In order to grow, we must go through experiences in life that ultimately form the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Although some experiences we go through may become great memories, others form life lessons that stay with you and eventually help you learn from mistakes or different situations that we all go through from time to time.
It is no question that your twenty's are the years to live life to the fullest; to dance when music is playing, to laugh with loved ones, to cry over people who break our hearts, and to sing your heart out with your best friends.
Regardless of all the up's and down's life may throw at us sometimes, it is important to remember these 6 life lessons that can be utilized every day in order to live simply, and love brightly.
1. Not everyone you lose is a loss.
Friendships, relationships, and special connections you make with people are important, but this does not mean they all last forever. Your best friend could one day become your worst enemy, it happens. Unfortunately, not every connection you make with someone will always be as strong as it started, and that's okay. We cross paths with specific people to either bring us happiness, or to teach us whom and what we deserve in a relationship. People come and go, but what matters is who stays constant in your life, and never leaves your side no matter what.
2. Release grudges
It is extremely easy to hold onto the past, especially when someone may have caused so much pain and stress at one point in your life. We all must learn to let go of grudges, eventually. Life is too short to hold onto negative energy from our past that will not benefit our growth moving forward into the future. It happened for a reason, now mature from it and learn to move onward with your life.
3. Kindness matters
No matter what is going on in your life, it is so important to be kind to others. We all struggle and can feel like the world is crashing down on us sometimes. We all have bad days, but that is not a reason to treat others poorly. How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you as a person. Treat people with the respect, care and compassion that you would anticipate to receive. Live everyday with an open and grateful heart, and try to bring sunshine into someone's life, you never know who needs it the most.
4. Keep people in your life with the same energy as you.
No one has time to put up with people that do not put the same energy and effort into relationships. If someone wants to be in your life, they will show it and make effort to do so. Actions speak louder than words. Focus on the people in your life who support you, motivate you, and cherish you. You deserve to be appreciated all the time, not when it is convenient for others. Do not hold onto people who do not make an effort to be in your life, choose people who choose you.
5. Everyone grows at their own speed.
Never underestimate your ability and power to be successful. In this day and age with the hype of social media, it is so easy to get down on ourselves when we see others becoming more successful than us. Stop putting pressure on yourself if you see Becky on Instagram posting about her cool new internship, you will get there one day too. We will graduate college, we will find love, we will achieve our dream jobs, and we will create a life for ourselves but enjoy the ride! We all grow at our own speed; not everybody will experience the same things at the same time. Take life one day at a time, it already flies by fast enough as it is.
6. Love is everything
To love and to be loved in return is a beautiful thing. There is no better way to experience life with people who love you, and want the best for you. Love is warm, and it radiates around us when we are surrounded by good people. Whether it is a person or a hobby, if it makes your heart flutter, run with it and don't let go. Again, life is too short to miss out on being with people you enjoy spending time with, or things you love to do that make you happy. Embrace every day this life has to offer; smile a little extra and love a little harder.
