Can you believe it? You're 20. You've officially survived on this crazy planet for two whole decades. With each passing year everyone (hopefully) learns a few lessons and masters a few skills that they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives. Here's 20 lessons, ideas and skills I've stumbled upon so far.
1. It's OK to have the unpopular opinion.
It's so easy to give into a popular idea that everyone seems to agree with but you. Don't feel the need to, it's OK.
2. Wear that thing you like that everyone thinks is weird.
It might be a crazy colored lipstick or a funky pair of wedges. Wear whatever you want as long as you like it.
3. Twenty is such an odd age.
Nothing really happens when you turn 20, unlike 18 or 21. It's just that weird in between age -- oh, well.
4. Balance is key.
School, friends, family, personal time; it's all important, and it can be hard to juggle. Make sure to take care of yourself.
5. Speak up.
Whether you feel uncomfortable, or if you want to bring a new idea to the table, your voice is important and your opinion is valid.
6. Focus on your lane.
It's so easy to lose focus on yourself when you're constantly focused on what everyone around you is doing. When you focus on you and your own journey, you'll be so much farther ahead, trust me.
7. You're truly beginning to "adult."
Renewing licenses, phone bills, gas money -- it's comin'.
8. Your music taste has started to evolve.
I might be the only one, but I've recently started to listen to The Eagles? I don't know either.
9. People suddenly take you a lot more seriously at 20, rather than 19.
Twenty just sounds much more official than 19. Anything with the ending "teen" in general just kind of makes you cringe.
10. Coupons are important.
Didn't see this one coming, did you? I've learned of the true value of spending the time to look for coupons. Thinking about all of the money I could've saved in the past low key makes my eye twitch. They're so important and useful.
11. Only a few people deserve to be called your best friends.
As the saying goes, your circle gets smaller as you get older. Your friends will prove to you if they're loyal (and vice versa of course) don't let yourself be taken advantage of.
12. The songs you used to jam out to are now throwbacks.
I listen to songs from 2009 on the daily. Now they're throwbacks, but that's cool, I'm never giving up my love for T-Pain.
13. You're able to see through people.
You know when someone's lying, and it's pretty easy for you to figure out people's motives. (Insert why you lyin' meme here.)
14. You learn to cope with "not being able to party" for one more year.
Just a short 12 months away -- stay strong.
15. Drama is unnecessary and can easily be avoided.
Not to over-quote memes here, but no one actually has the time or energy for that. It's OK to be petty, but there's a limit.
16. You learn to make time for you.
You are so important. Stop putting yourself last on the list when you deserve to be first. Do that face mask, take the long way home.
17. Friends can be family.
Sometimes, you meet people in your life that aren't blood related, but become closer to your heart than you'd ever imagine.
18. Don't drive yourself nuts over small things that don't matter.
Still guilty of this sometimes, but I'm still learning. It's so easy to drive yourself crazy over things that won't matter at the end of the day. Brush it off.
19. You have to be comfortable in your own skin.
Regardless what shape you come in, own it. I've truly become more empowered when it comes to my appearance within the last two years. I'm pretty far from perfect but that shouldn't stop me, or you, from loving yourself.
20. You're more than enough.
Anyone would be blessed to have you in their lives, never think less of yourself.
Here's to turning 20. Enjoy the rest of your ride.
