Today marks my 21st birthday, and I have learned a lot. Especially when I was 19 and 20. Most people think those two years are a waste of time because you are legal, but can't drink yet. What those people don't know is that during those years you learn a lot and become wiser. Here is what I have learned thus far.
1. Being mean is not cool.
Don’t bully people because it is just hurt that you are feeling being passed onto someone else that is just innocently going through their life. Hate is not we why are here. We are here to love and spread love.
2. Friends change, memories don’t.
You may not be friends anymore, but that night you went out, at that moment, was the best experience. Don’t forget it. Friends come and go. You can’t change a person, they must be willing to change.
3. Don’t be mainly influenced by your peers.
Especially when they are not even involved in the situation and are shoving decisions down your throat that are going to change your life. You know when you like things and when you don’t. Ultimately you should be making the decisions of your life. Use your gut feeling.
4. Not everyone has good intentions.
Unfortunately the world is filled with selfish people. Your heart is kind and giving, but some people will abuse your kindness, so be aware.
5. Choose your friends wisely.
Surround yourself with people who love you. If someone is making your life worse you don't need them in your life.
6. Take care of yourself.
School, your family and friends are very important, but your number one responsibility is yourself. You need to put your health first.
7. You can change a person’s life.
8. Tell people how you truly feel about them.
You never know when you are going to see this person again, so tell them not instead of regretting it later.
9. Spend as much time with your family.
Alone time is great, but you may be wasting precious time with the people who love you most.
10. Don't buy unnecessary things.
I’ve learned to ask myself, “Do I really need this?” while I’m shopping because chances are that I do not my 20th pair of yoga pants.
11. Be spontaneous and live in the moment.
I have learned that I love unplanned things. You are young and have no responsibilities so why not go to Denny’s at midnight?
12. Be thankful.
Thank God every day. Seriously. Without Him I wouldn't be where I am today. People don't understand that you need to thank God, not just pray to Him asking for things. I thank Him each and every day. Even for small things like finding an open parking spot in front of my dorm.
13. Don't settle.
The best advice I have ever been given. Don’t settle for a job, a boy or anything. Know how much you are worth. Have standards. Not standards through the roof, but don’t settle just because you are getting old, see your friends getting married and feel you have to do the same.
14. Your parents are usually right.
They have gone through the same stages of life. Take their advice, even if it does not apply right now you will eventually see what they were trying to warn you about.
15. Be the best me.
No one is going to be me. I have to be who I want to be and work hard to make a change in this world. My dad always told me, “You are never going to be there best and you are never going to be the worst, you are not going to be the tallest or the prettiest. People will always be ahead or behind you.” My dad was not putting me down, he was simply trying to keep me away from being discouraged. Which has truly helped me understand that not being the world’s best is fine.
16.Treat all people with respect.
Everyone is a creation of God. It does not matter that they work as your waiter, housekeeper, teacher or what have you. You should not put anyone down because of their job or finances.
17.Not everyone is going to like you.
I try to be a likable person, but some people simply do not like me and there is nothing I can do about it.
18. Music from 2006 is the best music.
And will always be.
19. Stop being influenced by Hollywood.
Why would you care so much about someone else’s life? Go enjoy yours because it’s probably really beautiful and you are wasting it by watching TV of someone else’ life.
20. Don’t be scared to ask.
Never assume something of which you are unsure, just ask. Ask for directions, prices and an extension on an essay. Because we’re all humans and can understand your situation and where you are coming from.
21. Be passionate.
Find what
