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22 Things I Learned Before Turning 22

I finally can jam out to Taylor Swift's classic song "22" and relate to it.

Lianna Wavershak

May 06, 2020

Rowan University

https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-b-day-balloon-wall-decors-1543762/

22 always seemed so far away for me. If I'm being honest when I was younger, 22 seemed so old. But as I got older I realized your life is just starting. Your twenties are your years to be selfish. It took me a little bit to realize that but I'm glad I finally did. 21 was nothing short of amazing. I met some of my favorite people and realized what I wanted to do in my life. I learned so many lessons from my friends and family. 21 was a year full of laughs, tears, heartbreak, smiles, and so much more. And if you were to ask me if I wanted change anything, I would say absolutely not. I thought what better way to kick start my year of being 22 then to share all the things I've learned before 22.

1. Start prioritizing yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in the things around you but make sure your taking care of yourself too.

2. All those corny tumblr jokes saying "you need to love yourself before loving anyone else or let them love you" are actually true. Love yourself first, trust me.

3. College, friends, and many other things can be stressful. It might feel like your world is falling apart but trust me better days are ahead. Never forget that.

4. It's okay to say no. If something doesn't make you happy learn to say no to it.

5. Don't let anyone put you down for your heart and your kindness. Having a big heart is nothing to be ashamed about. I personally love that about myself.

6. Making mistakes is normal and it does not stop as you get older. Learn to realize your mistakes and learn from them.

7. You are not always right. Sometimes you're wrong. As a taurus women this was a hard one to learn.

8. Say yes to those adventures. You don't want to look back on your life and realize you didn't really live it.

9. Taking time to read is so important. Educate yourself or just read whatever you want.

10. Don't stop creating and doing the things you love. Life gets busy but take time to do the hobbies you love.

11. Stop planning. I am a big planner but trust me stop it. Planning little things and having goals is great but live in the moment more. Plan if you want but don't stress if you don't meet your timeline. It's okay.

12. Nothing exciting happens when you're in your comfort zone. So try and get out of it.

13. Journaling is your best friend. I might be a writer but writing is such a great stress reliever. You don't have to do it all the time but try it sometime. It really does help.

14. Actions speaker louder than words. Falling for words is easy but pay attention to actions, it'll tell you a lot.

15. Never lower your standards for a guy. Don't be ashamed of the standards you have, there's a reason you have them.

16. You can do anything you set your mind too. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise and if they do prove them wrong.

17. Changing your mind is okay. I can't tell you how many times I've changed my major in college. But all these changes led me to study something I love.

18. Try and see the best in people.

19. Always trust your gut.

20. Self care is so important. Say no to going to a bar for once. Sitting back and taking care of yourself is important.

21. Someone who loves you does not make you question your worth. That guy who makes you feel like that, he is not the one.

22. Stop apologizing. This is something I still need to work on but I'm getting there. Stop saying sorry for every little thing. If you did nothing wrong theres no reason for you to say it.

I have learned so much in my 21 years on earth. I am so thankful for my friends and family. And I am so thankful for the lessons I've learned. Some weren't easy but it got me to where I am today. 21 was a great year but I know 22 will be even better.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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22 Things I Learned Before Turning 22

I finally can jam out to Taylor Swift's classic song "22" and relate to it.

1. Start prioritizing yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in the things around you but make sure your taking care of yourself too.

2. All those corny tumblr jokes saying "you need to love yourself before loving anyone else or let them love you" are actually true. Love yourself first, trust me.

3. College, friends, and many other things can be stressful. It might feel like your world is falling apart but trust me better days are ahead. Never forget that.

4. It's okay to say no. If something doesn't make you happy learn to say no to it.

5. Don't let anyone put you down for your heart and your kindness. Having a big heart is nothing to be ashamed about. I personally love that about myself.

6. Making mistakes is normal and it does not stop as you get older. Learn to realize your mistakes and learn from them.

7. You are not always right. Sometimes you're wrong. As a taurus women this was a hard one to learn.

8. Say yes to those adventures. You don't want to look back on your life and realize you didn't really live it.

9. Taking time to read is so important. Educate yourself or just read whatever you want.

10. Don't stop creating and doing the things you love. Life gets busy but take time to do the hobbies you love.

11. Stop planning. I am a big planner but trust me stop it. Planning little things and having goals is great but live in the moment more. Plan if you want but don't stress if you don't meet your timeline. It's okay.

12. Nothing exciting happens when you're in your comfort zone. So try and get out of it.

13. Journaling is your best friend. I might be a writer but writing is such a great stress reliever. You don't have to do it all the time but try it sometime. It really does help.

14. Actions speaker louder than words. Falling for words is easy but pay attention to actions, it'll tell you a lot.

15. Never lower your standards for a guy. Don't be ashamed of the standards you have, there's a reason you have them.

16. You can do anything you set your mind too. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise and if they do prove them wrong.

17. Changing your mind is okay. I can't tell you how many times I've changed my major in college. But all these changes led me to study something I love.

18. Try and see the best in people.

19. Always trust your gut.

20. Self care is so important. Say no to going to a bar for once. Sitting back and taking care of yourself is important.

21. Someone who loves you does not make you question your worth. That guy who makes you feel like that, he is not the one.

22. Stop apologizing. This is something I still need to work on but I'm getting there. Stop saying sorry for every little thing. If you did nothing wrong theres no reason for you to say it.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

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