20 Things I Have Learned In My 20 Years Of Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Things I Have Learned In My 20 Years Of Life

They'll definitely apply over the next 20 years

11
20 Things I Have Learned In My 20 Years Of Life
Kaitlyn Cooke

I know some of you are thinking what do I know in my mere 20 years of existing and I know, I don't have a whole lot of life experience but there are a few things I have learned in my (barely) 20 years on this earth and I figured I would share.

1. Family over everything

One thing life has taught me for sure is that people will hurt you, people will betray you and people will not care. Family is forever as cliché as it sounds but family is always there for you no matter what.

2. True friends are actually hard to find

People say it all the time and I never actually believed it until I got a little older. Once again, people will betray you, some people just want to use you and that's fine. It says nothing about you but everything about them.

3. There is beauty in pain

Life is synonymous with pain but life is also synonymous with beauty. Pain will not come without allowing something greater to be born. A positive mind and optimism are essential to life, especially in times of despair.

4. High School means nothing

Sure it's alright at the time but it really means nothing in the grand scheme of things. There is so much more growth that happens afterward, the stuff that happened in high school doesn't mean a thing.

5. Knowledge is power...

Knowledge really is the key to success. You can never learn enough and a good education is essential to life and a successful career. However, how you use that knowledge can make all the difference.

6. ...but ignorance is bliss

Contradicting the last one, the less you know the happier you'll be, especially when it comes to people.

7. God is real

I have seen him work and I have felt him in the most terrible times.

8. Life is brutal

It's brutal for everyone, for some the suffering just comes earlier than others. Everyone says that life isn't fair and they are right, but it's not fair for anyone.

9. Life is also beautiful

Although life can be difficult, I have seen more happy times than sad times in my short time here and those stand out to me more. I am often humbled by the blessings that come my way.

10. Second chances can be given

Humans are not perfect as we all know. Everyone messes up so most of the time a second chance can be earned but never a third. After two times, they are just taking advantage of you.

11. There are not many things chocolate can't fix

Chocolate is one of life's greatest indulgences (very simple, I know), and in my experiences, it helps when I'm upset, cranky, tired, hot, cold or all of the above.

12. Society's definition of beauty is garbage

Beauty comes from within. It is not a tiny waist or a pretty face, it is a genuine spirit and a kind heart. Outward looks will fade but what's on the inside will not. Remembering this, however, is the hard part.

13. Lebron James is the best there ever was

This is self-explanatory and no, not just because I am from Ohio, but it helps.

14. I cannot dance

I still do though. I am the worst dancer I know but I still do it more often than I should; life is too short not to.

15. People are going to think what they want of you

Whether it is right or wrong, people will think what they want and that is okay as long as you are okay with the truth of who you actually are.

16. Coffee is necessary

Caffeine, in general, is great but especially if it is coffee. Coffee is essential to a clear mind.

17. There is more to life than the "perfect body"

There is so much more to be desired in life than a body that will eventually, in time, fade away. This is something I (and I am sure many other beautiful women as well) still struggle with every day.

18. The best things in life are hardly ever actual things

The best things in life are the intangible or nonmaterialistic things money cannot buy. They are irreplaceable and unchangeable.

19. Your identity doesn't come from social media

Coming from this era, it is hard not to get caught up in social media and conveying the perfect life to others. This is the opposite of what we should actually embrace. Life gets messy sometimes but that's what makes it fun.

20. You are worthy

EVERYONE has something to offer in this life that only they can give. Never discount yourself and always remember that you are worth it.

My time on Earth has not been very long, but that's just it, nobody's is. I still have so much to learn and figure out but I'm eager to go pursue the things coming my way and you should too, no matter your age.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

13188
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2468
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1525
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments