Today is my birthday (happy birthday to me!) With more than a year of college under my belt and experiencing many different struggles, I have learned more than I could possibly imagine. There are always lessons to come from pain, and there are some that are more prevalent than ever as I reach my twentieth time around the sun.
1. Mother definitely does know best.
Without fail, my mom gives the BEST advice. Whether it be on boys, clothes, or even something as simple as what I should have for dinner, she always knows what is right for me.
2. It is totally ok to cry.
Crying is not a weakness. It's okay to just turn on some sad music and just cry in your car. Sometimes, it is the best relief.
3. Learn as much as you can.
Do I really need to know how to knit? No, probably not. But hey, you never know what you may like to do, so it is best to explore and find out.
4. You don't always have to go out.
Sure, everyone has FOMO at least once, but if your gut is telling you that binge watching the Kardashian's alone will make you happier than going out on a Friday night, grab the remote and relax.
5. Never go to sleep angry.
I definitely learned this one (and am still learning this) the hard way. No matter what, try to resolve or come to terms with whatever issue is at hand before you go to sleep. It will help bring a quality sleep and won't put you in a bad mood the next morning.
6. Don't be afraid to do something that scares you.
Every time I have done something that freaked me out, I ended up loving the outcome. Whether that have been when I transferred universities, or got over my fear of heights and went zip-lining, these experiences have brought me great joy and reassured my decision to take risks.
7. Stop giving a f*** what people think of you.
I have always been an independent person, but more recently in college I have been self conscious about what others think of me. That phase ended quickly. Don't be afraid to do what makes you happy without judgement. And if people are judging, who cares! You are the only one who can truly make yourself happy.
8. Things don't work out for a reason.
I thought I had my whole life planned out 6 months ago. Things change for a reason. Even if you don't know that reason yet, just wait. Change can be an amazing thing, so trust the process.
9. Time really does heal everything.
In the moment, it seems like nothing will ever be okay after something really bad happens to you. Take a moment. Breathe. Give it time. Things always get better.
10. Parting ways with someone you care about will always suck.
Whether it be a friend or a significant other, it will always be hard to part ways with someone who you still care about.
11. Grades matter, but so does your health.
I can't count the times I have been anxious to the point of tears over schoolwork. School is stressful, it is okay to take some time to help yourself and make sure you are treating your mental health with as much care as your schoolwork.
12. It's okay to get a B in a class.
I'll be the first to admit I am a perfectionist. I get angry at myself when I get an 86 on a test. It's okay to not have straight A's all the time. As long as you are trying your hardest and genuinely learning, the letter doesn't matter.
13. Always carry cash on you.
You really never know.
14. Question everything.
Who's to say that the way things are being done are truly the best way? Question everything, no matter who or what.
15. Always strive to be a better friend.
Even if you think you are putting too much in, there isn't anything wrong with being there for the people you love and care for.
16. Be kind to others because it makes you happy, not because it is the "right thing to do."
I genuinely love people. I love making people's day, and I love the human connection (this is probably why I made such a great barista.) Being kind to people makes me happy, and it's something I do not because it is expected of me, but because I find joy from doing so.
17. Laugh more.
I am truly going to be shocked if I don't have smile lines by the age of 25 with how much I laugh. It really is the best medicine.
18. People come and go; appreciate them while you can.
There are people who won't be there for you forever. And that is okay. Remember to cherish memories as much as you can now before it is too late.
19. Take lots of photographs.
In this day and age, it is hard not to, but capturing memories digitally is a great way to look back on old memories and reminisce.
20. Live like there is no tomorrow.
Tell the people you care about you love them. Show gratitude. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow, so make sure you live like there isn't one.
I know that my twenties are an open book. The pages are unwritten, and I can't wait to see where these years take me.
