20 Things I Learned By 20 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Things I Learned By 20

All of my immense knowledge at your fingertips.

10
20 Things I Learned By 20

A few weeks ago I celebrated my 20th birthday, and have decided that since I am now half way to 40 years old and only getting wiser (kind of), I wanted to offer advice to anyone who is willing to take it. So here's a list of 20 things I've learned by 20:

1. Friends will come and go. The same people will not always be your friend, but cherish those relationships while you have them.

2. You can't make others happy if you aren't. I struggle with this so much. You can't offer genuine advice to help someone get better if you are not OK yourself.

3. Always be kind. Kindness is so important. Seriously, you may think you are so much better than everyone but still be kind. You will be respected so much more.

4. Your best self is your real self. Don't pretend to be something that you aren't to fit in. It is not worth the constant role playing.

5. Family is important, don't push them away. They know all your faults and still love you. They are here to pick you up when you're down.

6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I struggle with this one too. If you are stubborn like I am, try your best to get over it. You can grow relationships when you allow people to help you.

7. Laughter truly is the best medicine. If you know anything about me, you know that I laugh at literally anything. And luckily I have learned how to laugh at myself. You should too. Don't take yourself too seriously.

8. Give all to God. This should be number one, and common sense. You are not strong enough to handle life on your own. It's a fact.

9. Pray constantly. Always be in prayer; for yourself, friends, family, our nation etc. Never cease your prayers.

10. Love with a big heart. Love just as Christ has loved us. It's hard to always love everyone, but it is so worthwhile.

11. Never be too busy to talk to someone in need. You can miss an hour of your t.v. show or sleep to talk to someone in need. If you were in their shoes, you'd want that person to be willing to talk to you and sacrifice their own wants/needs.

12. Learn something new every day. Whether or not you are in school this applies. Make it a goal for yourself to learn something new every day. Even if it's a fact about a random person or history (There is not a shortage of these).

13. College is stressful, but so worth it. Yes. College may not seem like the option for you and that's OK. But, college is so worth the time and money I have spent. I have built such lasting friendships and grown so much in my faith.

14. Your true friends are the ones who keep your secrets, not the ones who uses them for a social status. Is this even questioned? Do not let people use you for their personal gain. Seriously, one of my biggest pet peeves.

15. You are never too busy for a talk with God. Also true. When you feel as if everyone has turned on you, God hasn't. Talk to Him in both the good and bad times.

16. Take a day for yourself. Relax, take a bubble bath, dance in your underwear. Take time for you! Discover who you are and what you love and don't let anyone change that.

17. Popularity is not that important. Sure, popularity is what most people strive for in life but it is not worth manipulation or sacrifice of good friendships for it.

18. God is always good. ALWAYS. Not sometimes, not most of the time. All of the time. Don't forget who created you, and whose plan you should strive to follow.

19. Do not play dumb to get a guy. Seriously. This is not cute. You should "get the guy" by being yourself. Strive for God and He will place the right guy in your life at the right time

20. Don't forget to tell people how much they mean to you. Sometimes your friends will be upset, and they will feel worthless. Be there to pick them up and encourage them.

These are things that I have to remind myself of daily and I am still working on getting it right. I'll come back to this next year when I have gained a plethora of new information and wisdom. Be expecting a new piece.

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.

192485
 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

16204
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...

458886
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.

27188
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