20 Things I've Learned By 20
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

20 Things I've Learned By 20

8
20 Things I've Learned By 20
Rachel Ruoff

1. Ask for what you want.

Most things in life will not be handed to you. If you want a pay raise, ask for it. If you have feelings for someone, tell them. You will never get what you want if you don't tell anyone you want it.

2. Most people in your life are temporary.

The majority of the people you meet throughout the years will only cross paths with you for a finite amount of time, and that's okay. Hold on to the ones who stick around.

3. When you are angry, be silent.

People tend to say things they don't always mean in the heat of the moment. Watch your words when you are upset because you will probably regret them after you have cooled down.

4. Experiences are better than material things.

When you think back on your life, you won't remember owning the latest trending item. You'll remember where you've been, what you saw there, and who you met along the way.

5. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

You never know if and when your life will take an unexpected turn, so don't put things off until tomorrow. Live every day as if you knew you were going to be hit by a truck the next morning.

6. Listen to your gut.

Your first instinct about something is almost always right, so don't overthink it. Your gut usually knows how you feel before the rest of your body has time to figure it out.

7. People change.

The person you met a year ago is most likely not that same person today. People are constantly learning and moving forward. You cannot expect to grow if you are not changing.

8. Move on.

Sometimes it hurts more to hold on to things than it does to just let go. Forget about what is already gone, be thankful for what remains, and look forward to what is still ahead.

9. Sundays are for sleeping.

You spend the entire rest of the week constantly on the go, and it's important to remember to slow down every once in a while. Even the busiest of people need to be lazy sometimes.

10. Love cannot be controlled.

You cannot force yourself to stop loving someone, just as you cannot choose who you will fall in love with. You can love many people simultaneously, and each love is unique.

11. Laughter will cure anything.

Never underestimate the power of a good belly-aching laugh. Look for the humor in difficult situations, it will make them easier. Life is always better when you're laughing.

12. It's okay to not know.

You might think you should have your whole life planned out by now, but it's okay if you don't. The truth is, you won't know if you're going the right way until you get there.

13. Pizza is always a good idea.

If you want the pizza, then just order it already. You may look back on your life with a handful of regrets, but satisfying that late night craving will never be one of them.

14. Failure is unavoidable.

Even the most successful people in the world still fall down every once in a while. What makes the difference is whether you choose to stand up again or not.

15. Sometimes all you need is a good cry.

Keeping your feelings bottled up inside will only make the situation more painful. If you need to cry, then let it out. You'll feel better when you're finished.

16. Everyone is weird in their own way.

Don't judge the way others choose to live their life. Everyone has their own idea of what is normal, and just because their normal is different than yours doesn't make it wrong.

17. When in doubt, wear black.

Let's face it, it looks good on everyone. If you're stumbling through your closet and can't figure out what to wear, throw on something black. It wins every time.

18. Waking up to watch the sunrise is always worth it.

Too many people sleep through the most beautiful part of the day, so set your alarm early sometimes. So what if you have bags under your eyes that day.

19. Do what you love, and the rest will fall into place.

Find something that you are passionate about and pour yourself into it. If you love what you are doing, all of the other pieces of your puzzle will find their way.

20. No one else can make you as happy as you can.

You cannot rely on others as your source of happiness, or you will only end up disappointed. Put yourself first. If you are happy with who you are, then you will be happy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57392
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36986
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958724
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190727
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments