Today just so happens to be my twenty-first birthday. I've been waiting for this day since I turned 18 and realized the glitz and glamor that comes with being 21. Everyone else who has already celebrated their 21st makes it seem like once the clock strikes midnight, everything about you changes. But, as I come upon my twenty-first, I realized it's no different than any other birthday. And, as I get older, I want to remind myself of these twenty-one things.
1. This is the beginning of your life, not the end
Being a twenty-something in this day and age can be so hard. We have all these expectations and unnecessary deadlines we give ourselves, it's easy to feel like we're so behind on achieving our goals. It's even easier to compare yourselves to your peers who just seemingly have everything falling into place for them. Today, take a step back and remind yourself you're on your OWN journey. God has a plan for you that will unfold when the time is right. Enjoy the journey, don't race it.
2. You're not "getting old"
For the love of God, 21 does not mean grey hairs galore. It just means you can legally drink in the good ole U. S. of A. Enjoy that.
3. Drink with class and dignity
It's not a race to see who can get drunkest the fastest. Enjoy each sip of your alcoholic beverage and enjoy the buzzed feeling. Don't black out.
4. Spend more time with your mom
Even if it's just to go get dinner and a drink. Or just a drink. Or several drinks by the pool. Just spend some time with her and unload all of your stresses to her. You'll feel better before the night is over.
5. Be spontaneous
The bills will always be there. The stresses will always be there. But your youth and your freedom and adventure won't. Take advantage of it while you can
6. Enjoy life more
Even on the stressful days when the mind-numbing headache is creeping in on hour #10, enjoy the little things. Enjoy being alive. Enjoy having things to care about and stress over.
7. Eat what you want without feeling so guilty
Life is a balance, so if you're really craving that cheeseburger, make some time for a walk or a half hour gym sesh.
8. Stop living in the past
Things happen for a reason, and whether you know the reason or not; you can't change what has already happened. Live for now, not then.
9. Pet more dogs
Instead of gawking at the dog walking past you, stop and ask to pet it. Give the owner a compliment and make a new friend. Pet all the dogs. All of them.
10. Be more understanding
Instead of jumping to conclusions, try to see life from the other person's perspective.
11. Make time for yourself
The extra shifts will be there, school will be there, life will be there. But you won't be able to enjoy any of it if you don't give yourself a break every once in a while.
12. Those who love you will not leave you
The ones who truly love you, and actively show it, won't leave you over something stupid. Surround yourself with those who show they care and never, ever let them go.
13. Spend more time with your dogs
Their lives are a lot shorter than yours, so enjoy their company while they're here
14. Spend less time on social media
You can't enjoy life seeing it through a glass screen. Put the phone down, give 100% of your attention to what's right in front of you.
15. Remember how far you've already come
Everything you've accomplished this far is not for nothing. They're stepping stones for where you're going.
16. Focus on where you're going
Look into your heart of hearts, figure out what it is that you truly want, and make that your goal. After you reach it, make another goal. Keep reaching.
17. Stop doubting yourself
You are allowed to make mistakes, but don't let the fear of messing up stop you from taking some risks.
18. Talk less, listen more
Wait for your turn to speak. Listen and learn and open your mind to opinions different than your own.
19. Be more patient
Patience is not your strong suit, and who can really blame you? But try not to fly off the handle the next time something less than ideal happens.
20. Read more
Stop saying you don't have time. MAKE TIME! Your life is going by and I KNOW you want to read the latest book craze.
21. Enjoy the ride
Life is full of ups and downs, peaks and valleys. You only turn twenty-one once, so enjoy this year and make it count.
