Yay, it’s my birthday, I’ve never really been the type to celebrate my successes. I always push it off and constantly think I could do better. As I move into my twenties, I want to celebrate all the little things life has to offer. To do that, I want to thank the people I know, the people I will come to know, and the memories I’ve held so dearly. I want to celebrate each step of this journey called life. Going forward, I want to celebrate the moments that seemed impossible, those words that were so hard to speak but so rewording, I want to celebrate each breath I take because each breath is truly not guaranteed. Here’s to another year and many more celebrations.
With every celebration of life comes lessons to be learned. In my 20 years of life, I’ve learned some important lessons. Everyone has or will be twenty at some point so anyone can connect with them. Here are 20 Lessons I’ve learned at 20 Years old.
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Lessons About Reaction
Not everything deserves a reaction, this is as simple as it gets. Not everything deserves a reaction. In every situation, you decide how you’re going to react. And… sometimes you just don’t need to react. Take it for what is is not for what you think it should be. There have been so many times that I’ve thought “dang wouldn’t this be better if this could have happened or if this person were here or if the weather were better”. Honestly, it can be so easy to get wrapped in your own expectations that you push them on to other people.
Some people will have the exact same values and beliefs as you, and that’s okay! But some people will disagree with you too and that’s okay too! Learn to be okay with people and situations not meeting your exapectiations. It would be so boring if everyone in this world had the exact same mindset. It would also be so boring if we knew exactly how each day would span out. It is not your job to change people or the world for that matter. Take it for what it is.
Lessons About Time
Moments are fleeting. My breath is fleeting, every breath I take is one step closer to my last. Not to be morbid but knowing this makes me realize just how precious life is. Cherish the ones you love and cherish yourself.
But also remember the past is just the past, it is not to be relived. Yes, it’s fine to occasionally reminisce and think “dang i remember when…” but it’s not okay to alway be thinking of the past. You have to live in the now, everyday is an opportunity to build who you want to be. With that being said, today is the youngest you’ll ever be (today i am the youngest i’ll ever be). Wow, is what I thought one day. I thought “I am never going to get a chance to relive these moments. I am never going to see this moment as clearly as I am now. I am never going to be this young… again”. So if I am truly the youngest i’ll ever be then why not live the life I want to live.
Goodness, I don’t about you but school will make you think you are getting close to your deathbed everyday. Getting older doesn’t mean you’re running out of time. With so many pressures and obligations about our next steps in life, I’m surprised I haven’t gone mad. But to all my fellow college gals, you are not running out of time! We are so young and obviously don’t have it all figured out.
Lessons About Realization
You Are What You Think. This year I’ve decided to think I am great. Yea, I’ll make mistakes I’m human. But so are you. We are all bound to make mistakes, no one is immune. Get over it and be great. I’ve decided to let go of my doubts and fears that used to guide my every step. I’ve now decided to be what I am. I am great… and frankly so are you.
It’s also just as important to know that it’s not your job to be liked. Whether someone likes or dislikes you is none of your business. You cannot live your life for someone else, do your own thing and the people that genuinely love you will come! I know we’ve all heard it a million times but you must love yourself first!
Nobody cares as much as you think. Life is definitely not like one of those movies where you walk in the room and everyone stares at you. Most people are too caught up in their own problems to be worrying about you. With that in mind, there’s no need to be insecure, just be yourself! Live unapologetically, because honestly if someone is always worried about you that shows more about their character than yours.
Do not let others define you because at the end of the road were you ever truly living? Or were you just letting others tell you how to live.
Lessons About Change
You are allowed to change, as humans we are always evolving. You’re most likely not the same person you were a year ago and you definitely wont be the same in 5 years. Sometimes we outgrow situations and even people. Just like the seasons are always changing, so are you.
Change is inevitable, do not be saddened to see that over the years you may outgrow some situations and maybe even some people. Every situation and person has served you in some way.
Lessons About the Unplanned
Planners are my best friend. Seriously, I don’t know how many times I’ve forgotten to write something down and completely forgot about it. It’s definitely not fun when the thing forgotten is an assignment that is due that day in less than 2 hours. For me, if it’s not in my planner, it’s not getting done.
But sometimes life is best unplanned (sometimes). Some of the best moments are spontaneous. But sometimes the unexpected happens and it’s okay to be a little scared or sad. But life is unplanned and that’s ultimately why we’re here. Every unplanned moment leads to the bigger picture.
Well, there’s a brief summary of some of the lessons I’ve learned in my 20 years of life. As I grow older, there will always be more to learn about myself, the world, and others around me. My goal is to never stop growing and always be willing to learn. Ultimately, I only want to look back and see how far I’ve come. I don’t want to look back at my life and feel regret or sadness. I want to truly make progress each and every day.
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment some lessons you’ve learned over the years!
xo, Katie
