There are some things you just learn once you hit 20.
1. You can let go of those toxic friends.
You don't need them anymore. You have all new friends; you are never required to stick around and suffer for someone else's benefit or ego. Say goodbye to that awful roommate, say cya never to the girl who slept with your ex-high-school-sweetheart as a rebound. Say adios to the friends who stab you in the back and talk About you instead of To you. Say goodbye to all those disastrous people.
2. March to the sound of your own drum.
Do what makes you happy, not what everyone around you is going to consider "cool".
3. It's okay to be vulnerable.
No one is ever going to be perfectly together at all times. Relax, open up, and have a good cry every once in awhile.
4. Do well in school.
Contrary to popular belief, your GPA will matter more than you think with future jobs. Don't slack off in school - focus on it. All those little things, like fighting with someone who you'll never see again in your life after college, doesn't mean s**t in the long run. Besides, 1 semester is only 16 weeks. How hard can that be? Winter break will be here before you know it.
5. Be a mentor to people.
Be someone that others around you look up to. Be nice to everyone (even if that's hard); tutor a student struggling in a class you happen to excel in; be a listening ear to a friend who is going through a hard time. Do something to leave your mark on the world.
6. Incorporate exercising into your daily routine.
You're 20 now. You need to exercise. Get off the friggin couch and go outside for a run, or even a walk if you need to start on the basics. You're an adult! You are going to blow up like a balloon if you continue to eat junk yet do nothing to help your body. If you need the extra oomph, ask some friends to be accountability partners and go in a group!
7. Don't second guess yourself.
Whether it's on an exam, or a gut feeling you have at a frat-party-gone-wrong: trust your instinct.
8. Stop playing the victim.
Own up to your mistakes. Don't turn the story around to make people pity you - it's not working.
9. Get sleep.
In addition with number 6 on this list, you need to start looking our for your health. Pulling all-nighters or staying up til 4am for a 9am class isn't cutting it anymore. Your sleep schedule needs to be established, otherwise you're going to gain weight, be grumpy 24/7, and will be too physically exhausted to think or do anything.
10. Stop taking your parents for granted...
They created you, for heaven's sake. They want you to succeed, but they can't keep you under their wing forever. Leaving dirty dishes for your mom to pick up and still getting an allowance from your dad at this age is unacceptable. They raised you better than that and frankly, you're just a bum if you keep doing this past 20. Get your own income. Make your own phone calls to schedule a dentist or doctor appointment. Say thank you when your mom makes a dinner plate for you.
11. ...but don't abandon them, either.
Leaving your parents out of your life should be cardinal sin #1. They love you unconditionally and want to keep in touch, obviously. What mother doesn't want to check in on her babies that are all grown up? Yes, it can get annoying sometimes, but that doesn't mean you can't call them once in awhile. Don't be a d**k to your family. That's just not cool.
12. Voice your opinion.
Even if you're a soft-spoken person, you need to stick up for yourself. If you're at a frat party and they offer you beer and you're uncomfortable, JUST SAY NO. It will only hurt yourself if you can't stand your ground.
13. Cherish every moment you get.
I love late night car rides with my squad at college. I love being with my A cappella group, even if rehearsal is brutal that night. I am cherishing every moment I get with the people I meet because one day, they're just going to be a FaceBook post and all I can really do to catch up with them is comment on their status.
14. Don't hold grudges.
This is something I struggle with to this day. It's only hurting you physically, mentally, and emotionally if you can't forgive and forget. Drop people from your mind instead of keeping them their to add fuel to the fire. You're literally only making yourself angrier while the other person doesn't give a rat's a** anymore.
15. Use a planner.
Planning homework deadlines, weekend getaways, your work schedule, and friends' birthdays are not ALL going to be memorized. Get organized and write stuff down. Plus, this gives you a reason to go buy a cute 17-month calendar planner like mine!
16. Be proud of your beliefs!
Don't let a hater squash your religious views or your political stance. You are you and that's the best thing you can be.
17. Present yourself everyday (if you can).
Yeah, we've all had those days where we oversleep and wake up in a panic because we'll be late to class. Those days aside; when you do have time, be presentable. Don't wear the shirt you slept in last night to work and wash your hair if it's oily. First impressions are really a thing, and no one wants to see you as a slob. (P.s. I still love you, Mila.)
18. Learn to love your body.
There's that body part you really hate: stare at it in the mirror and smile. I always thought my ears were too big, but I fell in love with piercings and they've made me love my ears now. Self-confidence is an admirable quality when looking for a significant other, so grow to like your freckles, wide hips, or your defined calf muscles and flaunt what you got!
19. Good things come to those who wait.
Yes, that is one of the cheesiest phrases in the book. But, it's true. After getting dumped by my now ex-high-school-sweetheart, I swore no one would ever love me again. Not but 2 months after, I got into a relationship with my current significant other and I couldn't be more happier. I waited for the perfect person and I found him. (Shout-out to Bob).
20. Last but not least, enjoy life.
You've hit your second decade of living. Congrats! You have plenty more to go, so go out there and LIVE.
