Last week, I turned 20. While it’s weird to not be a teenager anymore, I’m excited to start this next chapter of my life. My birthday also had me reflecting on all the little life lessons I’ve come to learn. So, here’s a list of 20 little things I’ve learned so far in life.
- Connections are important to jumpstart your career.
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It really is mostly about who you know, not what you know.
- There’s going to be a point in your life when you feel like you have no one.
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Know that that is not a permanent situation.
- People aren’t mind readers.
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You need to let them know if something makes you uncomfortable because they probably will never realize it if you never speak up.
- You’re going to lose friends, and it sucks but sometimes it’s for the best.
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Even if you never got closure. You need to move on and focus on yourself.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
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Just because someone else is the same age and they’ve accomplished more does not mean you’re not where you should be. Everyone is on a different path and maybe it’s just not your time yet.
- Even if someone isn’t kind to you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind to them.
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And if you suspect someone wouldn’t do something for you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it for them. Continue showing love and being the best friend you can be.
- You don’t always have to get something in return.
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Do things because you care, not because it will benefit you in some way.
- Keep persevering.
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Even if things don’t go your way originally, don’t give up on your goals.
- Develop a routine.
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Maybe it’s waking up early and making breakfast and tea. Maybe it’s going to a café to study every Saturday. Just find those things that will keep you grounded.
- Plants can make a room feel more alive and a lot less lonely.
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Just remember to take care of them.
- Arguing sometimes is a sign of a healthy relationship.
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Arguing all the time is not.
- It’s good to snack between meals.
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That way you’re not starving by dinner.
- Read more books.
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That time will be well spent.
- Most things aren’t worth sacrificing your sleep for.
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Skimping on sleep will only make you less productive in the long run.
- It’s better to have a few close friends than a lot of casual friends.
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It’s not about the numbers.
- Save money.
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Set up a savings account and keep adding money to it consistently.
- Take care of your skin.
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Always remove makeup before you go to sleep. Wash your face twice a day. You’ll be glad you did when you’re older.
- A bad haircut isn’t the end of your life.
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Hair will grow back.
- Let them go.
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If someone is jealous of your success rather than happy for you, they’re not your friend.
- Your parents don’t know everything.
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Sometimes they’re wrong. Forgive them when they are.
Even though I’ve learned many things up to this point in my life, I am excited to keep growing and learning as I enter my 20s!
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