22 Things I Learned in 22 Years

I turned twenty two in November and since then have been trying to figure out who i am. I've seen a lot of other people doing this where they talk about everything they've learned about themselves over their lives. It made me think about my life and the guidelines I live by and honestly, it helped me feel a little less lost. I hope it can bring the same to you.

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1. Everyone has a story.

Everyone has had a life before they met you and you may not understand what they went through, but the simple fact that you've both faced hardship could be enough to open up conversation. You don't to have experienced someones exact situation to help them through it.

2. Your parents might be your superheroes but they are also human.

No one becomes a perfect human being just because they have a baby. If your parent is having a bad day, give them the same break you'd give a friend.

3. You can choose your family.

There are so many friends on my life who I would consider family. Blood doesn't make a family, love does.

4. Always take care of yourself.

From a homemade dinner to drinking enough water, my best days are always the days I've put the most work into making sure I'm okay. Don't forget to check in with yourself.

5. "A re-lit cigarette never tastes the same."

I read this quote somewhere on Tumblr so many years ago but it has always stuck with me. I learned the hard way so many times that going back to someone never works. When it's over it's over.

6. Get lost in books and movies.

There is nothing quite like immersing yourself in someone else's world, solid escapism but also amazing for inspiration.

7. Planning is important but don't forget about where you are.

Wherever you are right now is where you're supposed to be. Always look for the good.

8. Always laugh.

No matter what.

9. Be mindful of everyone.

Just like number 1, you need to look out for people. Be mindful of the fact that someone may be going through something they're not ready to talk about.

10. Know how to take a joke.

Makes life a lot easier.

11. Living with your friends can be hard, but it is so amazing.

At the start I felt the pressure to be "on" all the time, always ready to hang out and dreading ever having a fight, but living with two of my best friends has been amazing, we could not see each other for days and there is no conflict, we just laugh and talk dribble for hours and are a constant support system.

12. Gender doesn't define you.

Never let anyone make you feel small because for being a gender you didn't get a choice in being. Stand tall and keep fighting.

13. Stand up for what you believe in.

We wouldn't be the generation to repeal the eighth or vote for marriage equality if we didn't.

14. Trust your gut.

Could have saved myself so much time if I had trusted my first instinct about people.

15. Make mistakes.

Every mistake is a lesson to take with you, it can help you grow.

16. You can't make someone love you.

It's not their fault if they don't feel the same way. I used to be so mad at people for not loving me the way I want them to, you have to let that go and not hold it against them. Once again, everyone is human.

17. Stay creative.

Keeping creative helps my brain function. This blog is a part of that but sometimes it is as simple as doodling on a page. You might end up like me where your housemates stick them up on the fridge.

18. Work hard for what you want.

You won't get anywhere waiting for your life to come together, you need to work hard, both in work and on yourself. You'll feel so much better if you do.

19. Fall in love, every damn time.

As hard as it is, it's always worth it.

20. Dance.

Everyone wants to dance and you have a lot more fun if you do. The dance floor? do it. Your bedroom? Definitely do it.

21. Talk to someone.

It might be for everyone but talking to someone about what's going on in my life helps me. Try just talking to a friend.

22. Don't be afraid.

Life's more fun when you stop caring about what scares you.

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I'm still learning, and I can't wait to see what my twenty second year will bring me. All I know is if I keep going by these guidelines I'll get through it. So maybe this can help and maybe it's all useless to you, but it could help you think of the stuff that you've learned and put things into perspective. Life is a lot easier when you can recognize what you're grateful for and keep going.

Till next time.