20 Lessons I’ve Learned in 20 Years

Last weekend, I turned 20! Entering this exciting, new era has not only prompted me to ponder what the next decade holds but also to look back on how much I’ve grown and changed since my last decennial birthday. There are so many tidbits of advice that I wish I could jump back in time and deliver to my childhood or teenage self! All of this introspection has prompted me to compile a list of some favorite life tips, both trivial and pivotal, that I want to carry forward. So, here are the 20 lessons that I’ve picked up during my 20 turns around the sun:

Lifestyle lessons

1. Always keep a houseplant in your bedroom. It sounds silly, but it will truly help with your mental health.
2. Remember to use the mise en place technique before cooking. Taking the time to prep will speed up your recipes in the long run.
3. Move your body because you love it, not because you want to change it. Exercise should bring you joy!
4. Try to consume media that charges you rather than drains you. Keep this in mind as you scroll on your socials.
5. Stay mindful of your caffeine consumption! Your sleep is precious, and you don’t want the jitters.

Academic Lessons

1. Use syllabus week to build a head start in your classes. It’s much easier to stay ahead than get ahead!
2. Your writing is never as good as you want it to be, but it’s never as bad as you fear. 
3. Participate in class as soon as you can. This way you’ll build a habit of speaking up and not fall into a pattern of shyness.
4. Make sure to bond with at least one friend in every class. It’s nice to support each other and study together.
5. Pursue academic subjects that truly interest you. Don’t feel compelled to study what seems the most impressive!

Relationship Lessons

1. When someone tells you their birthday, immediately put it on your calendar! Everyone loves a “happy birthday” message.
2. Don’t let arguments fester. If something’s wrong, communicate that ASAP, and the problem won’t expand.
3. Make an effort to ask your loved ones, “How was your day?” You’ll have so many lovely and honest conversations.
4. Dedicate alone time to each of the people you care about. Don’t try to cram all friendships into social gatherings.
5. Every relationship doesn’t need to fulfill every need. Some people only serve particular roles in your life, and that’s perfectly fine.

Beauty Lessons

1. Don’t over brush your hair! It will get curlier as you get older, and incorrect brushing will be a disaster.
2. Check your makeup in two mirrors before you head out. Your desk mirror alone cannot be trusted! 
3. Ignore any fashion rules about what’s considered “flattering” for your body type. Any body type can wear any style.
4. Apply sunscreen every single morning, no exceptions. Even when it’s foggy, this skincare step is essential.
5. Life’s too short to not experiment with your look. If you want a new piercing or hair color, now is the time to try it out!

I truly enjoyed compiling this list and taking a walk down memory lane. It’s really helpful to have certain reminders written down, and it’s satisfying to see a little snapshot of my cumulative growth and knowledge. I’m excited to revisit this list in the future and maybe even start an annual tradition of adding one more point each February. If you’ve recently had a birthday, or have got one coming up, I highly recommend taking some time to make a list of your own!

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