22 things I’ve learned at 22

Alright so I figured since this is my last blog before my birthday month, and yes I said birthday month… I figured it would be a great time to reflect on everything over the last few years, and decide who I’m going to be when I hit the old age of 23. So to enlighten you on my reflection I decided to grace you with 22 things I’ve learned at 22.

• No one is where they want to be in life. Having in depth conversations with people over the years has made me realize that literally no one is where they want to be. Whether they are struggling to get out of debt, or looking for a next step, everyone has something more they want. Stop beating yourself up every time you think you aren’t quite where you want to be. Whether it’s financially, physically, or in your career, just push forwards knowing everything is achievable.
• You have to be able to say no. I would be lying if I’ve said I’ve mastered this art already, but at some point in your life you’re going to be faced with an opportunity, and you will have to say no. Over the last handful of years I’ve been a bit of a “yes girl.” Unfortunately, this has spread me so thin at times, I lay awake wondering how I’m going to pull through. So be sure you work on saying no occasionally because turning people down is a lot easier, then explaining to your family why you struggle being present.
• Be present in the moment. As  a millennial I think we all struggle with this a bit, but I’ve come to realize the importance of being present in a moment. There is a difference between showing up to a place because you have to, and showing up somewhere because you made time to be there. Focus on each moment you spend with individuals, and spend time with them undistracted, you’ll treasure these moments when you actually take time to enjoy them.
• Life is short. Cliché I know, but I don’t think I ever realized how short life was until this point. Take time to call those you love, and let them know how much you value them. Build bridges you’ve burnt, and mend old relationships. Truly it could be the last time you have the opportunity, so take time before you have to live with a regret.
• Take Risks. I live with this theory that you’re never going to be younger than you are in this moment. So take risks, take the job that may not seem promising, but helps you grow. Fulfill that dream that’s always been three steps ahead of you. Live your life.
• Always have time. There are days that seem over whelming, and like you are rushing through every motion, but always have time to meet new people, and try new things. I can’t explain the opportunities that have arisen in my life, just because I took the time to have a 10 minute conversation with someone who was once a stranger.
• Don’t let the little things get to you. At the end of the day I think about all the things that set me off during the day, and I realize that most of the time it isn’t worth losing sleep over. In a week I probably won’t remember what I was mad about. So sometimes in life it’s important to just let the little things go.
• No one is perfect. Stop trying to be completely perfect, and stop holding grudges against those you thought were perfect. We’re all human, we all make mistakes.
• Sometimes you have to file things under “I don’t know” bad things happen to good people there isn’t always an answer as to why, it just is the way it is. We all crave answers to everything but sometimes we need to let it go and file things under “I don’t know.” Life will still go on.
• Balance and moderation are key. There are so many ways to be extreme about things. Somedays I eat five cupcakes and fast food tacos, the next I’m in the gym three times in  day trying to figure out where I went wrong. Balance is so important to attain in your life, I always remind my self there is a healthy dose of fun, and an appropriate amount of work. Keep in mind what these levels are, and practice balance in your life.
• You control your happiness. I often see others waiting for life to just make them happy. Sometimes this means waiting for situations to pan out, or relationships to flourish. If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that you have to make yourself happy. Find ways to make peace in your life, and do one thing daily that sparks joy; maybe this is reading, running, or having a glass of wine. You, yourself are in charge of your happiness.
• Change your perspective when you can’t change your life. Attitude is everything. Having situations that are out of your control are inevitable, but getting down on yourself is completely avoidable. When you feel like you can’t catch a break, change your attitude. Finding a positive perspective will get you through almost any problem you encounter.
• Have faith in something. Even if you aren’t a religious person, I think it’s important to remember to have faith, for me I’ve put my trust in God. I know he looks out for me and guides me consistently, even when I feel I should be going in the other direction. It’s human nature to look for something more, even if it’s just believing in each other.
• Grattitude is attitude. One common theme behind every religion is gratitude. It’s powerful and it works! Always be grateful for what you have; no matter how bad things seem, there’s always someone who has it worse.
• Don’t compare yourself to others. I can’t stress this enough, the truth is some people are in a sprint and you’re running a marathon. Everyone is moving at their own pace, and comparing yourself to everyone you meet slows down your race, not theirs.
• Learn a little about everything. This was recently brought to my attention, when a friend says you literally know a little about everything. I never realized this but I take the time to learn a little about everything. Why?! The world is full of so many diverse people you never meet someone who has the exact same interests, but learning about the things that make them tick help build relationships. You’ll have new things to talk about and who knows you might even find something new that you enjoy.
• Stand your ground. If there’s something you truly believe in, it’s important to always stand your ground. It doesn’t matter if no one agrees with you. Too often we succumb with the notions society throws our way, don’t give in to someone else’s ideas. If you don’t believe in yourself and your values, no one else is going to either.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you can’t laugh at yourself, no one else is going to want to either. Don’t take yourself too seriously, you’ll cause more stress than good.
• There aren’t mistakes in life, only lessons. I can’t even begin to count the mistakes I’ve made in my life, but let me just say I have been able to take a lesson away from almost every mistake. Sometimes it even takes 2 or 3 of the same mistakes to learn a lesson, and that’s okay too.
• Courage is not the absence of fear. It is so important to remember that just because you are ready for something doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. If we never feared anything in life we would never be leaving our comfort zone. Be courageous, but don’t be discouraged by fear.
• The little things eventually become big things. I look back at all the little habits I’ve created in my life, and realize that now they are a part of the bigger picture. The little things you do for people can have a big impact on someone else’s life. Take time to do the little things.
• There’s a difference between being alive and living a life. Don’t live your life just going through the motions, live everyday with purpose and perseverance. Be compassionate, spark joy, fulfill your dreams, and chase waterfalls. One day you’ll look back without regret and realize you lived a blessed life, full of countless memories. Live life, don’t just stay alive.

Honestly, there’s been more I’ve been able to learn, but these are the values I’m holding true to myself. I’m so excited to be on this wild ride I call life, and can’t wait for all the memories, and lessons still ahead.

Until next Tuesday,

ME