On July 31st of this year, I turned 20. I usually feel no different after a birthday, but the transition from 19 to 20 feels significant, like the beginning of a new chapter. My teen years are over, and I have my adulthood ahead of me. Here are some lessons I've learned in 20 years of life.
Cherish time with friends and family.
It's so important to appreciate every moment with loved ones. You never know what you have until it's gone.
Don't fear what other people think of you.
Worrying about other's opinions of you is a huge waste of time; what really matters is that you know who you are.
Seek discomfort.
Make it a point to step out of your comfort zone. Chances are, your most memorable moments will be the times you took risks, not the times you held yourself back out of fear.
Live in the moment.
Try not to dwell on the future. Living in the moment allows you to get the most out of life and appreciate every day.
Relationships are two-sided.
Friendships, boyfriends, girlfriends; they're all two-sided. You shouldn't be the only one putting effort into a relationship.
Don't compare yourself to others.
You are the star of your life. Comparing yourself to others just takes away from your own successes.
Take breaks from social media.
Social media allows people to put on a false display of their lives, and shouldn't be taken too seriously. Keep in mind that nobody has the perfect life, even if it appears like they do online.
Don't procrastinate.
Whether it's schoolwork, housework, etc. You are gonna have to get it done eventually, so why not do it now?
Don't be too hard on yourself.
You can't expect everything to go your way. Failure is a part of life that we have to accept and learn from.
Be self-aware.
It is important to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions; don't ignore them.
Don't let society tell you what to do.
This is your life, and you are free to do what you want!
Money isn't everything.
Material items can bring temporary happiness, but will always leave you feeling unfulfilled and wanting more.
You are in control of your emotions.
Outside things can affect how you feel, but you are the one who is ultimately in control.
Believe in yourself.
If you tell yourself that you won't be able to do something, you won't be able to. You have to have a positive mindset to achieve what you want.
Don't rely on others for happiness.
The only person you can rely on is yourself; people come and go.
Friendship isn't always forever.
Some people you meet will be lifelong friends, and others will be short-lived. People grow apart, and it's okay to let go of old relationships.
Success isn't about money.
A truly successful person is someone who has achieved happiness in all aspects of life.
Listen to your gut.
Don't doubt yourself; your instincts are meaningful.
Practice gratitude.
Each day is a gift and should not be taken for granted.
Don't fear vulnerability.
Your vulnerability will lead to personal growth; be honest with yourself.
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