The golden age of 21 is a year we all look forward to in the United States — becoming a legal adult is a true accomplishment one should be proud of! Therefore, it’s good to reflect on our past and see how much we’ve grown. It is a chance to take the lessons we’ve learned to better ourselves in the future.
Here are 21 things I learned now that I am 21:
1. Be kind to yourself.
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
2. Women in power empower.
It’s important we use our power for good and uplift other women.
3. It’s okay to not be okay.
It is very important to take a step back to take care of yourself when feeling overwhelmed.
4. Cherish your family
I’ve learned to be more grateful living at home during this time — there probably won’t be a time where I get to spend every day with them again as much in the future.
5. Learn about topics you care about
Whether it’s an instrument, social justice, or climate change, these are all topics that deserve love, attention, and most importantly, action.
6. Be more open-minded
Many times, we believe our personal constructs of our life make us right — at the same time, it can make us ignorant and wrong. And that’s okay.
7. Try not to overthink everything
A good reminder I try to tell myself the past couple of years is to take it one step at a time and trust the process.
8. Go outside more
Whether it’s to do work, take a hike, or bask in the sun, it’ll boost your serotonin levels.
9. There are bigger things happening around you
2020 has taught us to open our eyes to the systemic corruption happening in our society, and the importance of educating ourselves about these issues.
10. Actually, YOLO
As cliché as this phrase is, it’s highkey very true. Like Donna from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again said, “Life is short, the world is wide, I wanna make some memories.”
11. Don’t buy things unless you know you’ll actually use them
Realizing how damaging this is to not only my wallet but to the environment, I’ve been more frugal with how I spend my money (especially with clothes).
12. It’s okay to not have everything figured out now
If you do, great! More power to you. We are all on our journey to find what makes us happy, and that could take years!
13. Capitalism sucks
Taking a few Sociology and Political Science classes in college have truly opened my eyes to the travesty capitalism has created.
14. Ask for help
I’m the type of person who hates asking for help — I try to find the solution by myself before asking someone else. I always think I’m bothering the other person and wasting their time. This is another lesson I’m still learning, because I still get anxious asking for help.
15. Start a Roth IRA
This is a great starting point to set up a retirement fund without the worry of paying taxes. For more information about setting up a Roth IRA account, click here!
16. Social media is unhealthy
We’ve heard this a million times. BUT, it is the truth. The more we recognize we’re going down a rabbit hole, it will be easier to put the phone down to do something more worthwhile.
17. Don’t be so selfish
Taking care of yourself is very important, as well as asserting your beliefs and morals. However, if it’s at the cost of other people, it completely defeats the purpose.
18. Being single is a wonderful thing
It’s time to stop thinking that being single means you are lonely.
19. Our planet is actually dying
Yeah, so hate to be the bearer of bad news, but our planet is dying as we speak. Now, it’s damage control, and we all have an important role to play.
20. You’re not boring
You are you, and no one can take that away from you.
21. Don’t take things too seriously
It’s a good reminder for myself to not dwell on the little things or anything that is out of our control.