If you're like me and are close to turning 20, you are probably confused on where your life is going, and how you even got to where you are. Maybe you need a confidence boost that everything you're doing is OK, and you will find your path. You've made it through almost two decades of life on this Earth, and you had to have been doing something right. But here is some advice if you need some inspiration to make it up to 20 years and beyond.
1. Save your money, but budget for some fun
Saving your hard earned money is extremely important for paying off bills and college payments and for necessities in the future. But it's also important to allow yourself some spending on things you want. Sometimes you gotta just splurge and get that new dress or this new shoes!
2. Be your own person
It's important to know who you are, or at least give yourself the opportunity to find who you want to be. Don't follow the crowd if you don't want to. Make sure you give yourself time to put yourself first every now and then.
3. Don't plan your life around other people
People don't always have the same desires and wishes that you do, but you shouldn't be hard on yourself for that. Just go with the flow, and don't let that kind of thing hold you back too much from enjoying your life. Remember that you are in control!
4. Learn to cut toxic relationships
This also means toxic friendships and things that don't make you happy. Make choices that benefit you and make you happy.
5. It's OK to be selfish
Cutting people out of your life may sound really hard, and it may make you feel selfish, but your thoughts and feelings are important too. Don't let anyone undermine the dreams you have and the feelings you feel.
6. Take time for you
It can be hard to find time for you in the business of a day or a week, but make sure you leave time to take care of yourself. Leave time for a drive through your town, or time to watch your favorite series on Netflix every once in a while.
7. Appreciate your parents
As you get older, your parents are obviously getting older too. Unfortunately, we don't have an infinite amount of time together with our parents so it's important to make time to see them and tell them you love them.
8. Appreciate the little things
If someone holds the door for you or tells you your hair is pretty, take a little extra time to appreciate that moment in time before going on with your day. There are still good people out there and it's important to acknowledge that people like this still exist.
9. Master the art of forgiveness
People may hurt you, and people may do things you don't like. Learn to forgive them, even when they don't apologize. Don't let it hold you back. You can accept an apology without saying "it's ok", because it may not always be OK, but that doesn't mean you should let it stop you in your tracks.
10. Try something new
Step out of your comfort zone! Try a new food or a new activity you normally wouldn't do. Listen to new music, try a new dance. It could end up being your favorite thing! Don't fear the idea of expanding your mind and opinions.
11. Learn to make social connections
Put your phone down and be with the people you are with. Whether that means you're out with your friends or you're at work, it's rude and in some situations unprofessional to be hidden behind a phone screen all the time. Learn to make personal connections with those around you.
12. Understand there's so much more to see than where you grew up
There's so much world out there to explore, make sure you take advantage of any and all opportunities that are possible for you to see places outside of what you know. Travel to places near and far, wherever you can afford to go, and take in the culture there.
13. Look for the positives instead of negatives
Sometimes negatives can drown out your views of what is good in your world, so make sure you look for the good in all situations instead of the bad. Take time to laugh at yourself, and at things around you.
14. It's OK to fail
Life doesn't always work out the way we want it to, and sometimes you're going to encounter some roadblocks and setbacks. No matter how big or small the challenges you face are, remember that failure is the best way to learn what success looks like.
15. It's OK to have feelings
Sometimes life is just too hard. We have a lot of feelings, whether it's happy or sad or angry or excited. You have every right to feel how you feel and not worry how others view you.
16. Don't freak out when you get overwhelmed
Try to find a balance in what you do with your life, and if it becomes too much, don't stress too much. It will all fall into place.
17. Ask for help
You don't have to go through the madness on your own. Always keep someone around that you can confide in and trust, or go to when you need guidance. Friends, family, teachers, etc can all be useful and valuable resources.
18. Don't go looking for love
Love is nice, and it's sweet to have that special someone, but don't go out of your way looking for love because it is most likely in the wrong places or the wrong situations. Love will find a way to work itself out when you aren't even expecting it and it will be so worth it. Don't force a love that isn't really there.
19. Use your head
People aren't always who they say they are, and some situations don't always work out how you want. Be smart and take care of yourself. Make the best out of the situations you're given.
20. Don't lose yourself
It can be easy to change who you are to match the place or group of people you live around, but hold on to your identity and keep it close to your heart as long as you can. You've made it this far, and you can make it for many years to come!
So if you're like me and you have no idea where your life is going, just know that you made it to almost 20 years of life, and you will have great success whatever you do in the future! Best of luck to you as you kiss your teens goodbye forever.
