I recently turned 20 this past week. After the celebration ended, the number 20 got me thinking. Sure, it isn't a big birthday like 16, 18 or even 21. However, turning 20 is pretty symbolic. The twenties are supposedly the best years of your life. One usually graduates college, establishes their career, falls in love and even may have a few kids. This sort of freaked me out. The thought of growing up and settling down can be a little uneasy for someone with a wild soul. I sometimes feel like I am not prepared for the adult world. However, I took some time to reminisce. I have come a long way to this journey of turning 20. I have loved, lost, grown and discovered who I am. Here is a list of 20 things I have learned by 20.
1. Loyalty is rare. Trust yourself.
2. Love is timeless. It will never be out of style.
3. A strong support system is vital for survival.
4. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
5. Perfection is not a real thing. Imperfection is.
6. Not everything is going to be OK.
7. It is OK to not be OK.
8. Your dreams are real, and they are achievable.
9. Love yourself before you love someone else.
10. Do not be so hard on yourself, you are only human.
11. Never settle for anything less than you deserve or desire.
12. Life moves so fast, embrace the moments.
13. Make sure to stop and pause once in awhile. Reflect on your journey.
14. Enjoy your time. If you are not happy, change something.
15. Wasted time can be the best time.
16. Growing up is an ongoing process, it never really ends.
17. You are never too old to learn something new; you are never too young to learn something old.
18. Educate yourself on the world around you.
19. Never give up on something you can't stop thinking about. It is a sign if it won't leave your mind.
20. Never forget about the things that set your heart on fire. The flame will never burn out as long as you remember to keep igniting it.
Now this isn't everything, but merely highlights of what I have learned. I am excited to embrace the 20s with an open mind and heart.