This coming January 4th, I hit a milestone of turning twenty. I will no longer be a teenager; which is very pleasing, but a bit nerve wrecking thought as well. We all want to be out of our teenage years, but do we all want to leave the youth, freedom and innocence those years as well? Here’s a list of twenty things I’ve learned thus far as I turn 20.
1. Never take your parents for granted.
During my teenage years, I’ve lost both of my parents. One to death, and the other from choices of walking out. One day you’re going to wake up and they aren’t going to be there anymore.
2. Forgive many times, but don’t forget.
We all make mistakes, yes. While true, some people can and will take advantage of you.
3.Take five.
Watch what you say, in any situation. You don’t need to hurt others with the actions of your tongue. Take five minutes when upset, to prevent five years of guilt.
4. God is sovereign, always.
5. It’s okay to be angry for a moment, but don’t let it last for longer than that moment.
If you let something bring anger to you for more than a moment, you’re wasting those moments on something that truthfully doesn’t matter.
6. Don’t let the world make you hard.
It’s such an easy thing for our generation to be susceptible to. Don’t fall for the hate and anger that the world today is constantly pushing down your throat.
7. Always be willing to say “yes” to new opportunities, but don’t forget that it’s okay to say, “no”.
Gaining new skills, and new experiences is great, but if you can’t do it, saying no will make you a stronger person. Only you know your limits.
8. If your friends ever make you question your self worth, they aren’t the friends you need.
You don’t have to drop them like they’re hot, but remember that they aren’t the people you should listen to when it comes down to things.
9. Just because you have a bad day, does not mean you have a bad life.
Remind yourself this, on everyday that you have that isn’t the best. Remember that your worst days, may not even compare slightly to others daily lives. Look for the positives.
10. Know that not everyone is going to agree with the choices you make, ever.
That’s okay. Do what is right for you, and you only.
11. Know that, in the end, your college gpa doesn’t really matter.
Do your best, and pass your classes. Nobody will ever care that you got a C in your philosophy course.
12. Do your best, and be happy with it.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
13. Don’t be quick to judge.
This one is something that I’m still struggling with, even as I turn twenty. It’s so easy to think less of someone because they look, act, or believe in things different than what you’re used to, but it’s simply not right. Remember this: all people matter.
14. The little moments count.
It may seem like just going grocery shopping with your grandma, but you’ll never know that it’s her last trip out of the house. Just because it’s not something extravagant, doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.
15. It’s okay to be sad sometimes.
Life is so hard, and bad things happen. The smile you constantly plaster on your face, sometimes needs to come off. It’s okay, I promise.
16. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will.
Sometimes, you have to be your own cheerleader. Never give up yourself. People may give up on you, but that means nothing, unless you give up on yourself.
17. Prayer is the key to everything.
This may seem a bit naive, but it’s surely the truth. Pray about all things; good, bad and everything in between. Pray without ceasing. Without prayer, don’t expect things to go your way.
18. Consistency is one of the best qualities you can have.
As a leader, a student, or an employee. You can be determined, intentional and a great person, but if you can’t do it on a consistent basis it really doesn’t mean as much.
19. If you have the opportunity to do something spur of the moment and crazy, do it.
Whether it’s shaving your head for a dear relative, or taking a last minute road trip states away to visit a great friend, do it. In the end, it will be something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
20.Don’t let your circumstances define you.
Rise above, break the cycle. You can do anything that you tell yourself you can do.
While entering my second decade is something I'm a bit apprehensive about, I can't wait to dive right in and learn more lessons about life. Here's to the lessons that come from 2016.
