August 17, 2016
The birds are chirping and I can hear my neighbor's broken lawn mower over my blasting air conditioner. I whip my comforter from over my head and stumble across the hall into my bathroom. After splashing cold water on my face I look up at the mirror. My hair that is far too long at this point is in a messy bun on top of my head and the remnants of yesterday's makeup from work are under my eyes. I don't feel any different...and I definitely do not look that different. I'm still wearing the same tattoo like black choker around my neck that has become a trademark of my everyday look. But what is different? Today is my 21st birthday. Today marks the monumental day in every college student's career where they can consume alcohol legally! What a time to be alive. I am no longer a silly 20 year old watching her older friends' Snapchat stories of them drinking margaritas with 1,000 calories in bars. I am one year older and hopefully wiser. With one year left of college separating me from real life responsibilities (boo), I have done some minor reflecting on the past 21 years I have spent in the world.
1. The sooner you stop caring about what other people think, the happier you'll be.
It seems so trivial but it's honestly the truest and most sincere lesson I have learned. I remember the day this clicked for me; my sophomore year of college. I was sitting outside eating lunch with two of my friends in between classes. It was a Monday, so obviously the events of the past weekend were the topic of conversation. We were going on about something and I realized that living life and making decisions solely because you are afraid of what people think is the most wrong way you can go about your day. You should do things because they make you happy. Stop caring and start living by your own rules. I promise this is not only the first step in becoming a happier person, but you'll learn a lot more about yourself in the long run.
2. Take care of yourself (both physically and mentally).
I cannot stress this one enough...because it's something I am such a proud supporter now a days. If I could go back and make this click for myself earlier on, I would. But part of growing up is making mistakes and learning from your mistakes so I suppose it was for the best. I've been a vegetarian for the past four months and not only has it done wonders for my health, but it has also boosted my mood. I not only have more energy, but I feel like I can do anything because I am taking a lot better care of myself.
3. Do not change who you are to please others.
Every Disney Channel show has made this a mantra and now I am telling you again. We are all unique and special in our own way and there is so much we can learn from each other. Be yourself...not only to benefit yourself, but to teach other people who you truly are as well. If people can't accept who you are than they were never meant to be a part of your life in the first place.
4. Never forget where you come from.
Growing up outside of Boston has given me pride like no other. It really did take moving 500 miles away for school to show me how great where I come from is. Get out and see the world, but make sure you keep home close not in distance, but to you. The place where you made your first mark on the world will always say things about you when words cannot.
5. Do not compare yourself to other people.
Girls love to compare themselves to others? But why? We are all different and are differences are what make us special (ha).
6. Thank your parents and tell them you love them every day.
They created you and brought you into this world so it only makes sense.
7. Travel to other countries before it's too late.
After the short lived five months I spent abroad, this lesson resonates a lot with me. The rest of the world is so much more in tune with the United States than we are with the rest of the world. When it comes to traveling, ignorance is NOT bliss. Get out and see everything.
8. Don't cry over boys...not worth it.
Makeup is too expensive to cry over the male species. Tough it out and move on because sooner or later someone will come along that deserves to be with you.
9. Stop evaluating yourself in the mirror.
"You're amazing, just the way you are." - Bruno Mars
10. Eat more avocados.
Self explanatory...they are the good kind of fat.
11. Drink water. A LOT.
Most of us are fortunate enough to have access to a clean supply of water. Stay hydrated! You'll add years onto your life.
12. Wear Christmas socks until March.
My mom and grandmother both have put a few pairs of Christmas socks in my stocking every year for as long as I can remember. It's only fair that I wear the season on my feet until March. I suggest you do too! Tis the season.
13. Turn your music down and read more.
Music is great and all but reading makes your brain bigger. Also, reading in your spare time makes it easier to read for school. Not only will you build an extensive vocabulary but who doesn't love to get lost in a good book? This summer James Patterson was my go to author.
14. Attend more live music shows.
Whether you pay for concerts or not, attending shows is a great opportunity to meet new people. It's easy to bond with them because you are all there for the same reason...you are a devoted fan.
15. Put your damn phone down.
Don't text at the dinner table. Don't Snapchat every single monumental event in your life. Don't like EVERY SINGLE post on Instagram. Life is happening right in front of you. Also nobody likes to receive that, "you've used 90% of your data allowance for the month" text. Save it.
16. Don't own a scale.
You are not defined by the number on the scale. If you feel good, you look good. Plain and simple. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
17. When in doubt...TREAT YOURSELF!
If you've had a long day it's okay to get ice cream with your friends. Nobody is going to hate you for it. If you're lactose intolerant (like me) your stomach might hate you for it later.
18. Listen to your friends...they know best.
Take care of your friends and listen to what they have to say. You're friends for a reason and they know you better than anyone else and have seen you at the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly.
19. Try new things.
Okay we get it. Every one likes vanilla ice cream. Get rocky road. Cheese pizza will always be a classic...but Hawaiian is better. Take risks. No one remembers the nights they went to bed early. Midnight adventures are highly recommended.
20. Spend time outside.
This is an easy one for me to say. After growing up in a neighborhood where all my closest friends lived on the same block as me, the outdoors became our living room and the grassy patch across the street became our sanctuary. I grew up with smudges on my face and bruised knees (I still bruise like a peach). Shut your computer and go for a walk outside.
21. Stop talking about yourself and start listening to others. Like actually listen.
My biggest pet peeve is being asked questions that I have already answered or being questioned about things I have discussed. Look people in the eyes when you talk to them, and actually listen to what they have to say after you ask a question. People notice that sort of thing in the work place as well as every day life. Nobody likes to converse with the girl who looks at her phone after every question she asks you.
If you take anything away from this article, know that life is not short. It's actually really long. I never understood the whole "life is short" mantra. Even though each year feels like it has gone by faster than the previous, life is pretty long. It's up to me (and you) to make the most of it.
So eat more avocados and pet stray cats you find on the street.
- Yas
