Turning 20 seems cool and scary at the same time — you’re not a teenager anymore and have to start doing adult things like paying rent or taxes, but you also get rid of the ‘teen’ at the end of your age, which, to be honest, just sounds nicer. I feel like I had been waiting for so long to turn 20, but when I finally did over the weekend, I didn’t feel much different. Reflecting over the past 19 years of my life, which literally flashed by, I can say I’ve learnt a lot from life experiences.
1. Do things for yourself, not for others
I keep hearing this saying more and more as I grow older but it is true. You only have one life and you should do whatever makes YOU happy.
2. Water is your best friend
I barely used to drink enough water, especially during my early teenage years which was crucial to preventing my numerous breakouts. Again, you see and hear it everywhere but it really does help your skin.
3. Your mother is almost always right about everything
You may think it’s cool to not listen to your mother when she tells you to wear warmer clothes in the winter, but trust me, she knows what she’s doing because she’s experienced more than you. Take her advice because it will help you in the future.
4. People you’ve known for the longest will not always be your best friend forever
This goes back to doing things for yourself — if you have been friends with someone for a long time but they don’t make you happy and want the best for you, it’s time to move on. It may be painful but it’ll be healthier for you.
5. Change is good, embrace it!
It can be scary but change is almost like having a new, fresh start in life.
6. Not everyone will like you
If you’re a people-pleaser like me, you know what it’s like to try and make people like you and then feel down when they actually don’t. Remember that your personality might not match up with others but that’s okay.
7. Chocolate can cure anything
Period problems, heartbreak, or even if you’re just not having a good day, chocolate is literally a girl’s best friend.
8. Being popular doesn’t matter
It can be hard in high school if you’re not part of the popular gang, or if you aren’t friends with everyone at school, but you should surround yourself with a smaller circle of good friends.
9. Find a hobby and stick to it
Whether it’s creative or not, you’ll be thankful that you have a skill and something fun to do on a rainy day.
10. Crying is okay
I hate crying (when it’s not at those tear-jerking scenes in movies) but it’s good to get your emotions out rather than bottling it up inside.
11. Try and find positivity in everything
It honestly makes your day so much better if you wake up feeling happy and look at the brighter side of things. I used to be quite pessimistic as a teenager but I’ve learnt to not always find negativity in even the smallest situations.
12. Put your phone away
One of my pet peeves is people constantly on their phones when you’re out with them. There’s so much to enjoy around you, so put your phone away and be present in the moment!
13. Everything happens for a reason
This infamous saying has stuck by me all through my teenage years.
14. Laugh and smile more
You can’t take life too seriously!
15. Don’t compare yourself to others on social media
As glamorous as Instagram makes it out to be, the reality is that people don’t live their lives traveling or eating amazing food all the time.
16. It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life
You don’t have to have every little detail planned out.
17. Stress less
Research has shown that too much stress is overall not good for your body. Of course it is normal in small amounts but if you’re constantly worrying about everything, try and take a deep breath and relax before tackling it.
18. Read more
It may not be your thing, but reading is a really good way to pass time and to learn so much. So much better than spending yet another hour scrolling through the same posts on Instagram!
19. Being immature and childish is not a bad thing
20 is still young, and you don’t have to immediately switch over to being a mature adult. Enjoy being young!