10 Things I've Learned in My 20 Years of Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things I've Learned in My 20 Years of Life

Reflecting On The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly As I Say Goodbye To My Teens (Yikes).

158
10 Things I've Learned in My 20 Years of Life
NBC

As I enter my birth-week, (whoop whoop) I decided I should bid a proper adieu to my teenage years. Your 20s are supposed to be the best time of your life...right? Either way, I'd love to share life lessons, no matter how stupid they may sound, that will allow me (and anyone who wants to try them out) to welcome a new year of life with optimism and a glaring lack of bullshit.

1. Order the burger, forget the salad

I don't care if Spring Break is the next week, you don't need to cleanse or diet to the extent that you drool over a picture of a burger. In the grand scheme of things, you will be so much happier that you enjoyed a filling meal with your friends instead of looking .5 inches thinner in your bikini picture.

2. Stay up the extra hour later to hang out with your friends

Whether you're tired or have some homework to finish up, you can't replace the 1 a.m. memories you make with your friends. Sitting in a room and talking, or just running around f**king shit up-those are the moments you can never get back. You will get your homework done and you will still graduate, I promise.

3. Talk to the person next to you in class

Everyone in your lecture hall is just as miserable as you. Getting through a semester is a LOT better with someone to talk to and do homework with. You may surprise yourself and make a lifelong friend-I made two best friends because I was brave enough to talk on the first day and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

4. Take every stupid, spontaneous opportunity

Don't be the shy one that sits back and watch, be the person that grabs the microphone and does karaoke in front of an entire restaurant. Shake the guest speaker's hand and give them your number for an internship. Dance on a table... sober. Life is too short to not.

5. Don't be a shit-talker, be that annoying, positive person

No one will ever hate you for boosting them up TOO much. If you have something to vent about, do it! Don't keep it all in. But never maliciously say something that you wouldn't say to someone's face. Tell your feelings to someone you're frustrated with so you can get over it and just be happy.

6. DO NOT hold grudges

It is so not worth your energy. Let someone go if they are really that bad, but I'm totally a sucker for second chances.

7. Don't give up what you love because you're "getting older"

If you love drawing, do it every day. Post pictures of it. Be proud of it. I was a dancer my whole life, and ever since the first day of college, I've missed it. I've found ways to keep it in my life, and it is such a stress-reliever. Do what you love every day. Make a career of it if you can! Shit, I hope these articles make me famous so this can be my job.

8. Give the people you love lots of attention, even if they act like they don't want it

If your friend is in a mood, they might not want to wallow in their sadness alone. Squeeze them and make them watch funny videos with you. Take them to Starbucks and jam out the whole way there. It's much better than walking away and letting their shit day get shitter.

9. Wear whatever the f you want

Don't check your friend's outfits before you go out. Wear what you feel good in. I'm the first one to wear a bright yellow outfit when everyone else is (slaying) in black. Buy something fun, if you wear it with confidence, you'll always look trendy.

10. Just laugh it off

If you embarrass yourself, fail one quiz, or say something dumb in front of everyone, don't let it make you feel lesser than. Laugh it off, there is so much more to life than staying quiet and letting a bad feeling consume you. If it helps, sometimes I look up how big the universe is in comparison to Earth and I remember how irrelevant stupid shit is.

I'm going into this year with an open-mind and badass attitude, and even if it's not your birthday, reinvent yourself to do the same! Hit me up with any life lessons I haven't realized or hit me up with a birthday present. I like Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Gucci. Thanks!

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.

196376
 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

18530
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...

460617
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.

28172
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