This week, I'll officially be turning 21 (cue cheering)! And as I prepare for turning another year older, I can't help but think back at the kind of person I am today and the different factors that made me so. This thinking lead me to write up and share 21 life lessons (one for each year I've been on this Earth) that I've learned so far.
1. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means losing people along the way.
Once I began to actually stand up for myself and what I believed in, I found my true friends because they stuck by me when I showed my true colors. Those are the friends worth keeping.
2. It's okay to keep some things to yourself.
Being vulnerable is something that I've always had trouble with when I'm around new people, and I always felt as though there was something wrong with me because I wasn't easily forthcoming. But I quickly learned that I was just someone who only shared things with people I truly trusted, which is completely acceptable, too.
3. Your identity should not be placed in someone or something else.
You are your own person. Don't get attached to labels or a relationship because once that's over and done with, you need to rebuild again. Build yourself first.
4. Y.O.L.O.
Seriously, take some risks!
5. Not every relationship you have in your life is built the same.
No one person is the same, so relationships shouldn't look the same either.
6. True friendships shouldn't feel like a burden.
Those friendships aren't worth keeping, and it isn't your fault if they fall through.
7. Always bring allergy medicine wherever you go.
The non- drowsy kind, especially. Nothing sucks more than a sneeze attack in the middle of the day.
8. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Even if you consider yourself a huge planner, there's always something that will pop up last minute.
9. It's normal to be a different person than you were a year ago.
It's called "maturation."
10. Don't treat someone differently just because they don't share the same experiences that you've gone through.
It's seriously one of my pet peeves. Everyone is different, and no one should be made fun of for those differences.
11. Don't be afraid to call someone out when they do or say something wrong.
If they were a true friend, they'd be open to such criticism.
12. Try not to get to the point where you hate yourself because you ate too much meat at KBBQ.
A lessons I usually learn over and over again, but I regret nothing.
13. Sometimes, you have to find closure on your own.
Yes, it's hard. But you can't linger on a past event for too long until it eats away at you. You need to move on so you can become better.
14. Apologies should never be rushed.
If they are, they're probably not sincere.
15. Always be open to criticism.
In the wise words of Hannah Montana, "Nobody's Perfect!"
16. If there isn't a good reason to hate something or someone, then don't.
Don't waste your energy on hating things that aren't worth hating.
17. Have at least one person in your life where you can tell anything to.
Yes, keeping things to yourself is good, but it's also good to have someone you can confide in.
18. If something feels wrong with your car, bring it to the shop.
It'll save you a possible tow truck fee and a lot of worry.
19. Familial relationships shouldn't feel like a burden, either, and it's okay not to fix them.
Even if they are blood, it doesn't mean anything if they don't treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
20. Don't let one relationship's drama effect other relationships.
Keep the drama between you and that person, and if it can be resolved, then resolve it. No one likes being around two angry people.
21. Never stop growing.
Growing and learning don't have age limits.
I hope these lessons teach you all a thing or two!
