20 Lessons I Learned By 20 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Lessons I Learned By 20

Be Positive, Always

52
20 Lessons I Learned By 20
Google

I have learned a lot within my 20 years of life. But in my opinion, these are the most important lessons of all.

1) Always Remember Your Friends Birthdays

People want to feel special on their birthdays. Never forget to say Happy Birthday to those important to you. They will notice your birthday wishes every year and appreciate you as their friend.

2) Call Your Parents / Guardians

No matter what kind of relationship you have with your parents or guardians, make sure to give them a call once in a while. It's hard to remember to when you are so focused on your life and becoming an adult. But, they helped you become the person you are today. Show your appreciation for them.

3) Respect Other People

Regardless of someone's race, class, sexuality, gender, etc... you should always respect them. There is no reason to dislike someone because they look different or have different beliefs than you do.

4) Don't Try To Change Another Person

Accept people for who they are. If not, walk away. You can't change someone to be a perfect fit for you. If you don't like the way they treat you in public or if they tend to tell white lies and it's affecting your relationship you have two options: leave them, or accept them.

5) Never Settle

On the other hand, if someone wants to change you, leave them. If someone tries to control you, leave them. There are too many people settling with someone who isn't good enough for them. You can always do better.

6) It's Okay To Cut Off The Negative People In Your Life

No matter how long you have known someone, whether it was your childhood best friend or your brother, sometimes you have to cut their negativity out of your life. People come into our lives to teach us things about ourselves and they are not always meant to stay. That's okay. Learn to forgive them or yourself for changing and simply let the relationship go.

7) Spend More Time Noticing Your Environments

Take a close look around you. Appreciate the trees blowing in the wind, the sun on your face and the people going about their days in front of you. Be mindful as often as you can.

8) Live In The Moment

Don't worry about things you can't control. Don't think too much about the future. Don't fret about things that have already happened. The past has already happened; let it go.

9) Honor Your Pain

Feel the existence of your sadness and anger. Try to figure out why you feel the way you do. Then, do better next time.

10) Be More Independent

Take classes alone, go hiking alone, go to concerts alone. Enjoy time spent with yourself.

11) If You Don't Feel Mentally Well, Take A Day For Yourself.

It's okay to drop your responsibilities once in a while and take some time for yourself. Spend a day being lazy, catching up on your hobbies and simply recovering your mental state.

12) Take Up A Hobby

Find something that helps you de-stress. Find something that distracts you from your adult responsibilities. Take a breather doing something you enjoy.

13) Never Compare Yourself To Others

You may catch yourself looking at the beautiful blonde girl in front of you and wishing you looked like her. Ignore these thoughts. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror and appreciate all the unique, beautiful qualities that YOU have.

14) Family > Everything

Family members are the only people who will always be there for you. They have been there since the beginning and will be there until the end. You can always count on them to support and love you when you need it the most.

15) When You Find Your Passion: Never Let It Go

Don't ever give up on your passion. Work hard every day to achieve your goals. The things you are passionate about are not random, they are calling you for a reason.

16) Tell Your Friends You Love Them Randomly

Bring your friend a coffee just because. Do the dishes for your roommate when she is stressed out. Call your old best friend and ask about how they've been. Express your love to your friends because you never know what can happen.

17) Random Acts of Kindness Are One Of The Greatest Goods You Can Do For The World

Volunteer often. Pay for the person's coffee behind you. Buy a homeless person a sandwich. Then, don't tell anyone about it. Keep the reward to yourself.

18) Be Positive, Always

The world is beautiful. If you can't see it, keep looking for the things that make you happy.

19) Learn To Love Yourself

One of the most important lessons everyone should learn is to love themselves. You can't love another human being until you take a good, long look at yourself and choose to love everything. Accept your flaws and choose to look at the good qualities you have.

20) Bettering Yourself As An Individual Is The Only Way To Change The World

The world can be a messed up place. Society can be a messed up system. If you want to change the world, the best way to start is fixing yourself as an individual. Be positive and release all the positivity into the universe. The individual self is just as important as the whole.

Whether it's learning to love yourself or being respectful to others, if you try to be the best you can be life will reward you. The older we get, the more lessons we learn and sometimes they can be hard. Just remember, it's all happening for a reason.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16543
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7088
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5224
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4577
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments