So, I’m turning 20 in one week. I still can’t entirely fathom how on earth time flew so quickly, and for some reason, I feel this strange sense of sadness for reaching the beginning of my 20s. I don’t want to stop being a teenager, and I don’t like the feeling of getting older. But, with time comes growth. While I am still a teen, here are 19 things I wish I knew at 19 years old.
- It’s okay not to have everything figured out — things will fall into place as they should.
- You are completely worthy and capable of being successful.
- When a pandemic comes knocking on the earth’s door, know that hope is the one thing that will keep you going.
- Getting help for mental health problems/issues is a complete life saver.
- School is important, but so is your body and your mind — treat both of them well and everything else will thrive alongside them.
- Walks in nature are the best kind of mind-clearing medicine.
- Tell your loved ones that you love them constantly.
- Be careful not to take things or people for granted – be grateful for everything and everyone you have in your life.
- Life is tough, but you are absolutely tougher.
- Be prepared to say goodbye to things and people that no longer make you happy or comfortable.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up, especially when you notice that something is wrong.
- Getting eight or more hours of sleep is WAY more important than staying up late for whatever reason, even if it’s to study.
- Take a moment each day to think about a small moment that happened that you are grateful for or that made you smile — gratitude is so so important for the mind and wellness.
- Take that risk that you’re contemplating. Sometimes the scariest roads led to the most wonderful destinations.
- Romanticize. Your. Life. Every moment of it.
- Try something out of your comfort zone — especially if it’s saying hi and meeting new people for the first time or spontaneously.
- Reach out to someone you haven’t heard from a while and connect with them.
- Traveling is such a wonderful part of life, especially with people you love.
- You will end up exactly where you are meant to be.
While I’m growing older, I can’t help but feel incredibly thankful for all the lessons I’ve learned so far. I’m thankful for all the people, all the laughs I’ve shared with others, all the little moments of life that make it so worth living, and all the places I have been and will go to in the future. Life is full of such wonderful possibilities and moments that make each day so special, and I’m excited to go forth into the future with the hope that I will make the most out of the world.
I hope these 19 lessons I’ve learned over the years will bring some guidance, light, or hope into your life. I know that life may seem hard or frustrating to deal with sometimes, but there is always more to learn and more things on the horizon.