22 lessons for 22 years
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling……. you know the rest. I finally turn 22 on Feb. 6!
Do I seem like an Aquarius? I know less about astrological signs than I probably should.
In all seriousness, I can’t express how grateful I am for all of the amazing people in my life. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’re a part of that important group. To you, I owe everything I am. Thank you.
To ring in this 22nd year of life, I thought it would be perfect to share 22 lessons I’ve learned over the years. Yes, I’m aware that I’m only a few years into my twenties. I know I have a whole lifetime of lessons ahead of me. I’m sure I’ll laugh at some of these a year from now. All that being said, I still think it’s important to celebrate where you are now and to continue growing.
Some of these lessons are serious. Some of them are silly. All of them are important to the person I’ve become. Here’s to 22 more years of life and lessons learned. Enjoy!
22 lessons for 22 years
Some things are just out of your control. You have to learn to be okay with that
I think this is the first thing everyone learns after starting therapy. I used to live in a constant state of stress over the things that were out of my control. Once I learned that the only thing you can control is your own actions, I could finally relax a bit. Sure, I still have days where I struggle with the things I have no control over, but I’ve learned to let things go and live a little too.
Always wear sunscreen.
I used to hate wearing sunscreen on my face because it made me feel greasy. About a year ago, I finally sucked it up and started to wear it in hopes of healing some of my acne scarring. Wearing it completely changed the game and now I don’t leave home without it on.
If your running shoes feel like they fit perfectly, they’re too small.
This is a very niche lesson but still important. If you enjoy running, consider buying your running shoes in a size up.
Giving gifts feels better than receiving them.
I pride myself on being a fantastic gift giver. Nothing beats watching my loved ones’ faces when they unwrap the gift they mentioned wanting months ago. Listen and pay attention to the things they enjoy.
Continue to hone your craft. You never stop learning and growing.
Why else do you think I have a blog that I post to each month?
Pinterest is the best social media platform ever.
It’s so casual. There are so many ways to find inspiration. It doesn’t “demand” time from you like Tiktok or Instagram do. It’s an A+ in my book.
Puzzles rock.
Seriously, give them a try. This is how I spent the entirety of my winter break.
Make it your goal to give out one compliment a day. Bonus points if it's a stranger.
Not only does it make them feel good, but it makes you feel good too.
Make your damn bed.
Self-explanatory.
You have two ears but only one mouth. Use them before you speak.
Not enough people practice active listening.
Always set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to get up.
Maybe this is just a me thing, but I always underestimate the amount of time it takes to get ready in the morning. I’ve found that waking up 15 minutes earlier than I think I need to keeps me from rushing out the door.
Printers are not to be trusted.
I swear they never work when you need them to.
You can watch the car drive by without getting in it.
Another lesson from therapy. Whenever an insecurity or anxious thought pops up, it can be hard to not go down a rabbit hole of worries. Instead, you need to think of those intrusive thoughts as a passing car. Sure, you might see the car as it rumbles down the hill, but you can choose to watch it drive on instead of hopping inside. Acknowledge those thoughts and then do what you can to move on from them.
Don’t invest time into relationships that make you feel invisible.
The right people will bring out the best side of you. Don’t settle for “friends” who make you feel unimportant.
Estate sales are where it’s at.
I bought a maxi skirt at an estate sale for $5. I almost passed on it but decided to keep it at the last second. I did some research on the brand when I got home and found out that the skirt was worth upwards of $700. Do with this information what you will.
Buy a five-year journal.
In 2019, I bought a journal that gives you a couple of lines to write about what you did each day for five whole years. I finished it at the end of 2023 and it is now one of my most prized possessions. You’ll find that you remember a lot more of your everyday life than you think you do.
Self-tanner is the worst.
What’s worse than being pale? Being orange and streaky. Just don’t.
If you have thoughts that regularly keep you up at night, do a brain dump before bed.
You guessed it, another lesson from therapy. Whether you like pen and paper or prefer typing on a Google doc, take some time before bed to write about the thoughts that keep you tossing and turning. Getting all of your thoughts down before closing your eyes will leave you with nothing to think about as you try to fall asleep.
Everyone goes through a rejection of some sort. Don’t let it stop you from dreaming bigger.
This one’s a tough one. I like to think that everyone goes through at least one big rejection or “no” in their lifetime, if not more. Nobody gets what they want 100% of the time. It’s up to you to take that experience and use it as an opportunity for growth. So take some time to wallow in your rejection, and then think bigger.
If getting a new water bottle will help you drink more water, just buy it.
Thank you, Stanley Cup!
Always take the first opportunity to leave a function.
Think about it. Your friend asks if you want to leave an outing, but instead of agreeing, you say, “Eh, I think I might stay a little longer and see what happens.” And guess what happens? Nothing! Now you’re bored and wishing you would have gone home an hour ago. Nine times out of 10, you will be grateful you left the first time somebody asks you to.
Always say thank you. Say it more times than you feel is necessary.
Never stop being grateful. Thank your friends for sticking by your side. Thank your parents for all that they did for you while you were growing up. Thank those you love for this wonderful life. It’s a gift that we only have the chance to experience once.
