1. Never Let Anyone Rewrite Your Story | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Things I Learned By The Time I Turned 20 That Have Helped Me Grow As A Person

I stopped letting people rewrite my story for me.

211
20 Things I Learned By The Time I Turned 20 That Have Helped Me Grow As A Person
personal photo

I just had my 20th birthday and looking back on everything that has happened to me these past 2 decades, everything that tried to tear me down but made me for instead, I was able to see how much I have grown and how thankful I am for it. Here are the most important things I have learned these past 20 years.

1. Never Let Anyone Rewrite Your Story

Giphy

There will always be people in this world that will try to rewrite your truths for you. This kind of manipulation is not okay, so remember that your truths are your truths, not theirs.

2. Put The Pad On The Swiffer

Giphy

I forgot to do this at one of my first jobs...don't be like me because you will never live it down.

3. Don't Choose Your Major Based On Money

Giphy

It will never make you happy in the end. Love the work you do, don't live by a dollar sign.

4. That Chocolate Bar Isn't Going To Kill You

Giphy

When you're younger, your body has probably the best metabolism of your life. I remember being one of those young teenage girls worrying endlessly about my weight and I missed out on a lot because of it. Listen here, droning that one milkshake won't kill you, eating that candy bar won't determine your worth.

5. A Man Doesn't Determine Your Worth

Giphy

You were you before you met him, don't forget to still be you after he leaves.

6. Don't Dye Your Hair Blue

Giphy

It turns green and ruins your hair, never dye your hair blue...

7. Never Talk Down About Yourself

Giphy

Talking negatively about yourself lowers your self worth and it ruins your mental health in the long run. Tell yourself you love yourself in the mirror at least once a day to combat that.

8. Splurge On A Good Purse At Least Once

Giphy

It'll look nice for interviews and such.

9. Leave At The First Sign Of Danger

Giphy

My parents used to always tell me that if you don't like something about someone when you're dating them, it'll only get worse when you're married. Don't settle for less than what you deserve.

10. Stop Using The Phrase "Guilty Pleasures"

Giphy

Love what you love and whoever shames your loving something is just not meant to be in your life.

11. Invest In A Keurig

Giphy

Okay but their coffee is cheap and SO GOOD.

12. Don't Have A Date For An Event? Take A Friend!

Giphy

I stopped worrying about dates because bring your friends is honesty so drama free and fun anyway!

13. Dress For Success

Giphy

Dress cute for yourself, it raises your self esteem! You'll feel great and look great!

14. Boys Can Be Really Stupid

Giphy

They think they can get away with anything...

15. Love Yourself Without Makeup Before You Start Wearing It

Giphy

I've worn makeup my entire life (no joke) and it wasn't until college when I started feeling comfortable enough with my face naturally. My advice, learn to love your face before you start covering, it helps your self esteem.

16. "You'll Never Know Unless You Try"

Giphy

I live by this motto anymore because it's true. You will miss out on so many opportunities if you don't try things at least once in your life. You'll make new memories from it and grow as a person, so do the thing!!!!

17. Don't Fall For The First Boy Who "Wants To Marry You One Day"

Giphy

it never lasts and you'll just end up hurt in the end

18. Invest In Good Skincare

Giphy

You and your skin will thank me later

19. Tell Everyone You Love That You Love Them

Giphy

You'll never know in life how much time you have with someone. Tell them how you feel before it's too late.

20. Choose A College That's Right For YOU, Not For Someone Else

Giphy

Don't follow a boy or friends, live your own life!!!

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

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

315273
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

28410
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

9168
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less
Old school ghetto blaster sat on the floor
8tracks radio

We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

27 Hidden Joys

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

38335
Best Things in Life

Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments