As my twentieth year wraps up, and I can officially say I’m in my early 20s, I feel some kind of obligation to share all the “wisdom” I’ve gained from the last two decades. Really, I just hope my mistakes and everything I’ve learned helps someone out, and encourages them to live out their best lives intentionally. My 20th year was a roller coaster, full of more drops than anything, but every so often I’d be blessed with a really good day that reminded me that there is always sunshine in every single day, and that things will get better.
So here’s a list of the 21 things I learned by 21, all ranging from silly fashion advice, to some deep statements I hope push you to challenge your thoughts. Without further ado, number one:
1. Always wear black. People will tell you other colors suit you & you’ll change your outfit a million times. You’ll waste time questioning your fashion sense and try all the other colors but at the end of the day you’ll always end up choosing the perfect outfit, in black.
2. Eat your greens & drink your water. Act like you love your body, and it’ll love you back.
3. Love everyone. You’ll realize not everyone deserves it, but love them anyways.
(Photo by Brigitte Tohm)
4. The Bible has the best advice. Hands down.
5. Reminding people that you love them is great. Showing them is even better. Don’t wish you treated them better, love on them now.
6. Quote: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. You never have to do anything you don’t want to do, so think about why you’re doing what you’re doing, then enjoy it. You get to choose what you focus your energy on.
7. Mom & dad always mean well. Even if it doesn’t always seem like it, they will always be on your side & your number one cheerleaders.
8. It’s okay to take a nap. You can’t hustle if you’re sleepy.
9. Good friends are better than a lot of friends.
(Photo by Toa Heftiba)
10. When your creativity is itching to come out, let it. Don’t fight it. See what your beautiful mind is capable of.
11. Pray. All day. Everyday. It will make your problems smaller and blessings bigger.
12. Quote: “First, it’s about God, then about others but never about you”. Remember that you are not the main character of this story.
13. Get curious. Always find a way to be inspired and keep learning. You’ll be bored otherwise.
(Photo by Austin Chan)
14. You don’t have to make excuses for having a specific interest or dressing a certain way. You get to choose who you are, so accept yourself wholly. Be vulnerable and allow others to see you.
15. Running is the best medicine. Set your body, mind and soul free with a quick run.
16. Apparently opportunities don’t come knocking on the door. You have to seek them.
17. Keep your room organized, your nails filed and your face clean. You’ll feel like you have your life together even if you don’t.
18. Vision is important. You need to be clear about what your doing & why you’re doing it, so wake up early and get specific with what you want before starting the day.
(Photo by Martin Widenka)
19. You always deserve a coffee. You are so worthy.
20. There are so many things to be thankful for. God’s grace is constant; be grateful, always.
21. It may not be your day, or even your year, and that’s totally okay. You don’t have to be happy or thriving at all times. When the struggles and anxieties try to overwhelm you, embrace the experience; remember, the bad times don’t last forever. You will see the sun again.
My twentieth year was a LONG one, and felt like a thousand constant punches to the gut, but I feel like I can breathe again knowing I’m starting a brand new year. I’m thankful for all the trying experiences Twenty gave me, and for the strength it yanked out of me. As the rain comes to a stop, and the clouds clear away, I’m excited to see all the sunshine Twenty-one will bring.