20 Things I’ve Learned in 20 Years

As of last week, I can finally say I’m not a teenager anymore. I can’t believe that I’m now considered an adult. I would like to say congratulations to this earth and all the people that know me for getting witness 2 decades of my aura and greatness. It has been a pleasure. JK JK. While it’s been such a blessing to make it to this chapter in my life, I’m all about keeping good karma; so, in order to say thank you for a beautiful 20 years, I’m giving you all 20 of my favorite things that I’ve learned along the way.

1.) Starting a blog is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As many of you know I’ve been blogging for almost three years now and I love it more and more every day. It’s honestly such a rewarding hobby and an escape for me.

2.) Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay. I feel like this is a lesson I’ve struggling with since starting middle school. No matter how kind and caring you are doesn’t mean that people will like. I’ve gone through so many spells of feeling like I have fix things or make things right if someone doesn’t like me. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve learned that it’s not my fault.

3.) True friends stick around. We all go through rough patches when it comes to friendships but what I’ve learned, especially in my teenage years is that true friends, the ones who count do stick around.

4.) It’s normal to feel lost. I used to think that I was the only one who didn’t know what to do with my life, which path I wanted to go down etc. But I’ve recently realized how common it is. People of all ages have told me that they still don’t know what they’re dream job would be or what they want to get out of life, it’s completely normal.

5.) You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.

6.) It’s important to do more of what makes you happy. I love writing and content creation, so I created my blog and finally launched my YouTube channel, I love music, so I listen to it every day and spending time with my friends.

7.) Never apologize for who you are You should never have to apologize for any trait or characteristic that makes you who you are.

8.) Stop spending all your money on materialistic things. I’m a complete hypocrite when it comes to this because I love me some retail therapy, however I realized recently was that once you buy these things they are bound to break, rip, go out of shape, etc. We’re constantly spending our money on things that don’t last half a year. (Quick story time: So, I went to Ulta this past weekend and I bought a $12 claw clip. Now, before y’all come for me it was real cute and I couldn’t resist it. I put it on as soon as bought it and unfortunately it broke two days later. All I could think that was $12 straight down the drain. That’s when I realized that I need to start being pickier on what I spend my money on.)

Instead of spending more material things, we should invest in spending our dollars on experiences like traveling or fun activities to do with your family, friends, or significant other. Those are memories that you are creating and those last a lifetime. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with buying nice things just make sure it’s worth it and good quality.

9.) Therapy is a great thing. I actually just got into counseling this academic year and I really enjoy it so far. It can be very hard to express your feelings but it’s so relieving after, which allows you to feel a sense of peace.

10.) The only opinion that matters is your own. Basically, give no f***s. You are your best friend. You know yourself better than anyone does or ever will, so don’t give a shit about other peoples’ opinions. People are going to judge you no matter what and some may be judging you right now. But the only thing that really matters is your opinion of yourself and how you carry yourself.

11.) If you’re addicted to social media, it’s okay. We live in a world of technology that is constantly growing, and that stands for the social platforms we use on a daily basis. I spend most of my time on my phone and/or laptop, scrolling through socials (partially because I’m blogger and I’m always making content. I’d rather spend my time doing that than doing other things that are bad for my mental health.

12.) Self-love takes time. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but the journey to self-love is wild and it’s

13.) Self-expression is important. Finding a way to express yourself is one of the most important things in this life, at least it is for me. I need a way to express myself, it’s why I’m a content creator and love everything about creativity. I love art, music, makeup, graphic design, YouTube, photography, all of it. Having that niche that makes you the happiest to do, is one of the best things in this world and should be way more valued than it is.

14.) Learn to not be lonely when you are alone. Sometimes people are annoying, and alone time is necessary. We ultimately spend a lot of time by ourselves during our lives and if you don’t know how to live with just yourself that needs to change. Yes, you can be alone but that doesn’t mean you should feel lonely. Try to embrace and enjoy your own company.

15.) Pray. Not for the things you want, but for the things you are grateful for.

16.) It is OKAY to not know what you want to do with your life. Instead of feeling behind or rushed, find you passions and run with them. What is meant to be will be and what isn’t will happen for a reason. I’m in my second year of college and I’m completely lost and have no idea what direction I’m heading in in life. Being lost is a scary feeling but it’s also completely valid. We’re all young and we’re not going to have everything figured out just yet. I’m doing my best to embrace the journey that life is taking me on.

17.) Appreciate your education. Not until recently, I fully understood how fortunate I am to be getting a degree. Some people aren’t able to have the opportunity until later in their lives, or they are paying hundreds of thousands of loans. I’m overwhelmingly fortunate for my opportunities for a head start on a career and am more motivated to constantly maximize that potential.

18.) Remove negative/toxic people from your life. While harsh, it’s important. Surround yourself with people that are driving you forward and up rather than down. Life is too short to waste a breath on something not benefitting you, your mental health, and your life. Friendship is a two way street!

19.) Always listen to stories. Growing up, I’ve been told to listen when adults are speaking to me. To clarify, you never know what effect someone else’s life experience may have on. It could save your life; it could give your insight to a certain career path you never thought of, etc. It’s always important to listening to someone else’s story, even if it’s not relevant to you (who knows one day it could be) or even you don’t agree with advice that someone’s giving you, it doesn’t hurt to just listen.

20.) Don’t take life so seriously. Every birthday and decade is a huge milestone, and you become a new person at each. Let life hurt you, lift you, and bless you. You will struggle at times, but everything happens for a reason, and you will come out who you’re meant to be in the end.