23 Things I’ve Learned in 23 Years

1. People will tell you what to do. And what to think. They won’t like it when you don’t agree. Instead of agreeing and then doing what you want to anyway, stand up for yourself and what you think. Just because your opinion is different than theirs, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
2. The absolute loneliest holiday to be single on is New Year’s Eve.
3. Getting a second job is a lot harder than getting your first one.
4. Find the people who bring out your creativity. This could mean anything from creating masterpieces that rival the greats, to having an enjoyable conversation where you think harder or funnier than you would normally. Creativity simply means the use of imagination. Find those who encourage you to imagine. You’ll be fulfilled in ways you didn’t expect.
5. Travel as much as possible. Travel far, yes, but also close to you. There are hidden gems close to you whether that is a café you haven’t been to before or a hiking trail leading to the edge of the earth. There are beautiful things near you. I promise.
6. It’s okay not to have a plan. We grow up under the assumption that we must follow a certain path to be happy and successful. When we alter from that plan, we can feel like we have failed. You haven’t failed. Try living without a plan for a little while. Take the time to figure it out. The way imprinted in us at a young age is not necessarily the right way.
7. You are allowed to change your mind.
8. Stay connected to who matters and let the others go. Not everyone you grew up with is meant to stay in your life, and that’s okay. Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay, too. Make the effort to keep in touch with those that are good for you and value you.
9. Keep your keys in the same place every day. This is the KEY to success.
10. Find a hangover cure that works for you. These will only get worse as you get older.
11. Invest in things you love. Whether that be records or nice clothing or remote control airplanes. I once heard, you live all of your life in your bed or in your shoes so invest in both. You won’t regret spending the extra time and money on things that will bring you joy and comfort.
12. Do things by yourself. You don’t have to have a friend along for everything. Bring music to keep you company. Exploring alone can sometimes be more enlightening.
13. Confidence is the strongest personality trait you can have. Finding a way to gain it can be hard. Know your strengths, explore independently and it will come. You got this. Really.
14. You will fall in love over and over. A companion, a friendship, a work of art, a feeling, an activity, a piece of literature, a hobby, a new family member — love does not have to be sexual to be true. If you haven’t found love in the traditional way, look at how you have found it.
15. Read books, read articles, read research, read maps, read texts, read blog posts. Read into everything that interests you. Read to learn. Read to find. Read to escape. Reading equals knowledge. Knowledge equals power. Power equals confidence. Read.
16. Find people who support you. People will want to tear you down whether that be in the workplace or at the lunch table. People will take advantage of your kindness. Be strong in defending yourself and let those go that do not build you up. Support can be fundamental for your success. Be open to it.
17. You should never have to convince someone to cherish you. If someone does not put you first, do not pressure them to. They will never see the diamond that you are if they don’t already and you should not have to make them see the obvious light inside you. Someone else will see it without hesitation.
18. Never be embarrassed by what you like. Movies, music, TV shows, hobbies — it wouldn’t exist if others didn’t share your passions. Be proud of your interests because they make you who you are.
19. Make lists when you go to the grocery store. It saves time and probably money as well.
20. Caffeine withdrawal is a real and powerful thing.
21. Try to carry chapstick, headphones, a pen, and quarters with you always. They are the simplest things you may suddenly have an unexpected, real need for.
22. Keep an archive of your memories. Photos, videos, journals, ticket stubs, notes — you’ll want to remember these later and will look back with a nostalgic smile at the times you’ll one day see as the good ol’ days.
23. Don’t forget yourself. It seems obvious that you are the main character in your story, but sometimes we get lost. People will tell you who you are your entire life. Don’t forget that it’s up to you to decide. It’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to learn and to live and to fall and to fuck up. It’s even okay to lose yourself for a little while. No one else has the same shade of light as you. Keep it burning. Don’t forget yourself. Don’t forget it’s up to you to find who that is.