11. It's not all about you. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

23 Life LessonsĀ I've Learned At 23

The listicles are back, ladies and gents, and they are better than ever.

856
23 Life LessonsĀ I've Learned At 23

In This Article:

I am just going to come out and say it: Life is kicking my ass right now. Whenever I try to go enjoy the moment I have, life has a way of bringing me back to planet Earth that it simply isn't fair. However, with all the ups and downs I have experienced in my short 23 years here, it's time to share what I learned. Yup, 23 lessons at 23 - how creative right? On the real though, here are some of the life lessons that I have learned over the years. I hope it helps you, too.


1. Fun is truly underrated.

Giphy

Seriously, life is too short. I have seen a bunch of people that I know die so young with so many things to look forward to in life, and I have met 100-year-olds that have had the time of their lives and they are still going at it. Have fun and don't take life too seriously. You're not getting out alive anyway.

2. Change is good.

Giphy

Staying stagnant in life is not a good thing. We have to keep in mind that life has changes and we should not resist them because change will happen one way or another.

3. Enjoy the little things.

Giphy

The big victories are cool, but what about the small ones? You caught up with that friend you haven't seen in years, you learned how to whistle, hell, you may have finally said hi to that cute somebody at work - the little victories should be celebrated to; a culmination of little victories can make life that much sweeter.

4. Words do matter.

Giphy

That sticks and stones nursery rhyme is the biggest lie you can teach a kid. Words hurt, my friends. Watch them with care.

5. Never stop learning.

Giphy

There's so much to be learned in this short little amount of time we have, so don't waste it. Go out there and keep learning.

6. You can't change the world, but you can be the change.

Giphy

Just one voice is enough to spark an entire conversation in this world we live in. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.

7. Expectation is a fool's guide to life.

Giphy

You are not in control of what is coming to you in life, and you just have to roll with the punches. You can set your expectations, but don't be upset if it doesn't go your way.

8. Remember there are two sides to every story.

Giphy

Do your best to listen to all sides of a situation or story before you cast judgment. Everything in life is not just black or white.

9. Pace yourself.

Giphy

Don't rush things, enjoy life while you can, smell the roses, and embrace the environment around you. Don't miss the little things in life pass you by.

10. Put yourself first.

Giphy

Take care of yourself. It's sometimes hard to put ourselves first when we want to help others, but you need to make sure you are OK as well.

11. It's not all about you.

Giphy

At the same time, it's not always all about you. Find the middle ground of taking care of yourself and taking care of others, life will thank you later.

12. Never give up.

Giphy

Press on. Almost all of the successful people in the world history books had one thing in common, and that was the ability to never give up. Perseverance is the key.

13. "It shall pass."

Giphy

Everything in life will pass, positive or negative - remember that. Take the moment for what its worth, as it is just a moment, after all.

14. Start now.

Giphy

Every journey has a step one; it's up to you when you want to make that leap.

15. Learn to take compliments.

Giphy

Accept compliments whenever you get them, it makes you feel good after all.

16. Learn to take criticism.

Giphy

You have to be open to becoming better, and constructive criticism can make you better.

17. Be yourself.

Giphy

Be authentic, and live life like you want it to be, as long as the life you live is the true you.

18. Success is the superhero, and failure is the sidekick.

Giphy

Failure is just the stepping stone to success, so learn to accept it as such and keep going.

19. Looks don't define you, but your character will.

Giphy

Always judge someone by the content of their character, because looks can be deceiving.

20. You can't please everyone.

Giphy

Just like this article, and everything else, I already know someone will hate it. But honestly, who gives a shit?

21. Loneliness is never a reason to get in a relationship.

Giphy

Be happy with yourself before you get in a relationship - this can't be stressed enough.

22. Love is unlimited.

Giphy

It doesn't run out, you control the limits, spread the love to everyone.

23. Always have something to look forward to.

Giphy

It keeps you looking forward and not dwelling in the past. Because in life, you have to keep moving forward.

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

Working with the public can be a job, in and of itself. Some people are just plain rude for no reason. But regardless of how your day is going, always having to be in the best of moods, or at least act like it... right?

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

Keep Reading...Show less
blair waldorf
Hercampus.com

RBF, or resting b*tch face, is a serious condition that many people suffer from worldwide. Suffers are often bombarded with daily questions such as "Are you OK?" and "Why are you so mad?" If you have RBF, you've probably had numerous people tell you to "just smile!"

While this question trend can get annoying, there are a couple of pros to having RBF.

Keep Reading...Show less
legally blonde
Yify

Another day, another Elle Woods comment. Canā€™t us blondes get through the day without someone harping at us over the typical stereotypes about who we are? I never understood why a person was judged based upon the hair color they were born with, or the hair color they choose to have (unless you dye your hair blue like Kylie Jenner, Iā€™m still trying to understand why thatā€™s a trend). Nevertheless, as it should be assumed, not everyone is the same. Not all blondes like bright colors and Lilly Pulitzer, and not all blondes claim to identify with Marilyn Monroe. I think the best suggestion to give to people before they make such radical claims is to stop judging a book by its cover. Or in this case, stop judging a blonde by her hair color.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1423
Bob's Burgers
collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Things That Happen On Your Birthday

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

5238
birthday party

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments