As the New Year approaches, so does another birthday. I am old enough to have some wisdom and be able to share advice but still young enough to need make a few more mistakes. I have been alive for two decades, I am not a teenager anymore but somehow not quite an adult. It is crazy to think after this year I will be in the “20 something” club. Here are a few thing’s I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Never be anyone but yourself

You’re one of a kind and trying to be anyone but yourself is a lot of work, so use that time and energy focusing on genuinely make you happy not just what you think you need to do to fit in

2. Be nostalgic

Dig through old photo albums, reconnect with old friends, laugh with your parents (you may be surprised what secrets they are willing to tell you know that you’re older)

3. Spend less time on the “what if’s”

Sometimes you have to take a chance or have a little faith. Worrying about all the possibly in life can make you crazy, trust me.

4. Love your sibling/siblings

These annoying little tots may turn out to be successful one day or they might end up living on your couch…either one. But seriously talk to them, hangout with them, respect them, they are your family whether you like it or not

5. Be confident

This one should be number one but I just thought of it now but confidence is a major key *DJ Khaled voice* not only does it make you feel better but it attracts others as well

6. Take every opportunity presented to you

Even if you don’t think you’d be interested, it may change your mind

7. Pet all the dogs

It’s cheaper than therapy and can most likely always cure a bad day. Also adopt a dog, if you can they will love you no matter how many times you fail an exam or that boy is mean to you

8. Eat the piece of cake or donut or both

Because really why not?

9. Realize that “I want to” is a good enough reason

 If you want to do something or buy something why should you have to justify it, you worked for it, you deserve it

10. Spend a day in bed

Sometimes curling up with a good book or an old movie and spending the entire day in your room is just what the doctor ordered

11. Take breaks

We are only human sometimes you just need a minute to get yourself together and there is no shame in that

12. You can’t please everyone

Sometimes in life there will be people that you just cannot get along with or that no matter how hard you try do not like you and that’s fine. You don’t need to change for anyone

13. Be nice to your face

Skincare is so so so important, so take care of it. Do you want wrinkles at 20? Sunblock, SPF people. Moisturize your skin. A happy life starts with a clean face….or something like that.

14. Learn who your true friends are

Surround yourself with people that make you a better person and learn to let go of the people that drag you down

15. The gym won’t kill you and neither will an apple

Even if it’s not working out for two hours a day it’s nice to get energized and treat your body better

16. Treat your parents

Even if you can’t right now, make it a goal of yours to take your mom to lunch or buy your dad a new set of golf clubs. Nothing is better than being able to give back to the people that gave you everything

17. Indulge in your passion

Find what makes you happy and go crazy.

18. Try new things

Try an exotic food, travel somewhere you’ve never been, learn to salsa dance and experience things out of your comfort zone

19. Work hard

Nothing is out of reach if you really want it

20. Have courage and be kind

This article wouldn’t be complete without a Disney quote and I think this one’s pretty self-explanatory