How is everyone out there doing? I am coming up on the year before a quarter life mid crisis...that is 24! So...I thought I would take a page out of some of my favorite bloggers and tell you 24 things I've learned in 24 years!
1. Life is hard
Yes you read that right...life is not all the cute Insta posts of puppies and adventures. Life is hard...like really hard, but that's okay, because while it is hard, you grow a ton, and can look back at the mountains that you've climbed *cue Hannah Montana song* you go girl!
2. Life is also beautiful!
Yes I know, I just said it was really hard...but what is a little hard work without some ice cream along the way...I cannot tell you how many times I have had some of my biggest triumphs while in the middle of a thunder, lightening, hail, snow storm....look for those tender mercies...like when they play you're favorite song on the radio after a rough day...or when you find a quote that just speaks to your soul...or the smell of a book...all beautiful things!
3. You will meet some of your life long friends after high school
This doesn't mean that you won't keep in contact with friends from high school (if you can, really cherish those friendships) but also be open to meeting new people, with new ideas and different experience than you. You can find your Christina Yang to your Meredith Grey!
4. Parents are superheroes
Honestly...this is no joke! Take a good look at parents around you...or your own parents, ever notice how much they do for you? I'm serious...they do a lot, from the time you were born, really before that if you think about it...all the while worrying about you like crazy.
5. Friends are going to disappoint you...but that's okay
Life gets in the way, and things happen...and you're going to get hurt...but don't let it get in the way of your friendships...it will be okay, and you will get past it.
6. Showers are the best place to have an emotional break down
There is something about crying, while there is running water rushing down your face...let it out, blot your red, puffy eyes...and then like the warrior you are...go back to life. You are brave...don't let anyone tell you different.
7. Talk to your grandparents (and if you still have them your great grandparents)
They grew up in a time without cell phones, internet, and some of them without TVs...ask them questions, ask them to show you pictures, debate deep topics, teach them how to text with emojis, show them how to whip and nae nae...they sadly won't be around forever...but their stories....oh those stories will be.
8. Just because you take your education seriously doesn't make you a nerd.
I learned this in college...I played softball and was taking 15 credits of pretty hard classes...while my some of my teammates partied hard...when you get pointed out for having good grades by your coach...don't be embarrassed...wear that with pride...but also don't judge those around you, you're no better than them.
9. You can do things by yourself
Go to the movies, go shopping, go hiking...go by yourself. You're not going to have those safety blankets your whole life...it't okay to be alone, but keep that softball bat by your bed...you never know.
10. You're not always going to get the closure you deserve.
That boy you thought you would marry...yea he was dreamy, but he wasn't the sun...you are! He'll leave, and you'll never quite know why. It sucks, and you still wonder about him sometimes...especially when you go on crappy dates, and compare...you'll be okay. You just haven't found the right dance partner yet.
11. When it doubt, turn up the volume...and dance it out. Always dance it out.
12. Always rotate your tires every time you get your oil changed...trust me, your bank account will thank you.
13. Move to a new place
It's hard to be away from your family, friends and life...but it's refreshing to create something new...meet new people, experience something completely different than what you're used to.
14. But Home will always be home, don't forget to visit.
15. Scars aren't something you should be ashamed of
Don't hide the physical or emotional scars. They make up who you are. They don't define your worth, don't let anyone tell you differently.
16. Speak up for what you believe in...even if it's not what everyone else is doing
A lion doesn't care about the opinion of a sheep. Never change who you are because someone doesn't think your opinion or feelings are valid.
17. Be kind.
You never know what someone is going through...just because they snap at you, doesn't make them a bad person. They need love just as much as you do. Even on your hardest day someone loved you. Try and be that someone for someone else....always try and give people the benefit of the doubt. Kindness does not equal weakness, it makes you strong!
18. Never underestimate a good musical.
Grease 1 and 2...High School Musical...don't holla at me. Scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs, and when Grease Lightening comes on...absolutely do all the dance moves.
19. Red lipstick makes you feel powerful.
Rock them, just like Taylor Swift taught you too!
20. Sleep however long you need.
Sometimes you can function on 4 hours of sleep...and sometimes you can get 12 hours and still feel a little dead inside. Listen to your body. Take care of yourself.
21. It's okay to be sad...it's not okay to feel sad all the time.
I'm still learning this one, but sometimes you need help, not just the good cry in the shower help, but real help. It doesn't make you any less of a person...we all need a little extra love sometimes.
22. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off when going through TSA security.
This is no lie...it's a pain to try and get through security, but they are trying to do their job. Don't be one of those people that makes it more difficult than it has to be.
23. Ben and Jerry never ask questions.
Yes, I'm talking about the ice cream...but seriously they are the best.
24. Doing things for yourself does not mean that you're selfish.
We all need time to treat ourselves, and it's important to figure out what that is. Make sure you take time for yourself, to meditate, read a good book, paint your nails, go for a jog...whatever it may be...and then do something for someone else. It will help you.
25. (I know, I know I said 24..but here's a bonus) It does get better. It may not feel like it right now. But I promise. It will get better, hang in there, keep your chin up, and keep trudging. You've got this!
1. Life is hard
Yes you read that right...life is not all the cute Insta posts of puppies and adventures. Life is hard...like really hard, but that's okay, because while it is hard, you grow a ton, and can look back at the mountains that you've climbed *cue Hannah Montana song* you go girl!
2. Life is also beautiful!
Yes I know, I just said it was really hard...but what is a little hard work without some ice cream along the way...I cannot tell you how many times I have had some of my biggest triumphs while in the middle of a thunder, lightening, hail, snow storm....look for those tender mercies...like when they play you're favorite song on the radio after a rough day...or when you find a quote that just speaks to your soul...or the smell of a book...all beautiful things!
3. You will meet some of your life long friends after high school
This doesn't mean that you won't keep in contact with friends from high school (if you can, really cherish those friendships) but also be open to meeting new people, with new ideas and different experience than you. You can find your Christina Yang to your Meredith Grey!
4. Parents are superheroes
Honestly...this is no joke! Take a good look at parents around you...or your own parents, ever notice how much they do for you? I'm serious...they do a lot, from the time you were born, really before that if you think about it...all the while worrying about you like crazy.
5. Friends are going to disappoint you...but that's okay
Life gets in the way, and things happen...and you're going to get hurt...but don't let it get in the way of your friendships...it will be okay, and you will get past it.
6. Showers are the best place to have an emotional break down
There is something about crying, while there is running water rushing down your face...let it out, blot your red, puffy eyes...and then like the warrior you are...go back to life. You are brave...don't let anyone tell you different.
7. Talk to your grandparents (and if you still have them your great grandparents)
They grew up in a time without cell phones, internet, and some of them without TVs...ask them questions, ask them to show you pictures, debate deep topics, teach them how to text with emojis, show them how to whip and nae nae...they sadly won't be around forever...but their stories....oh those stories will be.
8. Just because you take your education seriously doesn't make you a nerd.
I learned this in college...I played softball and was taking 15 credits of pretty hard classes...while my some of my teammates partied hard...when you get pointed out for having good grades by your coach...don't be embarrassed...wear that with pride...but also don't judge those around you, you're no better than them.
9. You can do things by yourself
Go to the movies, go shopping, go hiking...go by yourself. You're not going to have those safety blankets your whole life...it't okay to be alone, but keep that softball bat by your bed...you never know.
10. You're not always going to get the closure you deserve.
That boy you thought you would marry...yea he was dreamy, but he wasn't the sun...you are! He'll leave, and you'll never quite know why. It sucks, and you still wonder about him sometimes...especially when you go on crappy dates, and compare...you'll be okay. You just haven't found the right dance partner yet.
11. When it doubt, turn up the volume...and dance it out. Always dance it out.
12. Always rotate your tires every time you get your oil changed...trust me, your bank account will thank you.
13. Move to a new place
It's hard to be away from your family, friends and life...but it's refreshing to create something new...meet new people, experience something completely different than what you're used to.
14. But Home will always be home, don't forget to visit.
15. Scars aren't something you should be ashamed of
Don't hide the physical or emotional scars. They make up who you are. They don't define your worth, don't let anyone tell you differently.
16. Speak up for what you believe in...even if it's not what everyone else is doing
A lion doesn't care about the opinion of a sheep. Never change who you are because someone doesn't think your opinion or feelings are valid.
17. Be kind.
You never know what someone is going through...just because they snap at you, doesn't make them a bad person. They need love just as much as you do. Even on your hardest day someone loved you. Try and be that someone for someone else....always try and give people the benefit of the doubt. Kindness does not equal weakness, it makes you strong!
18. Never underestimate a good musical.
Grease 1 and 2...High School Musical...don't holla at me. Scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs, and when Grease Lightening comes on...absolutely do all the dance moves.
19. Red lipstick makes you feel powerful.
Rock them, just like Taylor Swift taught you too!
20. Sleep however long you need.
Sometimes you can function on 4 hours of sleep...and sometimes you can get 12 hours and still feel a little dead inside. Listen to your body. Take care of yourself.
21. It's okay to be sad...it's not okay to feel sad all the time.
I'm still learning this one, but sometimes you need help, not just the good cry in the shower help, but real help. It doesn't make you any less of a person...we all need a little extra love sometimes.
22. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off when going through TSA security.
This is no lie...it's a pain to try and get through security, but they are trying to do their job. Don't be one of those people that makes it more difficult than it has to be.
23. Ben and Jerry never ask questions.
Yes, I'm talking about the ice cream...but seriously they are the best.
24. Doing things for yourself does not mean that you're selfish.
We all need time to treat ourselves, and it's important to figure out what that is. Make sure you take time for yourself, to meditate, read a good book, paint your nails, go for a jog...whatever it may be...and then do something for someone else. It will help you.
25. (I know, I know I said 24..but here's a bonus) It does get better. It may not feel like it right now. But I promise. It will get better, hang in there, keep your chin up, and keep trudging. You've got this!