12 Things I Learned In 20 Years | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

12 Things I Learned In 20 Years

"Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be"

14
12 Things I Learned In 20 Years

1. Life is way too short to be unhappy

No use in getting upset over spilled milk, life truly is short. You may think the days go on and on but when you look back it all flashed right by you. If you aren't getting treated right at your job, leave. If your significant other tears you down and lets you cry yourself to sleep at night, leave. If you need a change, move. If you feel stuck in a deep, dark hole, seek help. Do what you need to do for your own mental well being, put your happiness first.

2. Not everyone is going to like you

People either like you, or they don't. You cant please everyone, just be true and honest to yourself. Don't let it bother you. For that one person that doesn't like you, there's over 20 who adore you.

3. Step out of your comfort zone

Do something you normally wouldn't. Face your fears. Challenge yourself. The after feeling when you finally take that step is overwhelming and amazing.

4. You don't have to have your shit together right out of high school

This one, this one got to me for awhile. If you didn't go to college, it's not the end of the world. If you did and you're struggling, don't worry it will all work out. You will get a good job, you will graduate, you will make it. All it takes is hard work and dedication and everything will fall into place.

5. It's okay to make mistakes

Everyone makes them. It's what you do with your mistake. Turn it into a lesson learned and move on. If you continue to think on your past mistakes you will stress yourself out beyond belief. Learn and move forward.

6. Photograph everything that makes you happy

Yes, everything. Memories last a lifetime but they can fade, pictures give you a sense of nostalgia and happiness when you look back at them. Keep a scrapbook, you will be glad you did.

7. Buy the plane ticket

If you've always wanted to visit somewhere new, go. Don't let excuses like work get in the way. Take some time off, because if you don't do it now you maybe never will. Save a little each paycheck and you'll be surprised how easy it is if you finally just go. Experiences are more vaulble than money will ever be. Adventures feed your soul.

8. Follow your damn dreams

I can't tell you how many times I've heard people older than me talk about the dream they had. They didn't chase it, and they regret it. If you have a passion for something and it lights a fire within you, run after it. Everyday work towards it, get closer. It could seem unattainable, but you can make it happen. Trust in your dreams, they lead you where you're meant to be.

9. Never go a day without reminding your family of how much you love them

The people that have had your back since day one, and even when you mistreated them they still stuck around. They love you and would do absolutely anything for you. Life is unpredictable, you never know when the last time you'll see someone is. So hug them, visit more often, and love them unconditionally.

10. Always take time to hangout with yourself

Take a walk, read a new book, order takeout, binge watch Netflix, you're never to busy to take time for yourself. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit.

11. Don't stress about dating

You're young, you won't be "forever alone" because you're single. The right person will find you, in the meantime work hard on your dreams and goals.

12. Make someone's day

No you don't have to pay for the person in the drive thru behind you (although that's my fav thing to do) simply complimenting a stranger, do the dishes even when its not your turn, help someone who's car is broke down on the side of the road, go out of your way for others. Some won't appreciate it, and that's fine. You will feel good with yourself at the end of the day.

"Have faith in your journey, everything had to happen exactly as it did to get you where you're going next" - Mandy Hale
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190806
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15219
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458098
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26749
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments