By the time this is published, I’ll be about a week into experiencing life as a 22-year-old. But, as of right now, it is 10:00 a.m. on October 9, 2019, which means I have exactly 24 hours left of being 21. In all honesty, I never gave much thought to what was to come after my last birthday, I was too absorbed in the thought of being the big 2-1. However, as the hours wind down, I find myself reflecting on all of the things I’ve learned during these past 12 months.
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Having a few close friends means so much more than surrounding yourself with a group of strangers.
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Never be embarrassed by what makes you happy.
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Just because other people have struggled more does not mean your struggle is invalid.
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Be proud of where you came from and be excited for where you’re going.
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Take your makeup off before bed, always.
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Exfoliate only a couple times a week (if at all).
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Be kind to your body, it’s the only one you get.
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Don’t be too prideful to mend bridges.
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Put effort into everything you do or don’t do it at all.
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School isn’t everything, it’s about what you do in addition to school that matters.
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Your comfort zone will limit you, get used to pushing yourself past it.
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Create whenever you can: write, draw, design, and build. Looking back at your creative process is the best way to see growth.
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Being mean isn’t cool (it never was).
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Pursue what challenges you, what makes you happy and what makes you grow.
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Stop and pet as many dogs as you can, you’ll never regret it.
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Peppermint tea is amazing for a nervous stomach.
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For sore throats and colds, get the Carolina Honey tea from Argo.
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There will be another ‘one’, and another, and another, and another. Take that however you will.
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Love your parents as much as you can while they’re around. As you grow older they do too.
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Eat whatever you want when you want it, but balance it with something that your body needs.
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Your 21st birthday will never live up to expectations, so just surround yourself with friends and open a bottle of wine.
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There is so much more to life than being 21, so look forward to 22.