Like typical Cassidy fashion, I am a creature of habit. I couldn’t turn 22 without some reflection of how the last year went. If you need a reference of last year’s article check it out here.

As for now, I want to tell ya’ll of my most vital lessons learned from my 21 year of birth as I continue to find myself in my 22^nd year of life.

1. Learn to say no and feel okay saying no.

Mental health and yourself is so important. Choose you first and the rest will be okay. I’m not a big deal if you can’t attend every event, make the most of what you can and acknowledge that you’re doing your best. How can you give to others if you can’t provide a full self first?

2. Find things that make you happy.

This seems so simple, but it isn’t. Find what you like and do it, explore it, and grow with it. Chase your passions and your dreams and be able to brush off any negativity that might come your way. Recall, anything worth having isn’t easy because if it were, then everyone would have it.

3. Find your people.

This is so true. Find your forever people and grow them like the beautiful flowers that they are. Friendships are relationships that need growing, water, and sunlight. Friendships are beautiful flowers that also need to be pruned, picked, and occasionally moved, but all in the best name.

4. Find your routine and stick to it and also break it.

Don’t be so stuck in your way that you miss the people and things you should’ve been doing along the way. Being so stuck in your own ways is great, but can also be super negative in the long run.

5. In the famous words of my sister, “Do something everyday that scares you.”

And if you forget, that’s okay but try again tomorrow. No day should be left unturned or unable to be forgiven.

6. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Do. Not. Let. One. Single. Day. Go. Without. Giving. Thanks. For. Them. And. Your. Loved. Ones. I don’t care, forgive, forget, and move forward. Life is too short to hold something again someone. Do not ever be too cool to call your parents, grandparents, or extended family or friends. Do not let today’s “busy” get in the way of your relationships with loved one’s who mean so much to you. Do not be that person.

7. Give advice, take advice, and pass along advice.

It doesn’t matter if you like it, if it’ll help you get better, challenge yourself, or even expand your thoughts, then understand and listen to it. You are never too old to get help along our journey of life.

8. Don’t get so caught up in the day to day bustle that you forget to look at the flowers, the bee’s, and the magical beings that God’s given us.

We’re such lucky humans to be in a world that can be so beautiful. Don’t get so caught up in the things that give you woes. Reflecting back on your life gives you an opportunity to remember how unimportant those things are now compared to how impactful it was then. Just let it go.

9. Smile.

Smile more and give smiles out. Give hugs out and share your inner light; you never know what others are doing, what they’re going through, and what they’re facing.

10. Think of others more.

I know how hard I struggle with this, but with CCH, my focus has dramatically shifted to how others are, what they might be feeling, and making sure we’re doing to other’s as you might want to receive.

11. Don’t be afraid to be honest and open.

My favorite conversations are the one’s with the truth unafraid of being spilled out. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and emotions, the reactions might be very beautiful.

12. Put the phone down and be a present individual.

We get so caught up in social media that we forget the presence and the blessing that others is to us. Nothing else is that important. Be present and put down the phone

13. Pray more.

One of my favorite things this semester has been our Tuesday bible study prayer. Previously, I had only really prayed to myself and never externally with a group of others. My first time it was so scary and I was sweating so much but with more prayer, thought, and consideration, its become one of my favorite “free time” to just spend time in quiet thanksgiving and love for my Savior.

14. Be able to make fun of yourself, know when to ask for help, and never feel like you’re alone.

Man, I’m the first to admit when I do something silly but I struggle so hard with asking for help. Yet, its so nice to get to remember that we are not alone and we always have someone who’s standing with us and fighting for us even if we need to open our eyes to see it.

15. Quality is over quantity.

Quality time, quality friends, quality life, quality Jesus time and quality wins over quantity.

16. Fall in love with yourself, know how to make yourself happy and know how to be able to function by yourself.

Sure you might still need to get help to open an open salsa can or a jar of pickles, but know how to go to the grocery store, do laundry, and make a killer meal.

17. Sign your name with a killer signature and be proud of it!

18. Follow your passions.

My favorite summer memory is when I decided to chase with all my heart something I wanted to do. Being able to know that everyday I’m working for something bigger than myself is so important. When will you be able to wake up and touch your dreams?

19. Know that nothing is really “that important” in life.

Not boys, not grades, not money, not cars, not clothing, not ANYTHING. Be appreciative of what we have, learn value and be ever thankful. I’m also the first to admit how much I love material things, but ultimately that doesn’t make you happy. It’s filler, a thought process that removes us from growing deeper not only with God but also with our peers. Value memories, friendship, and knowledge because life is too short.

20. Be uniquely you.

The most important lesson is that those who love you will love you regardless of a haircut, a new outfit, or new glasses. Like I’ve stated earlier, love yourself. Be able to enjoy those quiet moments watching the sunrise with coffee if you love it because being able to be your own person is so vital to growth and cultivation of a better self.

21. Fail.

Be a failure and with it, learn how to make yourself better. Gosh, I remember how “awesome” I thought I was in high school and college was a wake up call. Being surrounded by such amazing people was intimidating. Yet when I’ve fell flat on my face and called my parents crying begging to not have to deal with the stresses, those moments have clearly defined my life and my experiences. I love that all of those sad moments have brought me so close to what it is that I want to do with my life and those bruises and scars and momentarily sad moments teach you lessons. Lessons that we have to understand in order to see what God’ plan for us is. So fail, so cry, so have those un-facebook-ed moments, I promise you the reward will be so great.

22. Face life with an open heart, open mind, and a wide-open smile.

While I’m terrified for what’s next, life is just starting. Its just getting exciting and I’m so thankful for being able to get to do what I’m doing and with whom I get to share my life with. Here is to the lessons learned, here is to the future, and here is to a great and Happy Halloween