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20 Things I've Learned In 20 Years

The briefest life lessons you'll ever read, but important ones.

Melissa Evans

Sep 27, 2018

Butler University

Melissa Evans

As I'm writing this, I'm only a few days away from turning 20. I know I'm still very young, but two decades feels like a very long time. I've made plenty of mistakes and done many dumb things. All in all, I've learned a lot in these twenty years.

1. Perfection is a myth

You cannot be perfect so stop trying. It's exhausting and useless. You don't need makeup every day.

2. Not all friends are keepers

You will meet people who do not need to stay in your life. People suck. Sometimes people are great friends and then things change, so they don't have to last. Be willing to say goodbye but keep the good ones close.

3. Organization is key

BUY A CALENDAR! They are life savers. If nothing else, put important events in your phone to remind you. Also, make plans for your school year or work quarter. Look over syllabi or write about your goals!

4. Everything is temporary

Whether its moods or situations, everything eventually changes. So don't worry, things can get better.

5. Bagels are really good

I didn't start eating them until I was 19 and WHAT WAS I DOING? Bagels are incredible. Eat more of them.

6. Driving is underrated

Arguably one of the best feelings is driving. Sure driving for 7 hours sucks, but a late night drive with one of your close friends can be really therapeutic.

7. Non-fiction books can be fun

Some of my favorite books I've been reading lately are actually non-fiction. The psychology section of your bookstore may have some really interesting stuff! My current obsession is "Batman and Psychology" by Travis Langley.

8. Putting yourself first is necessary

We worry so much about being selfish, but sometimes you need to be. Be there for your friends and family, but don't forget to take time for yourself. You can't be there for everyone if you're a mess.

9. Go to the FREAKIN gym

Going to the gym is so important. Exercise will make you feel so much better. Having a regular schedule is hard, but just do your best, it will make you feel better.

10. Friendships take effort

So nobody told me that you have to put energy into maintaining friendships. I'm busy and easily distracted, so I often forget to text back or reach out to people if I don't naturally see them in my week. Trying to stay close with your freshman year roommate who lives across campus and takes very different classes takes some work.

11. I need to be challenged

I lose my mind without any intellectual stimulation. I think part of my struggle in high school was classes that didn't push me at all. I definitely need my boring downtime, but I hate classes that don't push me at all.

12. Nothing works for everyone

There is no universal fix for a bad mood or a perfect diet that can make anyone drop 10 pounds. Just know that anytime someone suggests an idea, it may not be what is best for you.

13. Social media is dishonest

It isn't a straight up lie, but we mostly put our best face forward on social media, one that's wearing a smile. Don't try to live up to someone else's Instagram.

14. Sleep is important

GO TO BED! Don't stay up til 3 a.m. and get up for your 8 a.m. class. You can survive a night without sleep, but you need to prioritize sleep above many things.

15. Man plans, God laughs

I may be an atheist, but I still appreciate this phrase. You can make all the plans you want but life is chaotic. Have a plan, but be ready when things change.

16. Pet more puppies

Simple. Pet all the dogs. They deserve love.

17. Your emotions are valid

No matter what you're feeling, you have a right to feel it. You don't always have a right to act out on those feelings towards others, but you are valid in being upset or hurt by anything.

18. It's OK to do nothing

Sometimes we all need a break, whether that's from school or being social or whatever. Take it when you need it.

19. Quitting can be the best thing to do

We have a million quotes about not giving up or quitting, but sometimes that's impractical. Sometimes, your plan sucks and no longer fits what you want. Sometimes you need to quit and start something new!

20. You can survive a lot

We all go through some personal hell at one point or another. I spent an entire summer in a state of anxiety and insomnia, but I survived it. You can do more than you think. So grab some gloves, punch some stuff, and power through!

Hopefully one or two of these lessons are something you can relate to or learn from. Keep living and making mistakes.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Things I've Learned In 20 Years

The briefest life lessons you'll ever read, but important ones.

1. Perfection is a myth

2. Not all friends are keepers

3. Organization is key

4. Everything is temporary

5. Bagels are really good

6. Driving is underrated

7. Non-fiction books can be fun

8. Putting yourself first is necessary

9. Go to the FREAKIN gym

10. Friendships take effort

11. I need to be challenged

12. Nothing works for everyone

13. Social media is dishonest

14. Sleep is important

15. Man plans, God laughs

16. Pet more puppies

17. Your emotions are valid

18. It's OK to do nothing

19. Quitting can be the best thing to do

20. You can survive a lot

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There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

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