Although 21 years of life doesn’t seem like a significant amount of time, I have learned, grown, shaped, molded and transformed my lifetime and time again. Life throws us lessons every day, every moment. I have absorbed many lessons over my course of the past 21 years, but here are the 21 that have stuck with me the most.
1. Stop consuming; create.
Use your time to create and grow rather than get lost in the black hole that is the internet. Take pictures often, write, play sports, listen to music — do whatever "create" means to you.
2. It is OK to grieve — for as long as you need.
Do not put a time stamp on how long you are allowed to feel something.
3. Stay organized.
Buy a planner, get yourself some sticky notes and a good pen.
4. Ask for help.
It is OK to ask for help. There is no shame in seeking advice.
5. Laugh and laugh often.
Regardless of the weather, the grade you got on the exam or how bad your week
6. Push the limits of your comfort zone.
My most memorable times in my 21 years have all been when I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
7. Inner beauty is much more of value than outer beauty.
I have spent far too much time obsessing over false standards and ideals of outer beauty when I should have been focusing on glamming up my heart and mind.
8. Eat plants.
Eat your veggies and fruits and watch your energy spike and your overall health improve.
9. Be a light.
Shine your radiant, unique self to those around you. Forgive and forget and start using kindness as a forefront in your life.
10. Simplicity is beautiful.
Simple. Simple. Simple.
11. Travel.
Spend your money on that ticket and learn from immersing yourself
12. Be present.
Live
13. Save your money.
Put money aside so you can have a bit of financial freedom. There is so much more to this life than money.
14. Feed your passions.
Go out and feed those passions. They are there for a reason and the world needs your unique gifts.
15. Be yourself.
This is another aspect of life I was (and sometimes still) continuously trying to change. Stop comparing because being authentic is attractive.
16. Channel your inner adventurer.
Adventure is what makes life so full of joy. Take adventures and take them frequently.
17. Have a morning routine.
Establish a healthy morning routine so each new day starts out right. Preferably one that involves a cup of coffee — or two.
18. Stop complaining.
We are all guilty of this, but a life with less complaining opens your eyes to all the beauty right in front of you.
19. Call your family.
Make sure you make time for your family.
20. Forgive.
There is absolutely no time for holding grudges. When we hold onto things, they bled into the potential goodness that could be.
21. Love yourself.
Cliche? Not at all. Life is this huge, amazing adventure that we are given, therefore do not take it for granted and absorb every moment as YOU. We are all here for a unique purpose and no one person is the same. When you start truly loving yourself, your life is transformed. Not going to lie, I struggle with this every day and I think we all do, but vulnerability is key.
