In exactly one month, I will be 20 years old. On December 29, 2018, I will be one year away from the legal drinking age in this county and five years away from a quarter life crisis. So, in reality, being alive on Earth for two decades is actually anti-climactic, other than how the first number of your age now begins with a 2. To bring excitement to this joyous occasion, I’ve reflected upon the valuable life lessons I’ve learned so far. Here are twenty things that I have learned about life before turning 20.
1. My life will never be as perfect as my Pinterest account (but hey I’ll keep trying).
2. Loudly singing along to songs when you’re driving will make the traffic you’re stuck in move faster.
3. Change is uncomfortable, yet necessary.
4. Spend as much time as you can with your family.
5. 15 minutes is the perfect amount for a power nap.
6. Speak up and be heard. Before it’s too late.
7. If life doesn’t go according to plan, the world will not end (even though it may feel like it will in the moment).
8. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Two words: thrift stores.
9. Acknowledging that you’re procrastinating is the first step towards getting your sh*t done. Netflix will still be there once you finish your paper.
10. Sometimes you just need to put on some music in your room and dance it out.
11. Double-check what is allowed in your carry-on. It’s embarrassing when the TSA agent finds your glass jar of cookie butter that set off the x-ray machine’s hazard alarm.
12. Take advantage of every opportunity life offers you.
13. Fear is useless and temporary.
14. Pay attention to the little things.
15. You are what you do. Not what you say.
16. It feels refreshing to go on an adventure by yourself.
17. Compliment people and genuinely mean it.
18. Tell your friends how much they mean to you.
19. There’s always room for boba tea.
20. Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible with your methods.