I just recently turned 21 and as soon as I did people started asking me about things I had learned or what it felt like. Honestly, everything felt the same as it always had and I didn't think I had really learned anything, but I've started to reflect and there's a lot of things I learned on my own that I wish someone would have told me. Here's the 21 things I taught myself.
1. Be okay with people leaving.
People leave a lot and often. At first it would destroy me, but as time went on I realized there's a season for everything and not all season should last forever.
2. Social media does not define you.
Just like everyone, I love a lot of likes. I love the notifications popping up on my phone and just watching the number go up and up, but as I've gotten older I know that those likes don't define who I am and they never will.
3. You don't need Snapchat to talk to your friends.
This is a new one, but I deleted my Snapchat because I was on it all the time. Like really all of the time. I thought that was the only way I was able to talk to people, but as soon as I deleted it I realized that the people who want to talk to you will talk to you, just make sure you talk to them first.
4. Give yourself time to recover.
Heartbreak, bad grade, parking ticket, tough day, no matter what it is take time to recover and regroup.
5. Appreciate the small things.
Get excited about a new pair of socks or making someone laugh. Don't let the big things be the only things you care about.
6. Call your family.
Mainly Facetime, but really don't just not talk to them.
7. Don't worry about what you wear.
There is someone out there who will appreciate your outfit the way that you do, but if not don't stress about it. If you like it, wear it.
8. Don't spend money on things that are irrelevant.
Save your money and if you need it find a place you can get it for less.
9. It's okay to quit what you love.
Again, there's a season for everything and some seasons don't last forever. If you love something, but feel like you don't need to do it anymore then quit.
10. Tell people you love them.
Honestly, if you love someone then just tell them. Even if it's weird for them don't worry about it, just be honest.
11. Feel free to graduate early.
If you can and you want to just do it. Don't worry about missing the "best time of your life" because it probably isn't, but it might be.
12. Love more and love well.
Take time to listen to people, care for people, and do more.
13. You honestly do not have to wear makeup.
It's been like 6 months since I put makeup on and I'm going to be honest it's freeing. My skin is happy and healthy and I can live all my makeup dreams through my friends who actually know how to put makeup on.
14. Life can actually be terrible.
It's not all sunshine and rainbows around here.
15. Life can also be really great.
Sometimes you get a glimpse of true joy in the moments you spend walking to class, laughing with your friends, and just all the little things.
16. Make quality friends.
It's going to take awhile, but really put yourself out there and talk to the people you think you'd click with because they might actually become your clique.
17. Skip class.
If you really need to do it, obviously go to class a majority of the time but don't force something that can't happen.
18. Just let things happen.
You cannot plan your whole life and you can't always be in control. Accept that and enjoy it.
19. You need to fail.
Trust me on this one, you really need to mess up in order to thrive.
20. Spend time with good people.
You don't have to be their best friend, but being around good people will encourage you to be a good person.
21. Invest in your roots.
If there's something going on with you emotionally really take the time to work it out. Do what you have to do to nourish yourself in the best ways possible.
