You've made it, you're 21. I had a proud mom moment the other day when I realized the person that you've grown to be and all of the places you are going in life. These are 21 lessons that I want to remember as you continue on in life.
1. It's okay to not know where you're going.
A huge part of life is the journey and not the destination. Don't stress about where you might end up, enjoy where you are right now and let life carry you.
2. Don't settle.
You've been through the ringer with boys, and we both know what you deserve. You deserve someone who would never let you doubt yourself, someone who is proud to be yours, and someone who knows your worth.
3. Surround yourself with positive people.
The friends you have now will be your "adult friends" and you should treasure that. Make sure that those you choose to be friends with are people that will lift you up when your down and celebrate you in the good times.
4. Never stop dancing.
Whether it be at the club or in your room. Dancing helps make everything better.
5. Don't stop learning.
Be curious about everything. Keep learning and educating yourself about everything.
6. You don't know everything.
Accept that sometimes you just don't know. Listen to others and learn from them.
7. It's okay to ask for help.
We can't do everything in life on our own. Don't hesitate to ask someone when you are stuck or lost.
8. Find what you love and pursue it.
Don't waste your time with things that don't make you happy. Find what fills your soul and pursue it.
9. Keep being weird.
Your weirdness is one of your qualities that people love, keep it that way.
10. Accept that things change.
Don't get frustrated when things don't work out like you thought. Accept how things change and adapt.
11. You will always need your mom.
She will always remind you to clean your room and not spend all of your money at the bar.
12. Keep your family close.
It's hard to maintain relationships when you get older and start to venture off on your own. Don't forget about your family, they will always be there for you.
13. Don't forget to breathe.
When life becomes a little too stressful and you don't know what to do, stop and breathe. Asses the situation before making a decision or digging yourself into a hole.
14. It's okay to say no.
This one is simple.
15. Love yourself.
Whenever you doubt yourself or your abilities, stop and remember the amazing person you are and all of the places you're going. I know sometimes it's hard to love yourself, but self love is a process and remember to always work on it.
16. Always speak your mind.
You don't have an issue with keeping your thoughts to yourself, keep it that way.
17. Don't get too caught up in drama.
Know when a situation doesn't concern you and don't get yourself too wrapped up in other's drama.
18. Friendships change.
The friends you made when you first got to college won't be the same and your friendships will grow and shift. If someone doesn't serve a positive purpose in your life, it's okay to let them go. This is the real world, you can go from talking to someone everyday to only catching up once a week and the friendship will still be strong.
19. Don't spend all of your money at the bar.
Trust me, it is way too easy to blow a paycheck on a weekend out, but don't do it.
20. Don't let boys break you.
We've both let boys determine our happiness and had to clean up the damage it did. There comes a point where you have to learn that a boy doesn't determine how happy you are or how successful you'll be.
21. I'm always in your corner.
Remember that I will always be a constant in your life, no matter what. I will hold you accountable for your actions and I will let you know when you've done wrong, but I will never stop being there for you. We may not talk all the time, but I'll always pick up your calls at 3 in the morning.
