There are a lot of things I learn on a daily basis. Like using clorox wipes to mop your floor when you don't have a Swiffer is not as efficient as one might think. Or that if I add a pump of toffee-nut syrup to a vanilla bean frappuccino at Starbucks it basically tastes the exact same as their birthday cake frappuccino. Or my boyfriend, who is very knowledgable when it comes to trucks, probably tells me a new fact about them overtime we're on the road. What I'm getting at is that I learn a lot everyday even if it isn't the most necessary thing in the world, I'm still always learning and growing. But since this year is my golden birthday and I turn 20 on September 20th, here are some of 20 most important things I've learned in my short 20 years of life.
1. Forgive and forget? Or maybe just... move on.
Honestly, it can be exhausting trying to forget something someone did to you. Or to forgive them. It's hard, it really is. And while I admire people who are able to "forgive and forget" I have an incredible talent at holding grudges. So rather than always forgiving or forgetting or both, I've learned that sometimes it's okay just to move on.
2. Don't put all your efforts into someone who's not willing to put their efforts into you.
I mean this for guys and girls. Do not chase after someone who is not into you or who doesn't seem head-over-heels for you. What I've learned is that if someone likes you, they will let you know and make it happen. Don't spend five years liking the same guy expecting him to one day realize that he's been in love with you this whole time. You eventually just need to realize that there's someone else out there who will appreciate your efforts.
3. Communicate.
I can't even think of the amount of times something went wrong simply from miscommunication. It is incredibly easy to assume things; whether it's what your girlfriends are wearing to dinner, i.e., jeans and t-shirts or maxi-dresses, or whether or not a friend is mad at you. In the end, it's best to just talk things out and find out what's going on.
4. If there is hair in your food, throw the whole thing away.
5. Don't cheat in scho– scratch that; don't cheat at anything, ever.
I don't know if the whole "we've all done it" thing is true in this case, but I will admit I cheated in some of my classes throughout my education and what did that get me? A letter grade, sure, but an education? No. Now that I've gotten to college I refuse to cheat on anything ever. I've realized that this is my education and it is a privilege that I get to have one and I shouldn't take that for granted. Since college I've learned more than I ever did in high school. But regarding other things? Don't cheat on someone. Seriously. That's just shitty. And if you really loved someone, you would not cheat on them. I mean that's just horrible. Anyways, just don't cheat at anything in life ever. It's unfair to yourself and other people. Just don't do it.
6. Own a fluffy pillow or blanket.
There is nothing more comforting than going to bed at night with something so soft and cozy. Even if you do kick everything off of the bed at night, it's still a nice touch.
7. Take care of your body.
If that's stretching or running or drinking water, just do what you can to keep it doin' a-ok. Because it is true that the older you get, the harder it is to recover and you will be a little more stiff and sore. When I wake up in the mornings I think like 15 different joints pop, but I also danced for 13 years and I blame that.
8. Don't be scared to lose friends.
You'll learn that some people are going to use you. Whether you have a pool or a cool mom or a car big enough to drive people, people will use you. It's sad, but often inevitable. You'll find those who are truly your friends and care about you. So next time someone want's to come over and swim, don't be afraid to say no. Especially if they never invite you to anything.
9. TRAVEL. TRAVEL. TRAVEL.
I cannot emphasize this enough. This world has some incredible things to show you if you take the time to go see it. Whether it's Paris lit up at night or down in southern Arkansas, this planet amazes me daily. Nature is a beautiful thing, my friend.
10. Get the damn dog and just be overjoyed with the love it gives you.
11. Chose a major/career that will make you happy.
Look, if you wanna be a teacher, but you'd rather make good money so you go into accounting, that's all good and dandy. But I say do what you love. And if you love accounting, that's cool. But get a job doing something you love. Life is too short not to be happy going to work every single day.
12. Go to lots of concerts.
Concerts can't be compared to anything else in the world. I mean really, you're watching your favorite, or maybe not so favorite, artists on a stage playing live music and singing. Even if they're not your favorite band there's something amazing in and of itself that people can all strum instruments and sing and play notes together and create art.
13. Do things that make you uncomfortable; but a good uncomfortable.
Maybe don't go as far as holding a tarantula, because that would scare the living crap out of me, but like ask someone out that you like for a date or go on that roller coaster or take a chance and write for a major online corporation.
14. Keep in touch with family.
Those uncles whose laps you sat on when you were little or those aunts that were at birthday parties with your cousins–they really do care about you more than you know. They, like your parents, have watched you grow up your entire life. And your cousins are like built in best friends.
15. Be nice for the love of all things holy.
I can remember kids in my class bullying this other kid who also happened to be mentally retarded and he was a little different than the rest of us. He was shy and needed more help in class and people were always mean to him and I've never understood why people are just so harsh. I got bullied for my weight and acne and makeup, I'm not saying that was worse, I just know what it's like to be picked on. So in any situation, no matter what, be kind and show some love.
16. Accept your failures.
We all are going to fail at something in life. For me it's chemistry but that's beside the point. We can't all be incredible at something and there are instances where we're going to make mistakes or lose or fail. It's just how things are but you cannot let it define you.
17. Get to know your elders.
Whether it's teachers who've been in the biz for 40 years or your boyfriend's nana or your doctor, they've got some stories to tell and words of advice. And more likely than not they're going to be pretty cool and down to earth. They make pretty great friends and they always know what to say. They can be some of the most encouraging people you'll ever get to know.
18. Try new things, but don't forget your roots.
This could be as simple as ordering the new burger at Steak'N'Shake rather than the Frisco Melt, but still getting your chocolate-banana side by side shake. Or if you travel, you can explore a new country and try new foods and discover an entirely different culture, but don't forget where you came from. It's nice to get out and find out what all you like, but it's important too to know your comfort zone and what feels right.
19. Watch some classic movies.
It sounds like a total cliche, but movies do have a lot to say. JAWS might keep you out of the ocean and Forrest Gump may just leave you with a lot of quotes, but movies are stories, and if you look at them close enough you'll find their meaning. They can tell stories of love, disabilities, war, history, health disorders; all kinds of things. But there's also nothing better than having a long list of classic movies you've seen.
20. Don't let the haters keep you from doin' your thang.
As a philosopher once said, "I'd rather be hated for who I am then loved for who I am not." This man was Kurt Cobain, and although he's not the greatest role model, the man left us with undoubtedly some of the greatest music we'll ever know and also some pretty great words of advice. What I'm getting at is that you shouldn't be afraid to be who you are, because it's important to always stay true to yourself.
