22 Things I’ve learned by 22

Well here we are. My 22nd birthday is tomorrow.

Taylor Swift is playing in the background, this blog is turning 2, and I’m sitting here with a cup of coffee, reflecting on the past 22 years of my life.

How can I feel so old and so young at the same time? Anyone else feel this way in their 20s??

This is a personal post. Mostly for me and for my loyal readers as well. (You know who you are 😉 )

And I know, everything about this post is cliche. Who hasn’t done a “____ things I’ve learned in ____ years” post or video? But they’re fun. And it’s such a unique thing for every person.

Life is a journey and we make mistakes, choices and learn as we go. So it’s fun to see what I’ve learned along the way and what’s really stuck with me. So what better way to do that than by sharing it with the world!

My birthday is also a special time for the blog because I started it on my birthday!!

Now, enough with my rambling.

Here’s 22 things I’ve learned before turning 22:

1. Know your limits –

I may be young but I’m not invincible. Over committing has turned out to be death sentence for me. Know when to say no and when to slow down.

2. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right –

Also known as a “gut feeling”. This goes for situations, friends, surroundings, relationships. Listen to your gut, your heart. If something doesn’t feel right, it most likely isn’t. Do what you need to do to get out of or change a situation.

3. Parties are not for me –

A game night? Sure. Movie night? Yes. Coffee with friends? I’m there. But that whole party scene is just not for me. I’ve learned this after a few failed tried attempts. And life’s too short to spend it doing stuff I don’t like.

4. I’d probably do anything for my cat –

I only ever had outdoor pets growing up so when I got my first “official” cat back in 2014 everything changed. I do everything I can to make sure she’s happy and taken care of.

5. Drink. More. Water –

SERIOUSLY!! Everybody told me. All the time. But I didn’t listen. Drinking water is just like the best thing ever for your body. And it actually tastes amazing??

6. Forgive yourself –

While I may have “learned” this already, it’s still an on going process. Be kinder to yourself, forgive yourself for the things you did and didn’t do. There’s no time to waste being angry at the person you have to spend every second with.

7. A few deep breaths can change your perspective –

That’s all it takes. Slow your heart rate, breathe in, breathe out, clear your mind, un-clench your jaw, relax. It’s all gonna be ok.

8. If they don’t have time for your problems, they’re not your friends –

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by people who care and listen to me. I wasn’t always so lucky.

9. Invest in a good skin care routine –

You’re not too young to start taking care of your skin. In fact, you’ll thank yourself years down the road.

10. Care about politics –

You don’t have to be annoying, but you should always be up to date and educated on what’s going on. And also, VOTE!

11. Always take your makeup off before bed –

No matter how tired you are.

12. Be nice to everyone –

You’ll never regret be nice to someone.

13. It’s ok to cut toxic people out of your life –

Boundaries are KEY. If someone isn’t good to or for you, it’s ok to limit time with them or cut them out completely.

14. People aren’t staring as much as you think you are –

Get the birthday balloons, take the Instagram picture, make a fool of yourself. People are too busy with their own lives to care about what you’re doing.

15. Do more of what makes you happy –

Insert cliche “Life’s too short” quote here. But it’s true.

16. You can choose your family –

The old saying of we don’t get to choose our family is untrue. I have friends I consider family and family I don’t even consider friends.

17. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

It doesn’t make you weak.

18. Take care of the planet –

This is the only home we have. Do. Your. Part.

19. Learn how to take care of yourself –

Learn how to cook, how to change your oil, how to pay bills, etc. You never know what will happen. Only you can take care of you forever.

20. Parent are people too –

They go through things, they make mistakes, they learn. Be patient with them and cherish them.

21. Bob’s burgers is seriously the best –

Seriously.

22. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish –

Always check in with yourself. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Putting yourself first and making sure you’re ok is never a selfish thing. Dump anyone who makes you feel otherwise.

Aaaaaand there you have it! 22 of he most important life lessons I’ve learned thus far.

It’s been a wild 22 years. Here’s to the rest!

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