In your 22nd year of life you graduate college, start a real job, and truly begin your own life. In honor of turning 22, here are 22 things I've learned about life.
1. A smile is one of the most powerful things.
It can change everyone's day. Smiling not only improves everyone else's mood, but improves your mood too.
2. Family was given to you for a reason.
Family is everything. God hand placed you into your family, don't forget that.
3. Some friends become family.
God also hand places certain friends into our lives.
4. Some friends go.
It is just a part of life. People move, people change and you can't do anything about it. Don't worry new friends always come.
5. No amount of cardio will burn off a bad diet.
A healthy lifestyle is 80 percent diet, 20 percent gym.
6. Balance and moderation are key.
This goes along with the one above. Don't work out to the point of injury and don't forget to have a cupcake every once in awhile.
7. Your mother is right, listen to her.
Mothers are all-knowing, don't question them. I don't know when they get this power, but I've learned to just go with it.
8. Everyone struggles with something.
We were all handed a different set of cards and all have something we struggle with. Be empathetic to others' struggles.
9. You become who you hang out with.
I've found myself changing the way I talk, act, and treat people because of the people I'm spending my time with. Make sure you spend time with people you want to be like.
10. Don't give up on a dream.
Sometimes a door is closed but that doesn't mean a window isn't open. There are many different paths to achieving your dreams.
11. God reveals Himself in time.
Everything happens for a reason and it usually isn’t immediately apparent, but in time, and with prayer, the reason usually becomes clear. Often it’s so extraordinary and breathtaking, it’ll blow you away.
12. Friends and family will hurt you.
And you will hurt them as well. You must learn to forgive them and yourself.
13. Being busy is not a badge of honor, success or popularity.
Cut some things out of your schedule and make time for things that actually matter.
14. Going to a concert is always worth the money.
There's nothing better than seeing your favorite artist or band live. You will never regret going to a concert but you will always regret missing one.
15. You have to study to do well in school.
No one is that smart. I promise you the guy or girl making all A's spends hours studying in order to make them.
16. Fairness doesn't exist.
If life was fair, everyone would be born in Texas and gluten allergies wouldn't exist. Don't dwell on things that don't seem fair.
17. Express your feelings.
No one can read your mind. If you like a boy, tell him. If your friend hurt your feelings, tell them. My biggest regrets usually have something to do with hidden feelings.
18. It's not okay to settle.
Don't settle into a relationship, friendship, degree or career. You deserve the absolute best.
19. Be kind to everyone.
Kindness will get you further than any amount of money, intelligence or power.
20. You can't change anyone.
Its pointless and rude to try to change someone. Either learn to love the person despite their faults or move on.
21. Always order queso.
If queso is on the menu, always order it. Unless of course you are up north.
22. Seasons always change.
Just like the weather, seasons of your life will always change. I've gone through seasons of extreme loneliness and extreme love. No season lasts forever and I can promise you it will come again.
