As I prepare to celebrate my 22nd birthday, I think back and remember the past 21 years and what I have done and what I will do. It is also nice to look back at what I have learned. So, as I was reminicing on 21 years of life, here are 21 pieces of advice to hopefully help everyone that needs it.
1. You find friends in the weirdest places
This could not be more true. As I look at the people I am friends with now I can't imagine life without them but I met the in weird places. My one friend and I were in marching band together but we really didn't get close until after I graduated. My other closest friend hasn't even completed high school yet! We started as co-workers but now you can't keep us from talking to each other. It is amazing where you meet people! So, keep your eyes open and maybe someone amazing will walk in to your life when you least expect it.
2. Leave the past in the past
Don't bring up your past mistakes and don't bring up others. It is the past for a reason. live for the now and enjoy it because you never know when life will be over.
3. It's OK to live with regret
I know I just said to leave the past in the past, but it is also OK to live with regret. Everyone has it. I regret not trying out for the musical sophomore year, not playing golf all four years of high school. I have regrets and I am OK with that. Just don't let your regrets hold you back from living your life in the now.
4. It's OK to take five or more years to finish college
Some of us choose majors that will take us more than four years to complete others of us can't handle a full course load and some of us just need that fifth year. This is perfectly fine. Yes, there will be some people that judge you but their words mean nothing. You are furthering your education and trying to give yourself a better future. So, take as long as you need to, it really is ok.
5. "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Not only is this a Dumbledore quote but it is some of the best advice I have ever recieved. You could be having a rough day or something might have you upset but you have to remember the positives. You are alive, If you have nothing else to be positive about be positive about that! You are alive! Find your light that shines in the darkness.
6. Read a book that changes your perspective on life
To Kill a Mockingbird, The Fault in our Stars, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The Kite Runner are a few examples of books that could change your perspective on life. Read a book that will change your life, you will be glad you did.
7. Continue to learn
Never stop learning. The world is your classroom, learn whatever you can.
8. It's OK to be confused
We all need help and e all have moments that confuse us. It's ok to be confused. Ask for help and move forward.
9. Stop looking for love
Love will find you when the time is right. Stop looking for it because as long as you are looking for it you will find it in all the wrong places.
10. It's okay to be selfish (sometimes)
There are times you have to put yourself first. You can't continue to push to make others happy if you are unhappy or unhealthy yourself.
11. Treat your self
Buy the shoes. Get the ice cream cone. Money will always be there if something is meant to happen. It is okay to treat yourself.
12. It's ok to take a lot of pictures
I used to be really annoyed by this. My best friend takes pictures of everything, When we got lunch, walking around in stores, in the car, she takes pictures of everything. Now as I get older and look back at all the memories I have that I don't have pictures for. Take the picture, you will regret it if you don't!
13. Likes mean nothing
The number of likes on your selfie means absolutely nothing! Quit posting just to get likes. Post the picture or the status because you want to not because you want the attention.
14. Be yourself
If you take any advice from this article and apply it to your life, I hope it is this. You are unique. There is only one you. Don't let anyone tell you not to be you. It sadly took me 21 years to realize this but I am sure glad I did, Dance with everyone watching, Belt out that Adele song out of tune, and be you! Don't let anyone stop you!
15. Call your parents
They worry about you! If you can't make a phone call, send an email, post on their facebook or just do something that lets them know you are thinking of them. They will appreciate it more than you know!
16. Eat the healthy stuff
Yes, I'm talking about those fruits and veggies mom and dad tried to get us to eat as kids but we didn't want to. Our bodies are not what they were when we were younger, so, we have to put more good stuff in and less of the bad stuff. They can't be that bad, right?
17. Remember to smile
Smiling is important. You might be the only smile someone sees today. Your smile could brighten someones day, so smile!
18. Live life to the fullest
Remember earlier how I mentioned that it is ok to live with regret? Well, even though it is ok to live with regret, remember to live life to the fullest and you will have no regrets!
19. Respect is important
Treat the janitor the same way you would treat the boss. Need I say more?
20. Adventure is out there
Explore the world before you have a job and children that will limit your ability to travel.
21. You are enough
Don't let anyone make you feel like anything less!
