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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

I've learned a lot in my 20 years, and I know I'll continue to learn as the years go by.

Alissa Kane

May 15, 2018

The Narrative

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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

Alissa Kane

I recently entered a wild new world, the world of officially being in my twenties.

It’s crazy to think that I’m here, a 20-year-old student, halfway through college, and that much closer to entering the real world; the adult world. I am ready to tackle this next chapter and everything that this life will have to offer. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s scary, and it is bittersweet to leave my teen years behind me.

Though it may not have always been the smoothest of sailing by any means, I’ve weathered the storms and became a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individual.

I’m looking at my twenties as a clean slate, and as a wide open window of opportunity.

I’ve compiled this list as a reminder for me that there is always something to learn from in every situation, whether good or bad, and it will only help you grow into the person you are meant to be.

Here are 20 things I’ve learned in my 20 years:

1. Do more of what makes YOU happy.

2. Take more risks.

3. Stop taking everything so seriously.

4. It’s okay to outgrow friendships.

5. Eat the damn cupcake if you want to.

6. Time alone is just as important as time spent with others.

7. Never be afraid to ask for help.

8. You’re not always right.

9. Never underestimate your parent's advice (odds are, they’re right!).

10. College may not be the best time of your life.

11. Live for the moment and not the pictures.

12. Not everyone is going to like you.

13. People are capable of change.

14. It’s okay to forgive and not forget.

15. Don’t be afraid of failure.

16. It’s okay to say no.

17. But it’s also okay to say yes.

18. Quality is MUCH better than quantity, in all aspects.

19. Keep your standards high!

20. Be kind.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

I've learned a lot in my 20 years, and I know I'll continue to learn as the years go by.

Here are 20 things I’ve learned in my 20 years:

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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