On October 20, 2020, I turned 20 years old. I guess entering a second decade isn’t a huge deal for everyone, but I really appreciate this milestone in my life. Over the past week, I have taken some time to reflect and formulate this list of lessons. I guess this is an open letter to “Young Me”, some things I would have liked to have known.
So, here’s 20 lessons for 20 years…
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If someone tells you who they are, believe them. Unless something occurs to the contrary, it’s okay to assume that someone is being genuine.
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Nailpolish is fun and a great form of self expression. Can’t choose one polish color? A different color for each finger is completely acceptable…
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The human body is 60% water, drink a lot of it.
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Being alone sometimes is a great thing. Social interaction can be exhausting; don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself.
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Exercise makes you feel incredible, both emotionally and physically. Get those endorphins girl!
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Sexuality is a long spectrum.
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Social media works for you in small portions. It is healthy to mute people. If you shouldn’t look at someone’s Instagram, don’t look at it.
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Femininity does not equal idiocy. You can be feminine, be scholarly and carry yourself well in a meeting.
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You do not need to rise to or lower yourself to people’s expectations of you. Exceed your own expectations of yourself.
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Therapy can be a life changing tool, in the best way.
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As you grow, there will be people and places you outgrow. Luckily, when one door closes, another opens.
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Laugh louder than you should. Dance around the room all the time. Blast your favorite songs and sing along.
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There will always be trends. Don’t compromise your authenticity to follow the crowd.
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Tell the people you love that you love them MULTIPLE times a day. Pre-covid. Give lots of hugs.
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You can share as much or as little with other people as you want. No one is entitled to your secrets or personal information. It’s all up to you!
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Choose kindness.
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Invest in your basics. Good quality jeans, bras, and people.
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Write it down! Don’t allow great ideas to pass you by…the great American novel began with one word.
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Eat well, but if you’re gonna eat sh*tty food…do it right.
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You are in control of you. You are not in control of other peoples’ thoughts, actions, or perceptions of you. You are in control of you and you can make your life amazing.