I turn 20 years old on Monday, August 8, 2016. While I still don't know much about life, 20 years on this planet has given me a little bit of wisdom. In honor of my birthday, I have decided to share 20 things that I have learned in my twenty years.
1. If someone acts like they don't care, believe them
No one is ever too busy to make time for you, no matter what excuse they come up with.
2. Success only matters when it's on your own terms
You can be a millionaire, the president, or an Ivy League graduate, but none of those things matter if they do not feel good in your heart and make you happy.
3. Act like a child whenever possible
Be painfully honest, eat a ton of candy without worrying about calories, and find the beauty in every flower, bug, and cloud.
4. Your mom is probably right...
about crappy friends, crappy boys, and crappy decisions. Listen to her.
5. It's okay to change your mind
Thank you Rory Gilmore for highlighting this life lesson when you chose to go to Yale instead of Harvard... oops, spoiler alert.
6. "Hurt people hurt people"
While this isn't an excuse, it can help you better understand why someone is treating you badly.
7. Life's too long to be unhappy
Thanks Ms. Candela for including this in your "Things I Carry" poem. Life is way too long to be around bad people and do things that you don't enjoy. Choose wisely with both.
8. Don't surround yourself with bad company
No matter how strong-headed you are (shoutout to all my Leos), bad friends will eventually rub off on you, even if you don't notice.
9. Wallowing is important, but not for too long
I'm a big believer in crying it out and Netflix binge-watching, but at some point you need to hop in a cold shower and cut it out.
10. Put your phone away when you're out with friends
Snap a few pictures if need be, but if you are sitting down with friends, put your phone away. They're not going to be around forever and you sure as hell won't remember the moments you were sitting there texting instead of listening to them.
11. You always look prettier when you are happy
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Roald Dahl
12. If you acknowledge your anxieties, they're easier to get over
Pretending they don't exist is one of the worst things you could do. Acknowledge that they're there, why they're there, and you'll find yourself calmer. I hope.
13. "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage."
What I repeated over and over again before I walked into my first day at my internship, got my first tattoo, and finally told someone the truth.
14. Watch a lot of movies and read a lot of books
Fantasy worlds weren't created out of the blue. They're based on real life experiences, relationships, and lives and can tell you a lot about how to live yours.
15. Write it out
Pull a Maddie from Suite Life of Zack and Cody and write an angry letter. Writing something out allows you to understand it better and uncover hidden truths.
16. Stop acting so old
You have your whole life to talk about work, money, and politics so be as immature as you want. Laugh loudly, say stupid things, and stop worrying so much.
17. Adults have no idea what they're doing
I used to believe that once you hit a certain age, everything worked itself out. I'm learning that everyone's just taking it day by day, trying to get by.
18. Health is important, but don't beat yourself up over it
Unless you are training for the Olympics, missing a gym session won't impact you much. Make time for exercise in your schedule, but let life get in the way.
19. Good friends are priceless
You can be rolling around in a Bentley or living in a penthouse, but it's lonely at the top. Form good relationships and keep up with them. (I love you guys!!)
20. You don't know everything...
and you probably never will. Learn as much as you can, love whoever you want, and do what makes you happy. The rest doesn't mean much.
