I’m not sure where my youth went. I just celebrated my 22nd birthday. Sure, I jammed to Tswift, but the novelty soon wore off. I find myself questioning what I have accomplished thus far in my life. Twenty two always seemed like a very put together age, but that is the opposite of what I am feeling. Everyone around me seems to know what direction their life is going. Before birthdays were something I looked forward to and now I feel like time is moving too fast and I can not keep up.
It is easy to get caught up in this negative train of thought, but today I remind myself that at 22 years old its okay if I don’t have it all figured out. Taylor said it best, “We're happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way. It's miserable and magical.” I may not know what’s ahead of me but I still have learned a lot. I guess that’s what aging is about; we have to learn something new each year or then getting old is useless.
22 things I learned by 22
Forgive Others.
Not for other people, they don’t need your forgiveness but forgive other for your own self. It drains mental energy having ill feelings or negative thoughts so forgive as a way to set yourself free.
Forgive yourself.
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is actually ourselves.
Always look your best.
My mom always said to never leave the house in something you wouldn’t want to be seen in. Dress to impress. When you look good you feel good.
Treat yo self.
If you want that cute shirt, by all means get it for yourself. It is a good practice to be nice to yourself. Donna and Tom said it best. (I may do this too much..)
Don’t make excuses for people.
I am the biggest believer in second chances, but it gets a little old the fifth time around. I have learned that not everyone has the same heart and intentions as you.
Invest in yourself.
People come and go. At the end of the day you only have yourself to depend on. Be kind to yourself, work out, find hobbies and spend time doing things you love.
Live in the moment
The future can be very daunting. Sometimes its best to just look at what’s around you and enjoy the present.
Problems can always be fixed.
If you reach a wall, turn the other way. There is a solution to every problem. Got a bad grade? Study harder. If it has to do with another person and they aren’t willing to work on the problem to find a solution, that is on them.
Knowledge is power.
Our brain is our most valuable possession. The more I learn the more clueless I realize I am.
Have faith in God.
This one seems a little obvious, we all have faith in God. I’m talking the blind faith and knowledge that He won’t ever let anything come your way if it isn’t for some reason or another. He has our backs so at the end of the day we’ll be alright.
Its okay to be fashionably late.
I’m always running late, I have finally embraced it. Instead of apologizing for it and stressing over getting on time I know what to expect.
Embrace your weirdness.
I’m hella weird but somehow I still have some friends. Life is more fun this way.
Ask for what you want.
You’ll never know unless you ask. If you don’t ask how can you receive.
Family over friends.
Friends come and go, trust and turn to the people who will always be there for you.
Make mistakes.
It’s the tried and proven method for learning a lesson.
Go out of your way for others.
Not to get anything in return but helping others is great for the soul.
You can always sleep later.
If you are given the option to go out and do something memorable, don’t say no because of the amount of work you may have. Down the line you’re not going to remember all the sleep you lost.
Travel.
It puts the world in prospective. You realize how insignificant you are in the grand scheme and its good to get away sometimes.
Judge nobody.
If we see someone different than ourselves its easy to become judgmental. You don’t know what its like to be them until you’re put in a similar situation.
Love unconditionally.
Its hard to let yourself be vulnerable, but letting your guard down and letting someone into your heart can be the best thing.
Keep to yourself.
It is good to spend time alone. Don’t worry about what other people are doing and don’t get involved in their business.
There is so much more to learn.
Every time I think I am an expert on a certain situation, something happens and reminds me of how little I actually do know. I’m only 22 years old, with a lot more living to do!
