Now that my 20th birthday has come and gone, I can't help but feel so thankful for everything this life has given me: a happy home, loving parents, the best of friends, and not a financial worry in the world. The past 20 years has taught me so many lessons, and I can't wait to finally put them all on paper.
1. Life is supposed to be full of ups and downs.
Without the downs, life would be meaningless because we wouldn't learn who we were meant to be.
2. Friends will come and go, and that's okay.
Those that stick around through the years will be friends for life.
3. You will (eventually) learn to get along with your siblings.
It only took my twin brother and I 20 years!
4. Jesus will turn set backs into lessons learned.
He wouldn't be a good father without tough love.
5. Don't waste your energy on negativity.
Surround yourself with people who bring you up, not tear you down.
6. You can learn something from every person you meet.
Even that person who cut you off on the highway, or the boy that broke your heart.
7. College will be the best thing to ever happen to you.
And I'm sure every Longwood Lancer will agree with me.
8. You don't have to be like every one else to be "cool."
Where's the fun in that anyway?
9. Learn to love yourself where you are right now.
If you don't love yourself now, then you sure as heck won't love yourself in the future, no matter how much weight you lose or how many times you change your hair color.
10. Eat food that makes you feel good and makes you happy.
Find that happy balance between nutrition and fun!
11. Save your money.
I learned this the hard way a few years ago at Nordstrom. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
12. Discover ways to calm yourself down in stressful situations.
Deep breathing is my go-to!
13. Have goals for the future.
And be okay with them if they don't go according to plan.
14. If your a girl, don't let the opinions of boys rule your life, and vice versa.
Because odds are, you're worth more than what Chad or Brad told you last night at Theta whatever's frat party.
15. Don't let yourself sleep in till noon every. single. day.
It may feel good for the first few days, but before you know it, you're wasting your days away.
16. It's okay to say no.
Start saying yes to time alone doing what you love.
17. Read a book every once in a while.
You'd be surprised what you can learn from Nicholas Sparks.
18. Determine what you like and what you don't like.
This will make life a whole lot easier.
19. Take a break from your iPhone every now and then.
Even if it's just for 10 minutes.
20. Stay in the moment.
You only get to be twenty once, so live it up while you've got it!
So, if you've just turned 16 or 65, live up the next 365 days. Don't look forward, and don't look back. Stay in the present and enjoy the age you are now because you'll never get it back!
