If you are reading this, you are most likely in the midst of your 20s, or as I like to call them, your selfish years.
Growing up, I lived life for other people--my parents, my friends, or my teachers. Over the course of 20, I have grown into my skin and have become the best version of myself. I couldn’t have done that without focusing on me. Not only will these things make you happier, but they will help you grow to your fullest potential.
1. Take time out for yourself.
Between the loads of studying and your social life, do something for yourself every day. Buy the shoes you like, find a hobby, or explore. In between all the insanity going on, it is important to have you time.
2. Spend more time laughing.
Stop caring. Stop getting consumed in other people’s opinions of you, in stress, and life in general. Life is not meant to be taken too seriously, so you need to remember to not sweat the small stuff and shake it off.
3. Create memories.
The funnest part about being young is being able to create memories and experiences with your best friends. Make a bucket list and cross everything off, because as we have all heard it, you're only young once.
4. Rejoice in your health.
It is necessary to be mindful and exercise while you are young because we all know that someday, our metabolisms won’t be as good as they are now and our ability to do and eat anything will fade. Sad but true.
5. But don’t feel guilty for eating a piece of cake.
It's no secret that in a 20-year-old’s mind, we have to have the perfect body. But sometimes you just have eat the cake, with some ice cream. Life is too short.
6. Do not settle for mediocre people.
A boyfriend, best friend, anyone in general. If someone is not your biggest cheerleader, erase them. You were meant to be amazing - don’t surround yourself with anyone who makes you feel anything short of that.
7. See the world.
Our responsibilities and time when we are this young are very limited. If the opportunity arises, go out and observe the world because someday, you will have less time and far more responsibilities than you do now.
8. Don't apologize for who you are.
There will be people who don't agree with what you do, but the right people will recognize your worth and love everything about you. Get tattoos, dye your hair, whatever. Do what makes you happy with who makes you happy. Embrace yourself; there is only one you.
9. Fall in love.
Whether it's with a person, a hobby, or a passion of yours, fall in love with it. Love is a powerful emotion that is not to be taken lightly. As far as people go, there is nothing wrong with falling in love young, and there is nothing wrong with living your life on your own for as long as you want.
10. You don't have to have it all figured out.
You will change your mind maybe a thousand times before you actually decide what you want to do with your life, and that is OK. Often times, others around you will know exactly where they are headed and you shouldn't compare yourself to them; their story is written differently than yours. You will figure it out, you will succeed, and you will end up where you are supposed to be eventually. Take it easy.
11. Choose your words wisely.
The old saying goes, "People will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." When making your mark on this world, it is better to be remembered as the person with a good heart, rather than the person who made others feel bad about themselves.
12. "Overuse I love you."
We are growing up so fast and are often so busy that we forget to stop and appreciate our loved ones. Call your parents/siblings and tell them you love them and let your friends know how much they mean to you every single day. Tomorrow is never guaranteed for us or them, so take advantage of being able to say those three words at all times.
13. Let go of what was.
If there is one thing you should take away from this, it's that it does no good to hold a grudge or worry about what the people you used to know are doing. Forget about your ex-boyfriend, the friend that turned out to be no friend at all, and the situations that had a negative impact on you. The past is the past for a reason, keep everything and everyone there where they belong.
It didn’t take me long to realize that these are the years to live for. We do not get these years back, so cherish and utilize them as every 20 something year old should. You do not want to look back and think, "I wish I would have done that," but rather look back and say, "I did it all." Take advantage of your selfish years; it is your time to take on the world and show it what you are made of.
