21 Things I Learned at 21

Gab Garcia
Jul 30, 2017 · 6 min read

21 Years of Life and a lot to be thankful for. From the people I’ve met to the experiences I wen’t through, no matter how big or small they may seem, they played a big role in molding me to the person I am today. Here are some of the things I’ve learned throughout my 21 years of existence!

1. Live life to the fullest. So if ever you get the chance to go back in time, you would want experience the same things twice rather than changing things.

As used up as it sounds, NO REGRETS!!

2. The best way to be prepared is to plan ahead, although sometimes the best plan is no plan.

The present in itself is too chaotic and needs your full attention and the future cannot be prophesied absolutely because it is too unpredictable. Do what you can now but learn to let go so you won’t feel anxious for the future. Hope for the best, expect the worst.

3. The world is fast paced and people are living life as if they’re always in a hurry. Learn to slow down in order to fully absorb what life has to give.

People are always in a hurry and they stray away from the moment and they drift to some place else. This prevents them from being in the moment because they’re always thinking about the next thing they’re gonna do. In order to full absorb what life has to give, from the listening to your friends or just having a cup of coffee, learn how to control your life’s pace by learning how to slow down.

4. People never truly leave.

People come and go but memories stay.

People may not stay with us forever, but death ends life, not a relationship.

5. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. — To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

Empathy = Understanding = Patience = Love.

6. No amount of guilt can change the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future.

The past is done, the future isn’t here, live in the now that for certain is clear.

7. The smallest things often have the greatest impact.

People tend to forget the little things. They want planets and worlds but they forget that those little shining stars are what light up the night sky.

8. Don’t be a slave to social media and never let the internet rush you.

I actually abstained from social media for the past month and it’s a liberating experience. I just pray that your life will be as awesome as you pretend it is on Facebook.

9. Reject instant gratification. It is an illusion to prevent you from achieving long term success

We are all thirsty for recognition and we all want results in an instant. Keep in mind that all great things take time.

10. The best way to build a friendly environment is to be kind towards those you interact with on a daily basis.

From the neighbors, security guards, janitors, or whoever you see on a daily basis, be nice to them and they’ll reciprocate it. You’ll be surprised on how positive your day can get when they smile at you or greet you.

11. Entitlement is the cancer of success and there is no substitute for hard work.

Being entitled is the easiest path to frustration. Learn how to manage your expectations and be thankful for what you have before asking for more.

12. When you‘re lost, just keep moving forward. You’ll eventually discover the path you want to take.

Not all who wander are lost and you don’t have to get everything figured out right now. Just keep moving forward. You may not always end up where you want to be, but you’ll always end up in the place that you are meant to be.

13. Face the reality of the world you live in but see it for what it could be.

Those who think that they are crazy enough to change the world eventually do.

14. Culture will dictate a big part you. of how you behave and think, if it doesn’t appeal to you, don’t conform it. — Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch Albom

No matter where you go and who you’re with, you will always be affected by culture. If the culture in your workplace, school, or groups don’t appeal to you, do not be afraid to go against the norm. It is better to live up to your own beliefs rather than conform to another’s.

15. The best way to pay your mentors back is to pay them forward.

We often think of paying back our parents, teachers, and mentors but in reality they don’t really ask for anything. But deep down inside, they wish that you could share what they have given you to the people you’ll eventually teach.

The best way to pay back your mother and father is to be a good parent to your children.

16. Life can only be understood looking backwards but it must be lived moving forward.

Life is a tragedy close-up but a comedy in the bigger picture. — Charlie Chaplin

Some answers are only revealed through time .We never truly understand the pains and sufferings we experience in the present. Do not let frustrations from your past hinder you from progressing in your present. Do not let fear of the future paralyze you.

17. Master the art of asking questions. A man is defined by the questions he asks not the answers he gives.

If you never learn to ask, the answer will always be no. When you don’t learn how to ask, you’re saying no to growth, to wisdom, and to love.

18. Life is a series of waves.

You can stand but you’ll get knocked down. You can run but it will always catch up to you. You can go deep and avoid it for the mean time. You can ride it, see where it takes you, and eventually conquer waves that are bigger than you.

19. When you pile up enough tomorrows, you will find that you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.

Yesterday… You said tomorrow… So just… DO IT!!!

20. The easiest person you can lie to is yourself. Use it to your advantage.

I’m not telling you to lie to yourself, hell no. You have to be true to yourself in order to be true to others. If you lie to yourself, people will manipulate you, you will not strive for the things you deserve, and you will end up destroying the very things you built. If you were to lie to yourself, lie in a positive manner. When things aren’t going okay, use it as a form of positivity to get you through the moment.

21. You can’t change the entire world, but you can change someone’s world.

There was a boy throwing starfishes back into the ocean. As a grown up was passing by, he saw that the whole beach was infested with starfish. The boy was eager to throw all the starfishes back in the sea but the man saw no point. The adult said to the kid “You can’t throw them all back in they’re too many it won’t matter.” The kid pointed to the starfish in his hand and said: “Well it will matter to this one.”

HERE’S A BONUS: The unexamined life is not worth living. — Socrates

© Adam Grossi

I hope that what I’ve written down can give you some clarity and some help in whatever you’re going through. :)

What have you learned throughout your #__ years of existence?? Comment down below!!

Hit that green button for me!! #SliceOfLifeWithGab

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