Two weeks from today I will no longer be able to call myself a teenager, and will officially be entering one of the most life-defining decades of my life. Half way between 10 and 30, I am too young to already be this old. Considering my twenties will be unknown territory, there is no better time to reflect on what I have learned thus far that will help me in the future.
A collection of thoughts coming from twenty years of challenges, lessons, and experiences:
1. Eat fruits and veggies...
...and chocolate too.
Binging on pita chips is never going to be the worst thing you do.
2. Manners are everything...
... especially "please" and "thank you".
Good people have good manners, always.
3. Time spent with family is never time wasted...
specifically, sleepovers with Grandma.
It is more than okay to say "no" to plans with friends every once in a while.
4. Sometimes a day trip is all you need
... bonus points if Mom tags along.
Getting away for the day, or even a few hours, does wonders for the soul.
5. FaceTime was put on this Earth for a reason...
... do not go more than a couple days without.
This has proven to be far too true in life as a college student.
6. Never settle for anything/anyone less than you deserve...
... and you deserve the most.
Moral of the story: Do not waste your time.
7. Nothing will feel as good as leaving home...
... except for returning.
I can only go so long without my dog waking me up in the morning.
8. Do not spend an unnecessary amount of time worrying about the future or making plans...
... they will all change whether you like it or not.
While they can be fun to think about, five-years plans are not real. Trust your faith.
9. Take as many pictures as you can...
... but make sure you have a silly smile in every few you take.
Also, smile with your teeth. You didn't have braces for nothing.
10. Ask other people questions...
... some have the greatest stories to tell.
Always be a good listener.
11. Being passionate is more attractive than anything...
... except Mark Wahlberg. Nothing is more attractive than Mark Wahlberg
There are so many adjectives we should work to be other than "attractive" anyways.
12. Nobody hates a hand-written letter...
... actually, everyone loves them.
If you have free time, even five minutes, put pen to the paper and send it off to make someone's day.
13. Never judge another girl by how much make-up/clothes she wears...
... being a girl is hard.
All people want is to feel beautiful.
14. Don't miss out on a conversation with the stranger next to you on a flight...
... they might tell you exactly what you have been needing to hear.
Be as helpful as possible to people around you through the duration of any flight, it changes everything.
15. People's lives on social media are not real...
...mine included.
This becomes especially real the first year of college.
16. You are going to be embarrassed, you are going to make mistakes, and you are going to disappoint yourself...
... move on..
It took me so long to come to terms with the fact that we are all going to face something we think we will never come back from, and then we do.
17. People change...
... a lot.
It is really okay and part of life. You are growing up and so is everyone else.
18. Little brothers are the best gift one can receive...
... or maybe I just got really lucky.
Seriously, he is everything I could have asked for and we are lucky that we have at least one athletic child in the family because of him.
19. Never take anything for granted...
... count your blessings as often as possible.
There is always something to be thankful for.
20. Twenty years goes by way too fast...
... enjoy every minute.
