As my 21st birthday grows closer, I have started thinking about all I have gone through so far in my life. I know what most would say, "At 21 you haven't experienced anything yet," and while I might not have experienced a lot, I've learned so much in those 21 years.
1. Being alone isn't the end of the world
I mean, it's nice to have someone around, but it's important to enjoy your own company. Solo date nights with Netflix and ice cream can do wonders for the soul.
2. Know what you deserve Educate yourself
Never, and I mean NEVER settle for someone who doesn't see your value. If they refuse to help you grow or acknowledge your greatness, then they don't deserve the attention.
3. Educate yourself
This is important. We live in a world that is constantly changing, growing, and facing adversity. Read everything, study the world, educate yourself on current events.
4. Mental health days are okay
Sometimes you just aren't feeling quite ready to face the world, take the day to relax and prepare for what's to come.
5. Change is inevitable
Nothing is set in stone. Planning your future in absolutes will only hurt you, be okay with change. Learn how to adapt and take on the challenges.
6. Friendships change
Your best friend isn't the person you talk to everyday, but the person who is constantly there for you no matter when the last time you spoke was. Also, it's always better to have a few really good friends than a big group of people you can hardly stand.
7. Embrace your weirdness
Dance in the middle of a store, sing while walking to class, crack a joke. Don't blend in - make sure you stand out.
8. Failures can be helpful
If things didn't work out the first time, that's okay. We can't always get it right and it's important to accept the failure and learn from it without letting it define you.
9. You don't know everything
I am a know-it-all and I learned very quickly once I got to college that I can't be that way. You don't know everything, learn from people and from experiences without assuming you're right.
10. Sometimes you just need your mom
Suck up your pride and call your mom when you aren't quite sure you should eat the sketchy chicken in the back of your fridge.
11. You don't always have to input your opinion
Seriously, pick your battles. Not everything you say is constructive or necessary and that's a tough thing to learn.
12. Pursue your passions without question
So what if you won't make a six-figure salary, do what you love and don't let anyone talk you out of it.
13. Being sad is okay, but don't let it consume you
We all have those days that we seem to be stuck in a hole, those days are okay to have, but you need to learn to pick yourself up and find what makes you happy.
14. A boy won't save you
This almost goes without saying.
15. Don't beat yourself up
No matter what happened, there will always either be a second chance or something new around the corner. Mistakes are meant to help us grow.
16. It's okay to be assertive
Don't be a doormat.
17. Asking for help is a good thing
Don't make the mistake of not asking for help because you are filled with too much pride. Sometimes the best advice we can get is from an outside source.
18. Judgments get you nowhere
Confession time: I've always been extremely judgmental. However, that only made me turn into a crappy person. Quick lesson, just don't be a crappy person.
19. Don't put others before yourself
Take care of you and your needs before anyone else. Don't destroy yourself trying to please others.
20. Love yourself
Self love will take you further in life than you probably know.
21. You are still growing
Just because you are finally a legal adult, doesn't mean you are done growing. Life still has a lot in store; challenges, failures, love, heartbreak, happiness, opportunities. Always be prepared to grow and learn new lessons.
