I turned 21 on the 20th of July, and I just can't get over it. I don't mean to pontificate, but life moves in the blink of an eye. In the wake of all of this national and international tragedy, I find myself counting my blessings more than ever. To say that I am lucky seems insufficient. What a beautiful thing it is that I will get to spend my birthday drinking PBRs with people who love and care for me. I am oh-so-appreciative for this life that I have been given, and when I think about all of the awesome things and people I have encountered during my short 20 years, I nearly shed a tear. I want this coming year to be one of new beginnings and experiences, because if there is one thing I have gathered from reading the newspaper daily, it is that you really never know when your hourglass will run out of sand. We owe it to those who have lost their lives in premature and violent ways to pray, to say thank you for what we have and to carry on living and experiencing this world. So, here are 21 things you might consider doing during your 21st year of life (or any year, really):
1. Write "thank you" notes whenever you feel particularly grateful for something or someone.
2. Take a cooking class.
3. Invest in some matchy PJs--the kind you wore as a kid.
4. Light a candle and treat yourself to a good glass of wine once a week.
5. Go out to a bar without getting belligerent.
6. Try to cultivate an out-of-the-box hobby.
7. Keep a running list of things that make you happy.
8. Buy yourself something that you can take care of.
Yes, fish and succulents count.
9. Explore areas of your city that you have not yet seen.
Bars and restaurants, scenic trails, parks, art galleries and music halls. Your home is your oyster.
10. Buy yourself little treats when you need a pick-me-up.
I mean, who doesn't love fresh flowers.
11. Channel your spiritual side.
Go to church more often or take an existential journey through the woods. Say your prayers. Burn some incense. Whatever you choose.
12. Make a playlist to listen to in the morning while you are getting ready for your day.
I read once--don't remember when or where, so this must be reliable--that listening to music in the morning helps to increase your energy levels and happiness hormones.
13. Redecorate your bedroom.
14. Take more pictures.
15. Start to develop a professional wardrobe.
16. If you're not already doing so, consider applying for a job or internship that will be a stepping stone for you professionally.
This may mean quitting your job at the DQ and putting yourself out there professionally.
17. Ramp up your savings account.
This will come in handy when you get sick of living with your parents and need the funds to get your place.
18. Go on a daily walk, inside or out.
Around the block or up and down the stairs a few times.
19. Take a multivitamin.
You're not getting any younger.
20. Start singing in the shower if you don't already.
21. Watch the oldies and read the classics.
Try to become more cultured and artistically aware.
These are my goals for 21. They seem doable, yes? I've already started. Make your own list or borrow mine, and let's make this our best year yet.
