I turned Twenty-FUN on April 13th, 2018. And besides all the fun celebration that has occurred over the last week, I can't help but reflect on where I'm at in life, where I'm going, and where I've been. So, here is a rough list of twenty-one pieces of life advice, pulled from that self-reflection.
1. Don't be afraid to say the word "love."
2. Leave regret behind, and embrace the decisions you make.
Every time you make a decision you impact the trajectory of your own life. Make decisions that you are proud of.
3. Mental health days are real and necessary, but not an excuse to be lazy.
4. Don't schedule any classes before 10 am.
5. Have a plan A, B, and C, and accept that sometimes you just don't get to control the outcome.
You don't have to always go with the flow, but sometimes things are just too far out of our control.
6. You're allowed to say no to opportunities when you're feeling overwhelmed.
7. Always, always, always, put yourself out there.
8. Naps aren't just for little kids and senior citizens.
Naptime is necessary time.
9. Schedule your meals like you schedule classes and dates.
10. Never, ever, ever, pull an all-nighter because you have a deadline.
I can't stress this enough: you'll hate yourself, everyone around you, and everything in that following day--DON'T pull an all-nighter so that you can finish some work.
11. Speak your truth proudly, and be open to the fact that your truth is different than others.
12. Get involved in the community you live in.
13. Prioritizing yourself isn't selfish, it is healthy.
Sometimes we overcommit ourselves. Telling someone you can't hang out because you just want to take some time for yourself is okay.
14. Take yourself out on a date!
15. Maintaining a proper diet is important but it isn't everything.
Celebrate small victories, and don't cut out foods you like to eat just because you're "on a diet."
16. Try out being vegetarian/vegan/etc. for at least a little while!
17. Do something you don't like doing every once in a while.
18. Look up at the stars every possible chance you have.
19. Next time you're really upset, find a reason to laugh.
20. Put your emotions out into the world, in any way you can.
21. Invest in the art in your life.
Whether that means the art that you produce or the art you like to see. Make it a priority.
