Welcome to adulthood!
As time winds down to my 20th birthday, I thought I should reflect on the things that I’ve learned thus far.
1. Never stop enjoying life
Yes, we're no longer teenagers, but that doesn't mean we have to stop having fun. It's not time to get a mortgage yet, so relax.
2. Have Patience
While it sounds easier, having patience is difficult because let’s face it: people will test your patience, but the most important thing is the way you respond to it.
3. Control your emotions
Controlling your emotions is difficult to do, because in the moment, you may want to react, but remember not every action requires a reaction. Take a step back and assess the situation.
4. You are enough
The boy that’s texting you at 2am is not worth it. You deserve to be treated like the QUEEN that you are, and if he can’t give that to you leave his sorry ass alone. Because hunny, you is smart, you is kind, and you is important.
5. Mistakes happen
Mistakes will happen, but the most important thing is that you learn from them. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you are more likely to do them again.
6. Tomorrow isn't promised
Don’t take life for granted. There are so many people who wish they could have a second chance at life but don’t have the opportunity to do so. You have that opportunity every time you open your eyes. Make each moment count.
7. Take risks
Risks are scary but so necessary to the balance of life. Tell the boy that you have a crush on; the worst thing that can happen is that he doesn’t feel the same way you do. But he could also feel the same way too.
8. Accept life's rejection
Rejection is hard, and I still struggle with it, but rejection is the ability to do something again and give it your all.
9. Go on adventures
It doesn’t have to be expensive, but go explore your college community or ride a bike.
10. Be selfish
Be selfish with your time, with your friends, etc. Don’t make space for people in your life who have no place there.
11. Forgive those that hurt you
Forgiveness is hard, but when you forgive people, it gives you the ability to grow and be free, so you can ultimately forgive yourself.
12. Love wholeheartedly
No one wants to get their hearts broken, but allow yourself to love others deeply without the fear that people are trying to break you down.
13. Eat that pizza
Stop obsessing over your weight and indulge yourself. Life’s too short to constantly worry about how you look.
14. Love yourself
Loving yourself is hard because we are our own worst critics. Get comfortable with that cellulite, those love handles, and all the other flaws you have. Remember that God made us in His own image, and nothing that God touches could be bad.
15. Have faith
Have faith in yourself and your abilities because you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. See, Winnie the Pooh is never wrong.
16. Stop looking into your past
The past is the past for a reason. Stop reliving that chapter of your life and look to the future, because the things that God has planned for you are beyond your imagination. But remember to live in the present.
17. Staying in won't kill you
Sometimes you need alone time, and if you don’t go out one night, it’s not a big deal. Your friends will understand, and if they don’t, maybe it’s time for you to get some new friends.
18. Don't forget your priorities
You’re in college for a reason, and sadly, that reason isn’t to be shitfaced 22 of the 24 hours a day. Study hard and keep your focus.
19. Be a Global Citizen
Travel the world and open your mind to other cultures. The world is so much bigger than your backyard.
In 65 days, I'll no longer be a teenager, which is somewhat scary, but I'm ready for all the challenges, heartbreaks (here's to hoping that there aren't many) and opportunities. I hope you all welcome these things and more into your 20s.
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