Today, I turn 21.
I'll wait for the cheers to die down before I continue.
Now that I am 21, I guess I am more of an adult than when I turned 18. I don't feel like more of an adult, but I will say I am slightly wiser. And by wiser, I mean I have no idea what I am doing in life or how to be an adult. I am not ready. However, I have learned a couple of things down through the years.
1.) Love with everything you have to everyone around you.
People who are good and bad during times that are good or bad.
2.) People will come and go from your life. These people are your friends.
Don't shut yourself off from people because you are afraid to let people in who will leave. Friends come in at the right moment and leave at the right moment. Live openly to those around you. I've been hurt by people so many times, but I never regret having them in my life. They loved me for a short time, taught me lessons and I can't imagine my life without them.
3.) People will stay in your life. These people are your family.
They stay in the good and the bad. They are always there for you. Hold these people tight and never let them go.
4.) My parents are actually really REALLY cool.
Okay, that may be an overstatement. They can be very nerdy and embarrassing. They have become my best friends over the years. Kids, one day you will like your parents. Trust me.
5.) Forgiveness is for yourself only.
This fact sounds like it goes against everything you were taught because it does. Something I have had to come to terms with is forgiveness. I became so angry with the world and the people around me. I was holding grudges. Forgiving those people and forgiving the world let me have peace though. It got rid of my anger. I forgive people for two reasons: God forgave me and I don't want to live a life full of anger or grudges. Forgiveness is a selfish act and that's okay.
6.) Sleep is spiritual.
I mean, what else do you expect from a college student? Sleep is great. A wise professor taught me this.
7.) Say no to the good things so you can say yes to the great things.
The professor also taught me this and it is so true. In college, and in life, you will be constantly asked to participate in extracurricular activities or go out with your friends. Pick and choose what to do. Know what you want to do. Don't try to do everything.
8.) You can't protect your heart from being broken.
I'm not talking about a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. I'm talking about all relationships. Don't shut people out to protect yourself and don't harden your heart. That will hurt you too.
9.) There is nothing wrong with being alone.
It's okay to eat alone, sit alone or walk around the mall alone. You don't need a phone to act like you are talking to someone. Don't worry about what others will think. You need alone time.
10.) Chips and queso are there on every rainy day.
When the world seems like it's against you, there is always tortilla chips and white cheese dip at my local Mexican restaurant waiting for me.
11.) Take time off of social media.
Ya'll, social media is GREAT but it can get to be too much sometimes. Delete the apps, sign off of your computer and go outside. Disconnect with the internet and connect with the world.
12.) Be brave and be the first to speak up.
There are so many injustices in the world, some that go unnoticed. Don't be afraid to point one out. Do something about it. Follow your passions to make the world a better place.
13.) Don't procrastinate.
Be organized. Know when all your tests and papers are due. Don't wait until the night before to write a six-page paper. Don't wait until the night before to study for a test. Be prepared in life whether it be your homework or projects involved with your job. Procrastinating leads to stress. Cut stress from your life.
14.) Be yourself.
If you love to sing and dance, sing and dance. If you love to tell dad jokes, tell them all day long. The people you surround yourself with should be positive and affirming to who you are and what you like. Those are your true friends and family. Don't try to be someone else to fit into a crowd with people who tear you down.
15.) Smile and laugh all the time.
I'm guilty of doing this. I love to smile. I love to laugh at my own jokes. At first, I thought it was bad to laugh at everything, but then I realized its because I'm joyful. Be joyful with the world and don't be afraid to hide it.
16.) You can choose to be optimistic.
Train your mind to look for the bright side of things. Find the good in the bad. I promise you there is some good there. Sometimes you will have to look a little harder than usual, but there is good there.
17.) Kindness matters.
It matters so much more than people think. It's just being nice to people, but it could inspire others to spread kindness around. So, hold open the door to strangers. Compliment people on their outfit. Encourage your friends.
18.) Photos are great but live in the moment.
I'm guilty of taking a photo at every beautiful sunset I come across and trying to get the right lighting and angle. Enjoy the sunsets though. Enjoy the concerts. Enjoy hanging out with your friends. Don't worry about the perfect Instagram-worthy photo.
19.) It's okay to not have a plan.
People always ask me what I want to do, but I have no idea. It stressed me out, but now I've calmed down. I realized no one actually knows what they want to do. Adults who have had a steady career don't know what they want to do or what their plan is. I'm learning to take life one day at a time because that's the only choice I have.
20.) Your life will have highs and lows.
Sometimes it feels like you will never get out of the valley, but one day you will. I'm talking from the perspective of someone who has been in a valley for the past three years. I still have the hope that I will be at a peak once again. As of now, just take one day at a time. You'll get there someday. I'll get there someday.
21.) God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
I repeat this to myself daily as a reminder because, sometimes, this is all that can get me through the day.
