21 Lessons I Learned Before I Turned 21
Today is my birthday, and I am officially 21. There is no escaping it now. I am a real adult.
Although, I’m pretty sure I have thought of myself as an adult since I was 6, so this isn’t exactly a new feeling.
As I have been reflecting on this last year (a perk of having your birthday at the end of the year is that there is a LOT of reflection), I have also spent a lot of time thinking about all the past years. What I have learned. The lessons, books, and people who have shaped me. I have seen many lists like this one on Pinterest. And while I don’t claim that this list is anything special or unique, these are the concepts that stood out in my reflections - the lessons that have shaped me, and the person I am becoming.
I can’t take credit for any of these ideas, they are nothing new. I appreciate the amazing, strong, beautiful, talented, brilliant people who have instilled these ideas into my mind. I’m inspired by all that I have learned, how I have applied it to my life, and how far yet I still have to go.
So here we go, 21 lessons I learned before I turned 21, in no particular order:
I am the one responsible for my own emotions.
Be nice to the little people, because to some people you are the little people.
Vulnerability is strength - and a key to a strong and resilient life.
People respond to expectations differently - some people find it hard to “just do something”.
People are the priority.
If I’d regret it in 60 years I’d better do it.
If you're overwhelmed, just do one thing.
Be different without embarrassment, for example, I don't listen to music or enjoy board games.
Lack motivation, and do it anyway.
Look to people totally different from you for inspiration.
Tears are a perfectly acceptable way to express yourself. Sometimes that is the only words there are.
French fries, milkshakes, queso, and tea can fix many of the problems in life.
Life is not all mindset work, and it is not all practical application. Both are necessary to live a full life.
If someone ever wants to tell a personal story, they are sharing a piece of themselves.
It’s never too late in the day for a cup of tea (well, decaf anyway).
The distance between education and application is often vast.
No one cares how smart, talented, or rich you are if you aren’t kind.
The same things don’t work for everyone, that’s what makes people so special and unique and difficult.
A drawer of clothes always looks better when it has been file folded.
Rest can be harder than work - do it anyway.
Listen to your body, it knows. But trust me, it isn’t what is telling you to eat three slices of chocolate cake.
Now, I have to go eat some gluten-free cake and spend time with those I love. Here’s to 21 being my best year yet - the year of doing the hard and the impossible.
I don’t know who I will be at 22, only this year will tell. But whoever I will be, I’m excited to embrace the process of becoming her.
Until next time,