes and you learn from them.
7. Get involved in things that interest you. Join clubs, go to meetings, meet new people that share those interests. You won't regret it.
8. Don't care so much about what the scale says. Weight is just a number. What should really matter is that you feel good about yourself.
9. Every day is a new start. You don't have to carry yesterday's troubles into today.
10. Don't be so hard on yourself. As important as it is to forgive others, it is just as important to forgive yourself.
11. Let yourself feel things. Holding things inside never ends well. Find a way to express how you feel, whether it's talking to someone or doing an activity that calms you down.
12. Make time for the things that matter to you. Choosing how to spend your time says a lot about where your priorities are-- make sure they're in the right place.
13. It doesn't make you weak to admit that you need help. It actually shows a lot of strength.
14. You don't have to do what society thinks you should do. Be your own person and do what's best for you.
15. Twenty-minute naps are seriously amazing. You will wake up feeling more refreshed and less groggy.
16. Be kind to others. You truly never know someone's story or what they're going through just by looking at them or having one quick interaction.
17. Play in the rain. Nothing compares to the feeling of jumping in puddles in the pouring rain. I also think rain can wash away all your worries if you allow it to.
18. Trust and respect are earned, not handed to you. You shouldn't just expect those things to fall right into your lap.
19. You will regret the things you didn't do more than the stupid things you did. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Don't let yourself wonder "what if".
20. It's never too late to learn new things.
I'm sure a few years from now I could at least double this list because while I may be 20, I still don't see myself as an adult yet. I've got a lot of living, learning and loving left to do, and I can't wait to add those lessons to my list.
