Today is my 20th birthday. On May 1st, 1997 I came into this world at a whopping 10lbs and 1oz (sorry Mom). Since I am now 20 I do have one phrase that comes to mind... thank GOD I am no longer a teenager... being a teen sucks. I don't know who said high school or being a teenager would be the best times of your life because it sure wasn't for me. I am looking forward to young adulthood; to finishing college, getting a job, getting married, having kids, and just (hopefully) becoming successful and happy. But, through the twenty years I have been on this Earth I have learned some lessons that I thought I could pass on to people both younger and older than me.
1. At the end of the day, you can either choose to focus on the things that make you happy or the things that make you miserable... you should probably choose happy.
2. Laughter is always the best medicine.
3. A little kindness goes a long way.
4. Don't keep yourself in a situation that makes you feel miserable just because you think that's what people want you to be doing; do what makes you happy.
5. There is a big difference between a guy who texts you to give you attention and a guy who texts you only when he wants attention; stay away from the latter.
6. Take a day off for yourself every now and then. Don't let it become a habit, but taking one day off every now and then from your college classes or work isn't going to kill anyone (as long as those days aren't test/exams days or big meeting days).
7. Don't let anyone take your generation away from you; embrace that we are the culture that enjoys selfies, smart phones, memes, reality TV, rap songs and other stupid stuff. Because these are the stupid things that you will still love when you're 40 and can embarrass your kids with.
8. Eat the damn piece of cake.
9. But also, exercise and drinks lots of water (Experts recommend the 8x8 rule = 8 glasses of 8 oz a day).
10. Learn basic traits you need when you move out. Learn how to cook, how to change a flat tire, how to do laundry, how to fix things, how to pay your bills and also who to call when you forget.
11. Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
12. No matter how happy someone seems on social media, everyone goes through dark times in their lives. You are not alone.
13. You cannot do everything by yourself no matter how big your ego is, ask for help when you need it.
14. Jesus loves you more than any boy ever could.
15. But when you find a boy, find one who loves his mama because that boy will treat you right.
16. Apologize when you've messed up. It may not fix the situation, but it will make you feel better.
17. Don't take life too seriously, we aren't getting out of it alive anyways.
18. Be forgiving, but also don't let people walk all over you. You can forgive and forget, but still hold your ground.
19. Do positive things that boost your adrenaline (as long as they aren't stupidly dangerous). Go skydiving, go jet skiing, go on rollercoasters, go parasailing. These are things that when you are done make you laugh, feel happy and say "let's do that again!" You need those things, they make life more exciting.
20. Everything is going to work out exactly how it should; stop worrying so much.
