When you're in your 20's, it's easy to feel lost and confused about your life. People in their 20's are going through a lot of changes -- going to college, entering the work force or starting a family, your 20's are a very trying time. While I'm still young and still have a lot to learn, I can honestly say that I've learned a lot of valuable life lessons in the past 22 years.
1. Make Changes If You Aren't Happy
This is a time in your life when you're old enough to have the freedom to make your own decisions, and you probably aren't tied to any serious commitments. If you're bored with the way things are, change it! Move to another state. Apply for your dream job. Travel. You have the world at your fingertips, enjoy it while you can.
Recommended for you
2. Don't Be Afraid To Fall In Love
The idea of love can be absolutely terrifying. You are completely vulnerable, and you put your heart and emotions into the hands of another person. But if you can find someone who will makes you happier than ever, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Don't let the fear stop you because if you find love, it is so magical.
3. Your Broken Heart Will Heal
OK, I know I just told you to fall in love with someone, but that doesn't always work out as planned. You might get your heart broken into a million pieces. But as awful as it feels, it's going to get better. Surround yourself with positivity and you'll be OK.
4. Don't Let Others Define You
Often times, people will judge you based on certain personality traits, your looks or your ethnicity. Make sure you are your own person, without letting other people's opinions affect you.
5. Make Time To Do What You Love
Your 20's can be a very busy time, but make sure you put some time aside for yourself. Life can easily get very monotonous if all you do is work, school and sleep. Put aside some time to dedicate to you and doing something you enjoy.
6. Keep In Touch With Your Parents
I know you're probably just getting used to being on your own, but try to call your parents frequently. They miss you, and they want to make sure you're doing fine without them.
7. Don't Stress About Losing Touch With High School Friends
After graduation, you probably promised all your friends you wouldn't lose touch, but it happens. People move in different directions, and it's hard to keep that connection when you don't see them five days a week.
8. Don't Worry If You Don't Have It All Together All The Time
I'll let you in on a little secret: most of us don't have it all together. This is a hard time in your life, with everything changing rapidly. It's a huge growing period. But things will begin to fall into place, even if it is a slow process.
9. Travel, Travel, Travel
This is arguably the easiest time in your life to travel. So go out and see the world before you have big-kid jobs and a mortgage payment.
10. Don't Settle In Relationships
You deserve to be happy. I've seen far too many people settle for significant others that don't treat them well simply because they want the comfort that comes along with a relationship. If you're with someone that doesn't treat you like the most amazing person, then don't waste your time.
11. Be A Little Selfish Sometimes
It's OK to put yourself first. It's great to help out others, but make sure you are also taking care of yourself first and foremost.
12. Don't Forget To Be A Kid Sometimes
Don't lose your childish wonder. Did you grow up on Disney movies and still love them? Go see that new movie in theaters. Spend some time at a park just swinging on swings. Children are such free spirits, don't lose that.
13. Listen
Sometimes, when your friend needs to vent about something dumb her boyfriend did, she doesn't want to know your opinion on it. Once in a while people need to vent, and they just need someone to listen.
14. Volunteer
If you have a few spare hours, then spend it helping out others. It's a wonderful feeling knowing you have helped out other people.
15. Don't Spend All Your Free Time At Home On Netflix
Life can get pretty boring if you just go to work or school, and then home. Go get drinks with your friends, go on a late night adventure to the beach, spend the night looking at stars. When given the option to either get a full eight hours of sleep or spend the night bonding with friends, always choose the latter.
16. Keep Your Resume Updated
You probably have a lot of experiences that are worth putting on your resume, make sure you include all jobs, volunteering and internships. Add them frequently so you don't end up having to rush through making an entire resume last minute.
17. Keep Money In Savings
You never know when your car brakes might go out or your phone might break, and it'll feel a lot better if you have some money to take care of it instead of calling up your parents and begging for an extra chunk of change.
18. Learn To Forgive Yourself
By the time you turn 22, you've probably made several questionable choices. But don't dwell on your past mistakes. Yeah, it may have been the bad decision, but learn from it, and move on.
19. Don't Limit Yourself
Your mind shouldn't be filled with "I can't do that" thoughts. If you have a goal in mind, the go get it! If you believe in yourself completely and set your mind to something, you'd be surprised how much you can accomplish.
20. Time Really Does Fly
I know I know, it's a horrible cliche. But live in the moment as much as you can. Before you know it, your entire life will be different. Enjoy every moment before it becomes just a memory.
21. Don't Let Technology Control You
Yes, the technology we live with today is completely amazing. But don't let it consume you. Your Facebook friends don't need an update every time you leave your house and your Instagram followers don't need to see every meal you eat. Make sure you live your life outside your phone screen too.
22. Never Stop Learning
Sure, I just gave you 21 simple life lessons. But you have a whole life ahead of you, and you have a lot more to learn. Keep your mind open to new ideas.
