21 Lessons I've Learned in 21 Years

Welcome back! Today is February 11th also known as my birthday. I don't know about you but today I'm feeling twenty-two (insert Taylor Swift singing 22). The older I get the less exciting birthdays have become.  Having a winter birthday as a child always meant that it was spent in school most years, which made it kind of special because everyone acknowledged it.  I have had quite the number of birthdays that have been snow days too. Today I'm sharing 21 lessons I have learned over the years with y'all. I hope you enjoy them!

1. Apologizing doesn't always mean that you are wrong. It actually means that you value your relationships more than your ego.  
2. Living a healthy life will make you happier. This doesn't mean you have to be a vegetarian or go to the gym seven days a week.  Just make healthy choices when possible.  It's actually not healthy to obsess over eating incredibly healthy or being a workout addict. 
3. Numbers don't define you. Sure it helps if you have a high GPA, more money in your bank account, enough money to be used as an emergency fund in your savings account, can reach your goal weight, obtain more likes on your Instagram picture than your rival, etc.  However, these numbers don't define who you are. If anything, focusing on them just tares you down.
4. Surrounding yourself with positivity will go a long way.  Don't waste your time surrounding yourself with those who are negative. Even if you don't share the same thoughts as they do, they are actually having a negative impact on you. Take time to find positivity in life whether it's taking a minute to laugh at your mistakes or searching for an inspirational quote each day. 
5.  Keep an open mind. It's important to try new things, experiences, and be adventurous. You will never know if you don't like something until you try it.  Don't pass judgement on something you don't actually know about. 
6. Don't take people for granted. You never know what's going to happen.  Tomorrow the person you love the most could be gone. 
7. Make time of yourself.  It's easy to get caught up in life, so remember to take an hour each day to do something that makes YOU happy.  If you are always doing things for other people, eventually you will wear yourself down. 
8. Ask for help when you need it. It's okay to not know everything or be able to do everything on your own. Asking for help when necessary is important. 
9. Brunch + Coffee dates are important. It is so important to take the time out of your day to actually sit down with someone you care about.  Today we live in a world where everything has a to go option. Taking time to sit down face to face and talk is a luxury that we often forget about.  It's always great to add great food and coffee/tea to these chats too!
10. Set goals.  Goals give you purpose and direction in life.  Setting them will help you make more out of each day.  Both short term and long term goals are important to have, especially as you transition out of college and into the real world of adulting. 
11. Respect yourself. If you don't respect yourself, then you cannot expect to receive respect from others. 
12. Never go to bed angry at the ones you love.  Stay up a little later to solve whatever the issue is. You will get a better night's sleep, wake up happier, and if anything should happen you won't ever have regrets about what you did or didn't say. 
13. Honor your word. It is important to follow through and do the say the things you will do.  People will respect you for it. 
14. College is important.  College isn't for everyone, but if you have the opportunity to go do it. You will learn so much about life during those four years. You will learn about yourself  and about the world outside of the community you've grown up in. 
15. It's okay to go out and not drink.  Just because you are of age doesn't mean that you have to be drunk at every social event.  You can still have fun being sober. In fact, it can be comical to watch how ridiculous other people act when drunk.  Drunk adults are really like toddlers. 
16. Communication is must for maintaining good relationships.  Communication is the base for any good relationship (romantic or friendship).  It is what allows you to stay close to friends who live far away.  It also is the way that you and the other person are able to understand each other.  It also prevents silly arguments from occurring. 
17. Everything happens for a reason. Life has a crazy way of giving us lots of ups and downs. We many not always know why things are happening, but it is important to know that one day we will figure out the reason why. 
18. Stop to enjoy the little things in life.  Sometimes you literally need to stop and smell the spring flowers.  When you take a small step back to enjoy your surroundings, it will make you much happier. It also allows you to be more present. 
19. Stand up for what you believe in. People aren't always going to be on your side, but it is important to fight for what you believe in.  As long as you are not obnoxious about your beliefs, chances are people will respect you for standing up for what you believe in rather than being wishy washy and changing your thoughts based on those around you. 
20. Do good things for others.  There's a little thing called karma.  When you do good things for others, then something good will eventually come back to you. 
21. I have more grown up to do and more lessons to learn. Sure, I have learned a ton, but I still have so much life to live and lots to learn along the way. 

XOXO