20 Things I Learned Before I Turned 20

Jessica Uzelac Student Contributor, The University of Utah

Utah Contributor Student Contributor, The University of Utah

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utah chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

In my experience over the last 20 years, (I know I must be so wise, right?) I have learned things that have helped ME to be a happier ME. Even just these 20 things have helped me conquer even the craziest things the universe has thrown my way. These are lessons I learned the hard way and the easy way, but no matter how they came to me, by the age of 20 I hope we’ve all realized these things.

1. Home is a feeling, not a place.

2. Never compare yourself to others because everyone is special and unique in their own way.

3. Bad days don’t mean you have a bad life. It means things can only get better.

4. It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all.

5. It might take a year or a day, but if it’s meant to be, it will always find a way.

6. There is always more to see and there is always more to learn.

7. You, and only you are in charge of how you feel. Choose to be happy.

8. Understanding your bad days is how you appreciate the good days.

9. Learn to accept an apology you never received.

10. Always follow your heart but take your brain with you.

11. You are smarter and more beautiful than you feel.

12. Learn to forgive yourself for things in the past. You can’t change them and focusing on your future is much more progressive.

13. Give people a second chance. Everyone messes up.

14. Listen to your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

15. There’s no such thing as mistakes or regrets. Only lessons.

16. A break-up is not the end of the world. There are more who are just as amazing if not more.

17. For every day you waste mourning over a person who isn’t even worth your time to begin with, you’re missing out on the opportunity to meet new people.

18. Learn how to laugh hard and laugh often.

19. Learn to walk in other people shoes. You’ll be surprised what you begin to understand.

20. Everyday remember to be thankful for all you’ve been given because chances are you are more than blessed.

I know there are an infinite amount of “things” that could go on this list but even starting with 20 is a start. Hopefully you can take at least one of these into your life to make YOU a happier YOU!

20 Things I Learned Before I Turned 20

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