I know some of you are thinking what do I know in my mere 20 years of existing and I know, I don't have a whole lot of life experience but there are a few things I have learned in my (barely) 20 years on this earth and I figured I would share.
1. Family over everything
One thing life has taught me for sure is that people will hurt you, people will betray you and people will not care. Family is forever as cliché as it sounds but family is always there for you no matter what.
2. True friends are actually hard to find
People say it all the time and I never actually believed it until I got a little older. Once again, people will betray you, some people just want to use you and that's fine. It says nothing about you but everything about them.
3. There is beauty in pain
Life is synonymous with pain but life is also synonymous with beauty. Pain will not come without allowing something greater to be born. A positive mind and optimism are essential to life, especially in times of despair.
4. High School means nothing
Sure it's alright at the time but it really means nothing in the grand scheme of things. There is so much more growth that happens afterward, the stuff that happened in high school doesn't mean a thing.
5. Knowledge is power...
Knowledge really is the key to success. You can never learn enough and a good education is essential to life and a successful career. However, how you use that knowledge can make all the difference.
6. ...but ignorance is bliss
Contradicting the last one, the less you know the happier you'll be, especially when it comes to people.
7. God is real
I have seen him work and I have felt him in the most terrible times.
8. Life is brutal
It's brutal for everyone, for some the suffering just comes earlier than others. Everyone says that life isn't fair and they are right, but it's not fair for anyone.
9. Life is also beautiful
Although life can be difficult, I have seen more happy times than sad times in my short time here and those stand out to me more. I am often humbled by the blessings that come my way.
10. Second chances can be given
Humans are not perfect as we all know. Everyone messes up so most of the time a second chance can be earned but never a third. After two times, they are just taking advantage of you.
11. There are not many things chocolate can't fix
Chocolate is one of life's greatest indulgences (very simple, I know), and in my experiences, it helps when I'm upset, cranky, tired, hot, cold or all of the above.
12. Society's definition of beauty is garbage
Beauty comes from within. It is not a tiny waist or a pretty face, it is a genuine spirit and a kind heart. Outward looks will fade but what's on the inside will not. Remembering this, however, is the hard part.
13. Lebron James is the best there ever was
This is self-explanatory and no, not just because I am from Ohio, but it helps.
14. I cannot dance
I still do though. I am the worst dancer I know but I still do it more often than I should; life is too short not to.
15. People are going to think what they want of you
Whether it is right or wrong, people will think what they want and that is okay as long as you are okay with the truth of who you actually are.
16. Coffee is necessary
Caffeine, in general, is great but especially if it is coffee. Coffee is essential to a clear mind.
17. There is more to life than the "perfect body"
There is so much more to be desired in life than a body that will eventually, in time, fade away. This is something I (and I am sure many other beautiful women as well) still struggle with every day.
18. The best things in life are hardly ever actual things
The best things in life are the intangible or nonmaterialistic things money cannot buy. They are irreplaceable and unchangeable.
19. Your identity doesn't come from social media
Coming from this era, it is hard not to get caught up in social media and conveying the perfect life to others. This is the opposite of what we should actually embrace. Life gets messy sometimes but that's what makes it fun.
20. You are worthy
EVERYONE has something to offer in this life that only they can give. Never discount yourself and always remember that you are worth it.
My time on Earth has not been very long, but that's just it, nobody's is. I still have so much to learn and figure out but I'm eager to go pursue the things coming my way and you should too, no matter your age.
