25 Things I’ve Learned in my 25 Years
After I turned 21, age didn’t mean a whole lot to me. I never feared getting older or not doing things in a particular amount of time. However as my 25th birthday approached, I found myself thinking more and more about where I am in life. I started to think about that plans I had when I was younger and how my life hadn’t followed what many might see as the traditional path. At first, I started to feel a little down until I realized that where I am is perfect for me. I am so happy with where I am and the person I have become. So in honor of my 25th birthday, I thought I would share 25 things I’ve learned in my 25 years.
- Being happy is much more important that being popular.
- Good health is a blessing. I spent several of my years (17-22) very sick. Now that I have things a little more balanced, I am grateful for every healthy day I have.
- There is no timeline in life. Do not get caught up in thinking you have to graduate by 21, marry by 23 and have a house and kids by 26. Spend the time to find your path in life and follow it where it takes you. In the end, you will be much happier that way.
- Learn how to manage your finances young. All too often, we graduate high school and we jump into the adult world. Unfortunately for me, this meant getting a credit card and going a little crazy. In fact, do yourself a favor and don’t get credit cards until you are stable enough to be able to pay them off each month.
- When it comes to friends, quality is better than quantity. It is so much better to hold the good friends close and let the other “fair weather friends” fall away.
- Learn to love yourself, from the tip of your toes to the top of your head. I can’t tell you how many years I spent wishing I was skinnier, prettier and just someone else. Even now I may have gained weight and not look like I always wanted to, but I am happy and comfortable with my body because it allows me to do all the things I love and that make me happy.
- Ignorance may be bliss, but to be ignorant is to also to be blind. For several years, I turned a blind eye to many things because I thought that I couldn’t make a difference. Now I know that my thoughts, opinions and actions matter. You don’t have to be an activist, but stay up with what is happening in the world, your country and your community.
- While money is important and necessary, it isn’t everything. In the end, it is much more important to be happy that to be wealthy.
- Never let someone belittle you or your opinion. You are just as valuable as anyone else, don’t spend time with people who treat you as though you are below them.
- Always put your all into everything you do. Laziness has no place in school or at work.
- That being said, take time for yourself to relax and decompress. For me, I love taking long baths or relaxing with a good book. Even doing a little yoga does wonders to relieve stress and help me refocus.
- Family are the ones who love an support you. They don’t have to be blood relations and not all people you are related to have to be considered as family. In the end, keep all you consider family close because they will always be there for you.
- Try new things. I can’t tell you how bad my anxiety is at times. However, I am so much happier the more I push myself whether it be trying new foods, talking to someone new or traveling to a new place.
- Don’t waste time in relationships that are heading nowhere positive. For me, I stayed with someone for five years because I told myself it was fate that we found each other. We had been through a lot together and we had been together for so long, it didn’t make sense to split up. Basically, I was afraid I would never find someone else. It wasn’t a positive or healthy relationship and though it was hard at first, life became so much better after moving on.
- Relationships can be great, but it is more than okay to be single. Being single is the perfect time to find out more about yourself and to focus on relationships with your friends and family.
- You are stronger than you think. I am a firm believe that we are not given more than we can handle. While things may seem impossible at the time, you will make it through.
- Take care of yourself. It is okay to indulge in the things we enjoy, but you body is the only one you will ever have. Take the time to treat your body right.
- Don’t shy away from the people who try to push you. Those people who take us out of our comfort zones can be a little intimidating. As long as the situation is safe, embrace it. You never know what you might enjoy until you have given it a try.
- Nothing you have done in your past makes you unworthy or any less than another. We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, terrible things may happen to use. No matter what has happened to you or what mistakes you have made, you still deserve to live a happy life.
- Children are wonderful. They can bring such joy into your life. It is also a very personal decision on if/how you want to bring a child into the world. In the end, it is your decision. Don’t let others’ opinions make you feel bad about whatever decisions you make. Only you know what is right for you.
- Learn to cook. I know, that sounds silly, right? I can’t tell you how much better my life became once I learned to cook. It not only helped me save money, but gave me an outlet to try new things. I also found I really enjoy cooking for others and having intimate dinners with friends.
- No job is ever beneath you and you are entitled to nothing. No matter where you went to school, what degree you have or who you know, you have to prove your worth. Do the job, put your all into it and work your way up to the position you want.
- Presents aren’t everything. Sometimes, it is so much better to do something together. Instead of feeling like you have to exchange gifts because of a particular holiday, try spending time together. Go have lunch and see a movie, try something new or travel together. Experiences will last longer than possessions.
- Memories are so important yet many of us take them for granted. Take pictures of events and journal about your life. It doesn’t have to be daily, but one day you will look back and be happy to read about the things your younger self thought and did.
- The final thing I’ve learned that I would like to share is that life ever changing. It is never too late to make a change or to try something different. If you are unhappy, don’t be afraid to make a change. No matter what, life will go on.
What are some things you have learned that you would like to share with others?