On February 25th, I turned the big 2-0. You know that birthday that you're super excited about, but your unable to do anything fun on (ONE MORE YEAR!). So thought I would share 20 life lessons that I've learned in my 20 years on this planet in honor of a blah birthday year.
1. Love yourself.
Honestly the most important lesson I've ever learned. It is hard, and necessary, and takes a long time to do--literally took me 19 years to figure it out--it is definitely not selfish, or crazy, or impossible. Love yourself, all your quirks, your body, your soul, and most important - love yourself for you. I am absolutely convinced that I was not able to love others fully until I fell in love with myself a little over a year and a half ago.
2. Embrace your enter child.
Eat those fruit snacks, pudding cups, fish-shaped crackers, and drink some juice in a pouch. Kid food will always be delicious. A part of me will secretly always want to ride in the buggy at the superstore, or go the arcade and buy some shitty toy with all the tickets I won. It's okay to let your guard down. Be a kid and escape all those adult responsibilities like at least once a month.
3. Quality NOT quantity.
Always. In everything.
4. Prove those that didn't believe you could, wrong.
My supporters have always been a little too few, and a little too far in between. However, it's pretty damn easy to turn those people on the sidelines chanting "you can't do that" into your biggest cheerleaders. Honestly, if my life had a tag line it'd be something like "provin'em wrong since '97."
5. A little anxiety is a good thing.
As long as you didn't forget your deodorant that morning, if making a decision doesn't make you a little nervous it's probably not worth making.
6. Always be humble and kind.
As Tim McGraw says:
"When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind"7. Pay it forward.
Whether it is putting five bucks on the "u-scan" at Walmart, buying a homeless man and his dog some food at Taco Bueno, or just taking some old clothes to The Salvation Army instead of Plato's Closet. You're making a difference--you may see it as small and insignificant-- but to the recipient, it's most likely huge and helpful.
"When you get where you're going, don't forget to turn back around and help the next one in line" (Also "Humble and Kind").
8. Do what you love.
And love what you do. In the end, when you're 85 years old, all that money isn't going to matter -- neither will all the debt. BUT being happy for the whole 85 years, I bet that'll mean a whole lot.
9. Don't listen to negative people.
If it isn't positive, close your ears to it. Do what you feel is best, because it's your life -- if you happen to not make the right decision then the worst that'll happen is you'll have to pick yourself up and dust yourself off.
10. Oh hey, and those negative people? They don't need to be in your life.
Because trust me they won't be there to help you get back up if it all comes crashing down -- they'll be too busy rubbing dirt in your wounds.
11. Travel AS MUCH as you can.
Anywhere, and hopefully by the time you're done living this life: everywhere.
12. Never apologize for something that you love.
If you love it, don't say sorry for loving it. If it makes you happy, don't say sorry for doing it. If feel you genuinely happy because of, and supported and loved by him/her, don't say sorry for staying by their side.
13. Take as many pictures as you can.
So when you're 85 and can't recall what Bali and the love of your life at 23 looks like, the pictures will be there to remind you.
14. Learn how to say no.
God, I suck at this. But... Learn. How. To. Say. No. You'd think a word comprised of two letters would be a lot easier to utter.
15. But also, say yes A LOT.
However, as long as your have your responsibilities covered and it isn't physically or mentally harming... Say yes. Always.
16. There's always a reason.
Surprisingly it didn't take me that long to figure out that if it's meant to be it'll happen -- if it's not meant to be it simply won't. There's always a reason for what we do, and when we do it, and most of the time it won't make sense right then.
17. A good planner will save your life.
I write down everything I do, everything that is due through the semester, everything I cook for dinner, and everything I pay on. I have places that I need to go in my phone -- it reminds me in plenty of time to leave so I'm not late and gives me directions if I don't know where I'm going. If I ever misplaced my phone or my planner I'd be lost, fired, and have straight F's. Seriously, it's a lifesaver.
18. Enjoy the little things.
Pretty sunsets. The forest. The perfect song. A minute of silence. Sunflowers on the side of the road. Your happy place. See the beauty and stop to enjoy it.
19. Quit complaining.
I seriously could be considered the queen of complaining, but it's my goal to start living Hakuna Matata for the sake of everyone else's ears. (probably something everyone should work on)
20. It's okay to not have it all figured out.
REALLY IT IS. I used to have a life plan, that was rigid and tough to follow. Now, as long as the wind is blowing in the right direction, I follow it. A lot less stressful and I bet I end up somewhere more beautiful than I could have imagined for myself.
