So, I turned 22 a few weeks ago. Didn't make a big hype about it, because 22 kind of sucks. If you've had your act together thus far, you'll probably be graduating college at 22. That fact alone makes turning 22 not so celebratory. I know in a few years I'll be looking back and saying "Ahh...22. Those were the days." So i'm trying to stay as positive as possible. I had a 9 hour travel day back from my spring break trip to Puerto Rico, and I just started to think about everything I've learned in the past 22 years. I know I have a lot more to learn, but at this point in my life I feel like I've learned some very valuable lessons. So here is my list of 22 valuable life lessons. Some more serious than others, but all equally important.
1. God has a plan. There is no use in being anxious and worrying about something, because ultimately, it's in God's hands. (Hardest lesson I've had to learn)
2. If a guy invites you over to watch a movie, he doesn't just want to watch a movie.
3. Save your money. As much as I love to online shop and "have" to have the newest bag, I don't. I used to see a $500 bag as just a new, cute birthday purchase. Now, that is about half a months rent. Yeah, you get that harsh reality when you turn 22. You'll be happy you saved your money in the long run.
4. Be your own best friend (One of the most valuable lessons I've learned). You have to learn to love yourself.
5. A good night sleep and hot shower are the two best cures for anything. Every problem looks better in the morning.
6. Take care of yourself, you only get one body. Be grateful for your health, a lot of people wish they had it.
7. Keep face to face conversation alive, and get off your damn phone. I'm so guilty of this, but we live in a generation where you go to dinner with friends and everyone is on their phone. Put the phone away, have yourself a conservation, and only use your phone when you really need to.
8. Tell the people you care about, I love you. We get so caught up in our lives, that we forget a lot to remind those special people in our lives just how much we love them. You'll regret it someday if you don't.
9. The only approval you need in life is your own. You will be judged and criticized your whole life.
10. Patience is key in life.
11. If a girl didn't have friends in high school, it was for a reason. Stay away.
12. Never trust a guy who likes and comments on every girls Instagram/Facebook picture.
13. Chase after your goals. As cliche as it sounds, if you don't have a goal to chase, your soul dies. My goals are my fuel to do better each day.
14. Good music, good food, and good friends. 3 essentials in life.
15. If you don't like a menu get up. If you don't feel right about something, change it. Sometimes you have to be selfish in life.
16. You're your own best PR. Watch what you put on social media. You're publicizing yourself, so make it good.
17. Stay true to yourself. Just because the crowd is doing it, doesn't mean it's right or you.
18. See live music. It can change your life.
19. Travel. Life is too short to stay in one bubble your whole life (I'm working on this).
20. Designate "me" time in your week. Having time to yourself is very important to staying sane.
21. A guys intentions are never good after 12am.
22. Remember to laugh.
So those are a few lessons I've learned in my 22 years of life, and I'm excited to see what other lessons I learn in my new chapter of life after college.
And now a song that will always remind me of my youth:
Alright-Supergrass
