I just turned 22 which is super crazy to me. Half the time, I still consider myself a teenager, so it's insane to think that I am a person in her twenties. As I've gotten older, I have learned a lot about myself and about life, so I have looked back on some of the most important things I have learned over my 22 years. Here's a list of things we all should remember, no matter how old we are.
1. Getting a job is easier said than done.
GiphyEventually, you'll find the right position for you, but it definitely doesn't just happen. Finding a job is something you have to work to get.
2. It never hurts to be friendly.
GiphyYou never know, you might make someone's day. Besides, you don't like it when people act rudely toward you. Friendliness invites more friendliness.
3. Communication is key in any kind of relationship.
GiphyWhether it be a friendship, your relationship with your co-workers, or with your significant other, it is so important to communicate. No one can read minds, so be more willing to share your thoughts, feelings, or any other information.
4. You can never own too many pairs of sweatpants.
GiphyI like to be comfy, and sweatpants are definitely comfy. I probably own more than 20 pairs and I still have to restrain myself from buying more every time I go to Target.
5. Life rarely works out like you planned, and that's ok.
GiphySet goals and make plans, but understand that if things don't work out exactly as you thought, it isn't the end of the world. You might be able to do things you never dreamed about doing!
6. Aleve works better than anything for cramps.
GiphyFrom lots of trial and error, I can definitively say this is the truth.
7. Disagreement does not equal hatred.
GiphyHaving different viewpoints or opinions from someone doesn't make you enemies. Sometimes you need to be challenged to think differently. At the end of the day, I can be friends with people who think, act, and live differently than I do without it being turned into a sort of battle. Just remember that respect is necessary.
8. Getting a handwritten letter means more than a text or email.
GiphyI save all the letters and cards I get because they mean so much to me.
9. Holding grudges doesn't make anything better.
GiphyIt feels so freeing when you let go and forgive. Feel your emotions and deal with the situation, but don't hold on to it.
10. Slow down. Don't be in such a rush.
GiphyTo quote Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
11. It's normal to drift apart from people, but the best friends show up when it matters.
GiphyI can go months without talking to some people, but I know they have my back if I need them.
12. Kids remember EVERYTHING.
GiphyIt's a lot like follow the leader. Be careful what you say and do around them because they like to repeat what they see and hear.
14. It's ok to say no to people. It doesn't make you a bad person.
GiphyThis is one I'm still working on. There is no need to be a superhero who does it all. We are all human, and we need to take care of ourselves.
15. Short naps are the best naps.
GiphyAnything more than 30 minutes is too long. In my opinion, shoot for 20!
16. Be a little more spontaneous.
GiphyIt never killed anyone to make last minute plans or do something unexpected. Everyone needs a little excitement in their life.
17. Being busy is not an excuse. You make time for the things that really matter.
GiphyEveryone is busy, we get it. But really, if you wanted to make time for something, you would. Prioritize what is important to you.
18. Write things down. No matter how much you convince yourself, you won't remember it.
GiphyYour brain is a liar, you won't remember what your professor said in class that day. You won't remember that awesome idea you had while you were driving to work. Keep a notebook handy and write things down, even if it seems silly.
19. Even if it seems like a big deal right now, it probably won't matter a year from now.
GiphyThis sounds cliche, but it's true. Realistically, I don't remember anything that I thought was a big deal from last year. Most things we think are major are actually only minor.
20. It's never too late to learn something new.
GiphyPick up an instrument you've always wanted to play. Try a new sport. Give DIY a try. If you want to try it, do it. Don't hold yourself back because you think it's too late.
21. Open up to people. Walls may keep out pain, but they also keep out love.
GiphyIt's scary to be vulnerable, but you never know what can come of sharing your struggles with people.
22. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something.
GiphyIf you want it badly enough, and if you're willing to work hard enough for it, you can do whatever you put your mind to.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
women in street dancing
Photo by 
man and woman standing in front of louver door
Photo by 
man in black t-shirt holding coca cola bottle
Photo by 
red and white coca cola signage
Photo by 
man holding luggage photo
Photo by 
topless boy in blue denim jeans riding red bicycle during daytime
Photo by 
trust spelled with wooden letter blocks on a table
Photo by 
Everyone is Welcome signage
Photo by 
man with cap and background with red and pink wall l
Photo by 
difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations desk decor
Photo by 
photography of woman pointing her finger near an man
Photo by 
closeup photography of woman smiling
Photo by 
a man doing a trick on a skateboard
Photo by 
two men 
running man on bridge
Photo by 
orange white and black bag
Photo by 
girl sitting on gray rocks
Photo by 
assorted-color painted wall with painting materials
Photo by 
three women sitting on brown wooden bench
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
people sitting on chair in front of computer
