Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.

I celebrated my 20th birthday last month–twenty may not seem old, but it amazes me that I’m no longer a teenager. With that being said, I feel that I have learned a lot throughout my life, especially the last few years as I transitioned from being a high school to a college student. I comprised a list of twenty ideas, quotes, and thoughts that I feel deserve a bit of recognition. Whether you read the entire list or a few, find one that speaks to you and try to implement it in your life.

  1. Everything happens for a reason.
  2. Remember to do what is best for you.
  3. Don’t believe everything you read online.
  4. Always be kinder than you feel.
  5. Surround yourself with people who bring you joy and happiness.
  6. Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.
  7. Don’t compare your past with the present.
  8. It’s okay to walk away from someone or something.
  9. Appreciate the little things in life.
  10. We’re all works in progress. Show yourself some grace.
  11. Do it for your future self.
  12. Talk about your blessings more than your problems.
  13. What feels like the end is often the beginning.
  14. There is always something to be grateful for.
  15. Mindset is everything.
  16. Don’t just exist, live.
  17. Trust your intuition.
  18. Expect nothing and appreciate everything.
  19. Better an oops than a what if.
  20. The best way to get something done is to begin.

As I read over this list, I’m reminded of the importance of staying positive and trying to have a quote to live by, whether that’s one for each day, month, or year. For the last few years, I have been using quotes for inspiration, finding what speaks to me. I encourage you to do the same. Always remember to be grateful for the life you have and if you don’t like something change it!

**Shoutout to Pinterest for some of these inspirations!

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Lynn Merigold

Illinois State '23

Lynn graduated from Illinois State University, where she was a contributing writer, chapter editor/president, and member of the Campus Trendsetters community. When she’s not teaching, you can find her spending time with family/friends, attending a fitness class, or listening to an audiobook!
Contributor account for Illinois State