3 Lessons I Have Learned At 23 | The Odyssey Online
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Student Life

3 Lessons I Have Learned At 23

No one likes you when you're 23, but you sure learn a lot.

Danielle Burke
Nov 13, 2018
Rowan University
46
www.unsplash.com
Unsplash

As 24 quickly approaches for me, I'm talking like days away, I've been spending a lot of my time reflecting on my 23rd year. I graduated college, moved twice, met some amazing people, and had the best times with my friends and family.

But this year, I've learned so much, some things I probably wouldn't have believed otherwise. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to learn and grow so much this year, but some things I wish I would have known sooner.

1. Not everything is permanent.

Whether it's a place, a person, a job, or a relationship. Just because you think something is forever doesn't mean it is. Right before I turned 23, I ended a two and a half year relationship, something I thought was forever. I've had people walk in and out of my life a lot this year, and that is okay. Trust me.

2. It's okay to not be okay.

There have been times this year where I felt my absolute worst in more ways than one, but I came to learn that that is okay. You don't have to be happy and cheerful every day. Some days you are going to feel less than your best. Some days you'll think nothing is going right for you. Again, that is okay. One bad day isn't the end of everything.

3. If it's meant to be, it will be.

You can't force anything. You can't force that boy or girl to like you. You can't force yourself to get that job. Everything that is supposed to happen to you in your life will happen one way or another. This is the most important thing I have learned. You can't make anything that isn't supposed to happen, happen. If it's not in the universe to happen, chances are it won't. But that's okay, and that's what is going to be best for you and your life.

23 was such a learning year for me. It was a year full of amazing milestones and opportunities. I'm so grateful for everything that has happened to me this year. I'm grateful for the people who stuck by me and supported me, but I'm especially grateful for what I learned.

Now, bring on 24!

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