As my 20th birthday rolls around the corner, I’m preparing myself to say goodbye to my teenage years. I deem it a perfect opportunity to reflect and reevaluate the life lessons I have come across thus far. I suppose you could say 20 is a milestone and a new chapter in life, and it is one that I am ready to take on while these lessons are taken to heart.
1. Remember to smile. It’s contagious and it looks good on you.
2. Life goes on whether you’re ready for it or not.
3. Self-respect and self worth go a long, long way.
4. Treat others how you want to be treated. Call it karma or paying it forward. Hold the door for the person behind you, offer help when someone needs it and say thank you whenever the situation calls for it.
5. Know when to put your phone down. It’s a tough one, I know it is. We’ll work on it.
6. Respect your elders. They will be your primary connections and resources after you hang up your final diploma. (And put your phone down. The older they are, the less they like your iPhone or even understand what it is).
7. It’s okay to eat in the dining hall by yourself. Really, it is. So maybe you’ll stare at your phone and sit in the back corner but, you have to eat so just do it.
8. The only constant in life is change. You just have to learn to roll with it.
9. Maybe your first love wasn’t really your “first love” afterall. And it probably wont be your last. Just know it all happens for a greater purpose.
10. The people that mean the most to you are capable of hurting you the most. Those that never fail to make you smile are the ones that matter.
11. Quality is better than quantity. With friends, relationships and even cookies.
12. Don’t worry about things you can’t control. It may just be the easiest thing to do in this world but believe me when I say, it does nothing but hurt you.
13. Sing when you’re nervous. In the car on the way to an interview, in the shower before an exam or walking down the stairs to your scary basement. It helps.
14. Work hard. Set a goal and don’t slow down until it’s achieved.
15. March to the beat of your own drum. Be confident in the style you possess. Your clothes, your attitude, your knowledge. You do you.
16. Give people the benefit of the doubt. You don’t always know their story and they don’t always know yours. Give them a chance; you never know who’s done the same for you.
17. Always look to improve yourself. Improve your grades, your eating habits or your patience. You should always try to better yourself in one aspect or another.
18. Get out of your comfort zone. Like good ol’ Hilary Duff once said, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Stop being so afraid and inch your way out of your comfort zone. There’s a whole lot of world out there.
19. Be the bigger person. At this age especially, it’s all about pride. No one ever wants to back down or admit they’re in the wrong. But be the bigger person and move on. You’re wasting your time and you’ll sleep better at night.
20. Remember to look at the big picture. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the details and complications of every day life, but look at the big picture. One month, one year, 10 years. What will you remember, learn from and take away. It’s all about perspective.