21 Lessons in 21 Years

This past weekend, I (finally) turned 21.  I am so excited for it to finally be my birthday, but also can not believe that I am already 21!  Throughout the years, I have definitely had some ups and downs, so here are just 21 things that I have learned in my 21 years of life.

1. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.  Being you is more important than whatever anyone else could ever have to say about you.

2. It's not possible to have it all together all the time.

3. You're going to make mistakes.  It's inevitable.  Just roll with it.

4. Don't deny yourself the ice cream, or the cookie, or whatever sweet thing you want.  Odds are it won't make you any fatter the next day.

5. Cherish your family.  They may get on your nerves, but they're the most important people in your life.

6. Someone who is your best friend could turn around and stab you in the back.  It happens.  But only let them do it once.  Because once a backstabber, always a backstabber.

7. Getting a boyfriend is fun and exciting.  But don't ditch your girlfriends for him.  Because when he's gone, who's going to be there to help you through it?

8. Speaking of boys, no matter how much you love someone, don't put up with shit.  If they stomp on your opinions, only hangout with you when they want to, or put other people before you, dump him.  Find someone who treats you right.

9. Going off of that, you will get your heartbroken.  No matter how much you think he's the right one, there will be someone who will shatter you.  It will hurt, and it will feel like the world is collapsing around you.  You will cry in the middle of a class and need to leave.  You will sob on your room mate's lap because you are so sad.  But guess what?  It gets better.  It gets so much better.

10. Don't compare yourself to others based on their social media.  Everyone picks their best picture to put online, but that doesn't reflect their life.  The most beautiful person on Instagram has her problems, too.

11. Call your grandparents.  At least once a week.  You won't see them as often as you get older, so continue to cherish them.

12. Read a good book.  Re-read your favorite book.  Reading is the best escape, and try and read at least one chapter each night.

13. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.  Some of the best experiences happen outside of your comfort zone.

14. Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay.  Keep being you because, odds are, their minds won't change.

15. Work hard.  Whether it's at school, home, a job, or an internship, work your ass of because you will receive the best results.

16. Get good grades, but don't worry too much about your GPA, especially in college.  No employer is going to hire you based on your GPA, you'll be hired based on your experiences.

17. Travel and experience as many places as you can.  It will be the most rewarding experience.  And document everything, because you won't want to forget it.

18. No matter how much you hate it, workout.  Even if it's just for 30 minutes, it will help your body and make you feel good (endorphins ya know?).

19. Do what makes you happy.  If you don't want to hang out with someone, don't do it.  If you want to stay in while all of your friends are going out, do it (but be prepared for FOMO).  If you want a cheese burger instead of a salad do it.  You literally only live once (sorry cheesy I know) so don't waste it trying to please other people.

20. Cherish your true friends.  Having a few really close friends is so much more worth it than having a lot of just okay friends.

21. Be spontaneous every once in awhile.  It may be scary at first, but will be so worth it in the end.