Life Lessons That Came With Turning 22 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Life Lessons That Came With Turning 22

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling some life advice for 22.

54
Life Lessons That Came With Turning 22
Personal Photo

I just turned 22 which is super crazy to me. Half the time, I still consider myself a teenager, so it's insane to think that I am a person in her twenties. As I've gotten older, I have learned a lot about myself and about life, so I have looked back on some of the most important things I have learned over my 22 years. Here's a list of things we all should remember, no matter how old we are.

1. Getting a job is easier said than done.

Giphy

Eventually, you'll find the right position for you, but it definitely doesn't just happen. Finding a job is something you have to work to get.

2. It never hurts to be friendly.

Giphy

You never know, you might make someone's day. Besides, you don't like it when people act rudely toward you. Friendliness invites more friendliness.

3. Communication is key in any kind of relationship.

Giphy

Whether it be a friendship, your relationship with your co-workers, or with your significant other, it is so important to communicate. No one can read minds, so be more willing to share your thoughts, feelings, or any other information.

4. You can never own too many pairs of sweatpants.

Giphy

I like to be comfy, and sweatpants are definitely comfy. I probably own more than 20 pairs and I still have to restrain myself from buying more every time I go to Target.

5. Life rarely works out like you planned, and that's ok.

Giphy

Set goals and make plans, but understand that if things don't work out exactly as you thought, it isn't the end of the world. You might be able to do things you never dreamed about doing!

6. Aleve works better than anything for cramps.

Giphy

From lots of trial and error, I can definitively say this is the truth.

7. Disagreement does not equal hatred.

Giphy

Having different viewpoints or opinions from someone doesn't make you enemies. Sometimes you need to be challenged to think differently. At the end of the day, I can be friends with people who think, act, and live differently than I do without it being turned into a sort of battle. Just remember that respect is necessary.

8. Getting a handwritten letter means more than a text or email.

Giphy

I save all the letters and cards I get because they mean so much to me.

9. Holding grudges doesn't make anything better.

Giphy

It feels so freeing when you let go and forgive. Feel your emotions and deal with the situation, but don't hold on to it.

10. Slow down. Don't be in such a rush.

Giphy

To quote Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

11. It's normal to drift apart from people, but the best friends show up when it matters.

Giphy

I can go months without talking to some people, but I know they have my back if I need them.

12. Kids remember EVERYTHING.

Giphy

It's a lot like follow the leader. Be careful what you say and do around them because they like to repeat what they see and hear.

13. Experiences are better gifts than material things.

Giphy

Memories last longer than toys.

14. It's ok to say no to people. It doesn't make you a bad person.

Giphy

This is one I'm still working on. There is no need to be a superhero who does it all. We are all human, and we need to take care of ourselves.

15. Short naps are the best naps.

Giphy

Anything more than 30 minutes is too long. In my opinion, shoot for 20!

16. Be a little more spontaneous.

Giphy

It never killed anyone to make last minute plans or do something unexpected. Everyone needs a little excitement in their life.

17. Being busy is not an excuse. You make time for the things that really matter.

Giphy

Everyone is busy, we get it. But really, if you wanted to make time for something, you would. Prioritize what is important to you.

18. Write things down. No matter how much you convince yourself, you won't remember it.

Giphy

Your brain is a liar, you won't remember what your professor said in class that day. You won't remember that awesome idea you had while you were driving to work. Keep a notebook handy and write things down, even if it seems silly.

19. Even if it seems like a big deal right now, it probably won't matter a year from now.

Giphy

This sounds cliche, but it's true. Realistically, I don't remember anything that I thought was a big deal from last year. Most things we think are major are actually only minor.

20. It's never too late to learn something new.

Giphy

Pick up an instrument you've always wanted to play. Try a new sport. Give DIY a try. If you want to try it, do it. Don't hold yourself back because you think it's too late.

21. Open up to people. Walls may keep out pain, but they also keep out love.

Giphy

It's scary to be vulnerable, but you never know what can come of sharing your struggles with people.

22. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something.

Giphy

If you want it badly enough, and if you're willing to work hard enough for it, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

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

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

3810
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

118282
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Bucket List To Live In The Now

Find excitement in your life and start exploring wherever you are right here, right now.

536
mu bucket list

I was sitting at my cubicle, now that I am an adult, looking at the rain pouring down on the windowsill, bumming on life, wishing for the rain to just stop for a full day.

There are moments where we count down the hours until work is over and how many more days till the weekend, and this many weeks until something exciting. Or something like that? Well, I was bumming because my next day off from work is not until Memorial Day weekend, which is not until the end of May. And since this is my first year out of college being a “real person,” I am totally missing the winter, spring and summer breaks. I am sure all of us have felt this way even if just for a hot minute…

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Ways To Survive Finals As Told By Leslie Knope

Because you know you're going to be stressed out, and Leslie knows exactly how to survive.

401
Everything hurts and I'm dying

So finals are on their way. That's right everybody, finals are about to start.

But hey, don't panic. Start getting your affairs in order and prepare for a week of hell. Here's a few things Leslie Knope wants you to do to make your finals week just a little bit less stressful:

Keep Reading...Show less
Kent State University
Great Value Colleges

If you go to or went to Kent State, then more than likely you have done or will do some of these things.

1. You’ve slipped and fallen on the ice at least once.

The winters at Kent are brutal, and while the heated sidewalks and some great snow boots are always a help, there’s no chance you won’t bust it on the ice at least once in your four plus years at school.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments