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Politics and Activism

A Reflection On My 20th Year Of Life

I have figured some things out.

Whitney Sutherland

Nov 09, 2015

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)

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On November 7th, 2015, I turned 20 years old. I am not a teenager anymore. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! I AM IN MY 20s. I HAVE LIVED FOR TWO DECADES. WHAT IS MY LIFE?

Time has flown by way too quickly. Life has been filled with so many wonderful joys, as well as terrible low points. But through high and low points alike, I have learned so much about myself and this world I live in.
That being said, I wanted to reflect on some of the things I have learned in my 20 years of life.

Here are a list of things that society put in my mind as the most important aspects of life:

BEING SKINNY

BEING PRETTY

HAVING LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY

CELEBRITIES

HAVING A “GOALS” RELATIONSHIP

MATERIAL ITEMS

POLITICS

(If you could even call Donald Trump a politician)

And here are the list of things that I realized are most important :

GOD

FAMILY

LOVE FOR ANIMALS, THE PLANET, AND THE PEOPLE

OPPORTUNITIES

POSSIBILITIES

EXPERIENCES

FRIENDSHIP

SELF LOVE

LAUGHTER

VULNERABILITY

PASSION

DETERMINATION &
WILLPOWER

Life is about so much more than the items you own, the skinny girl you follow on Instagram, the politician on the news, the so-called "GOALS" relationships you see on Tumblr, or having a nice car and a huge house. Life is about laughing. It is about relationships you have with the people closest to you. It is about loving the animals, the planet, and yourself. It is about having the determination, positivity, passion, and willpower to achieve your dreams. It is about being vulnerable and open to change. It is about possibilities for the future. It is about experiencing things outside of your comfort zone. It is about the feeling you get when you see your favorite band live. About the love you feel when someone tells you how much you mean to them. It is about taking advantage of every amazing opportunity that comes your way. It is knowing that everything happens for a reason. AND LIFE IS ABOUT GOD. GOD IS LOVE. HE IS ALWAYS THERE. HE IS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU.

xx Whitney

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

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Recommended for you

A Reflection On My 20th Year Of Life

I have figured some things out.

Here are a list of things that society put in my mind as the most important aspects of life:

BEING SKINNY

BEING PRETTY

HAVING LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY

CELEBRITIES

HAVING A “GOALS” RELATIONSHIP

MATERIAL ITEMS

POLITICS

GOD

FAMILY

LOVE FOR ANIMALS, THE PLANET, AND THE PEOPLE

OPPORTUNITIES

POSSIBILITIES

EXPERIENCES

FRIENDSHIP

SELF LOVE

LAUGHTER

VULNERABILITY

PASSION

DETERMINATION &WILLPOWER

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Here are just a few of those things.

Take the time to thank that one friend in your life you will never let go of.

1. Thank you for being the one I can always count on to be honest.

2. Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

3. Thank you for teaching me what real love feels like.

4. Thank you for always making sure I'm safe.

5. Thank you for going through things with me.

6. Thank you for teaching me to take care of myself.

7. Thank you for going out of your way to make me feel supported.

8. Thank you for always being there to back me up, even when you know I'm wrong.

9. Thank you for constantly pushing me to live up to my potential.

10. Lastly, thank you for making such a huge impact on my life.

It sucks, but you’ll make it through

1. Please just be seasonal allergies

2. I must not have gotten enough sleep last night

3. I’ll just take a little nap

4. Oh no, I have so much due tomorrow!

5. I’m fine, I’ll just sleep it off

6. Do I have to be responsible today?

7. Ugh no, I can’t actually be sick

8. Alright, I’ll take some medicine and I’ll be fine

9. This is the worst day of my life

10. Mom?

11. She was right (like always)

12. Too bad you're busy and can’t take the day off tomorrow

13. You think about taking the day off, but realize you have like three tests

14. You think you're actually going to be sick forever

15. Finally, you're better!

Sleepovers are not a thing. They're just not.

1. You only ask things once.

2. Seriously, you only ask once.

3. When you do muster up the courage to ask your parents for something, you creep around and wait until they’re in a good mood.

4. Before you get that final yes, you have to go through an interview.

5. If you ever got “the eye,” you knew you were screwed.

6. You were always the first to leave your group of friends when hanging out.

7. If you say you will be home at a certain time, you better be home at that time.

8. Seeing a missed call from your parents sends fear and horror through your veins.

9. If relatives are coming over to the house, your room better be clean.

10. You are careful about what jokes you share with your parents.

11. "You’re not an adult until you turn 18! You can do whatever you want then!"

12. If plans change while you’re out, you better text or call.

13. Don’t talk back. Ever.

14. When you’re called by your full name, you’re in deep trouble.

15. Don’t make them call your name twice.

16. Sleepovers are not a thing.

17. Despite all of these things, you know your parents love you.

For better or for worse

1. Pets

2. Mornings

3. Mistakes

4. Cooking for yourself

5. Hosting

6. Taking care of yourself

7. Holidays

8. Roommates

9. Keeping focused and getting stuff done

DETERMINATION &
WILLPOWER

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