22 Things I've Learned In 22 Years
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

22 Things I've Learned In 22 Years

Experience is the best teacher.

291
22 Things I've Learned In 22 Years

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45243
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28603
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953171
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160037
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments