22 Lessons I’ve Garnered In My (Almost) 22 Years

At the end of February, I will turn 22 years old! In honor of gaining another year, I have compiled a list of 22 things I’ve learned through (almost) 22 years of experience. From an older sister of two to you, here are 22 noteworthy life lessons I wish someone would have taught me.  

Allow people to make their own mistakes.

They will learn or they won’t, but it is not up to you to teach them right from wrong. Be supportive and don’t give unsolicited advice — you are not other people’s parents. 

There doesn’t have to be a special occasion to show someone you love them.

Small gestures can go a long way. Similarly, there doesn’t have to be a special occasion to treat yourself. 

Less is more; quality over quantity.

You will never regret exercising, drinking water and getting adequate amounts of sleep.

Romantic relationships are not a “game.”

You can text first and even double-text. It is okay to let people know you have feelings for them and when you don’t. 

in the same Vein, you don’t want what doesn’t want you.

Rejection is a part of life. Do not beg someone to reciprocate feelings. It doesn’t work like that. 

Invest in experiences.

Take the trip, visit your grandparents, go to the concert; you cannot earn back time. 

You can only control what you can control.

Stop expending time worrying about things you cannot change. If it won’t matter in two years, it doesn’t matter now. Let it go. 

Be kind. 

Being disrespectful and rude does not make you a better person. Making fun of someone doesn’t make you funny.

Everyone does things at different speeds.

You don’t have to graduate in four years, you can have your first kiss at 18 and you can figure out “what you want to do” at 30 or even 60. There is no race, there is no competition, there is no pressure. It is your life, go at your pace. 

Perspective is vital to happiness.

Simply changing your mindset will create better situations. Terrible traffic? More time to listen to your favorite songs. 

Negative emotions can coexist with positive ones.

You are allowed to feel grief and joy at the same time. 

Forgive, but never forget.

It is important to forgive to avoid harboring negative feelings and grudges, but don’t forget what happened. People are creatures of habit and it will happen again if you allow it. 

Sometimes it is important to be selfish (keyword is sometimes).

Put yourself first. Cut off people and things that are making you feel bad. At the end of the day, you are the priority. 

Find joy in the mundane.

The mundane and seemingly insignificant things are what fill a majority of our days. Find happiness in those little things. 

Each day is a privilege; live like it is.

Not everyone gets to grow old. 

Learn to appreciate what you have.

Find contentment. It’s imperative to have goals and dreams, but as cliche as it sounds, enjoy the journey. 

You’re never too good to apologize when you are wrong.

People make mistakes. If you hurt someone or made a mistake, own up to it. If people don’t accept your apology, that is their prerogative, not yours. 

You know yourself best. 

Most people are projecting, don’t take it personally.

Your negative emotions and actions derive from somewhere — try and figure out where.  

Not everyone has the same intentions as you and that’s okay. 

Just because others have different intentions than you doesn’t mean you have to change yours.

Your parents are living for the first time too; they are doing the best they can.

Patience and understanding of this concept go a long way. 

I urge you to read my list with a grain of salt. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. You know yourself best!

Oh, and Happy Birthday to all my February babies.

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