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| My birthday dinner with my friends! |
1. Travel as often as possible
The travel bug hits you hard as soon as you step outside your comfort zone! For me, it was traveling to England, France, and Spain in 2013 with my Spanish class in high school! Travel as far as possible and then travel some more! It will make you appreciate where you grew up so much more!
2. Do what makes you happy
It is 2017, we have jobs for almost everything and if we don't it will probably be created in the next year. Why waste time on things that are not making you happy when we only have this one life to live on earth?
3. Take as much time as you need to grieve
At any given moment, a cherished loved one may be taken from you. No matter what the circumstances are, take all the time you need to grieve. Grief should not have a timeline that one has to follow. Take one step at a time when you feel ready, and do not listen to anyone that tells you to get over it already.
4. Find your people
Find the people that will drop everything and come running when you need them. It may be your family or a group of friends. It could also be one person, whoever it is, treasure them.
5. Read more
I set a goal to read 12 books over last summer that I am so glad I did. I forget how much I love to read until I sit down with a book in my hands. Get hooked on a book without being able to stop reading!
6. When in doubt call your mom
Call your mom all the time, even if it is just to say hi. She may not have all the answers, but at least she will help you find them.
7. You only have one family
They are your only family. Even when they drive you insane. Even when they push every button you have. They’re yours. Forever.
They are your only family. Even when they drive you insane. Even when they push every button you have. They’re yours. Forever.
8. It is okay to not graduate in 4 years
I changed my major three times within my college experience thus far. I had to come to the conclusion that I can not graduate in four years and you know what?! It's not that big of a deal. Many people do not graduate four years. Not everything has to be done on the timeline others say it should be on.
9. Never underestimate yourself
You have so much strength and power within yourself, why would you underestimate yourself?
10. Love what you do
Take time to find what you love to do, as soon as you find it run with it head on. It has taken me, three majors, to finally come to the conclusion of what I love and want to do with the rest of my life. There is no timeline on this.
11. Never stop learning
Go out and learn something new every day. About yourself, the community you live in, or the world! In the times we are in, knowledge is at our fingertips, do not stop learning about the world is changing right in front of you.
12. Always take time for yourself
Self-love is always the most important thing. You know on airlines when they say "put on your oxygen mask before helping others" that's what needs to happen for you. You need to help yourself before you are able to help others.
13. Believe in the strength you have
You have massive amounts of strength inside of you that can be used whenever is necessary. You may not feel strong, but you are.
14. Do something that scares you at least once a year
Go skydiving or make the first move. You will find out more about yourself when you take chances that scare you.
15. Have a savings account
Money is an important aspect of life. A catastrophe could happen at any moment, and you need to be as prepared as possible. Make sure to have a savings account, put as much money as you can in it every month. You will be thankful one day for it.
16. You have nothing to lose
I am a firm believer that if an opportunity falls through it was never meant for you. There is something coming for you that has your name written all over it. In that sense you have nothing to lose, you will only gain from experiences.
17. Love more
Each person is going through a battle no one knows about. Take time to love others more, and yourself more. We are all trying the best we can.
18. You are more than the mistakes you have made
I am going to repeat this. You are more than the mistakes you have made.
I am going to repeat this. You are more than the mistakes you have made.
19. Always make sure your phone is charged
I don't think I have to explain this one, just make sure it is charged at all time especially when you are in a foreign country. You will need it, trust me.
20. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough
I remember reading a poster in high school that said this and wondered if this would ever become true. Well here I am, scared out of my mind over the things I want to do. But isn't that the purpose of dreams? To reach so far that it scares the living daylights out of you? I believe it is.
21. You are the sun
My favorite Grey's Anatomy quote by far that has had a huge impact on my life this year. This is your life, you are the sun of it. Do not let others eclipse the dreams and ambitions you have.
22. You will be okay
No matter what happens in your life, you will be okay. How do I know that? Because so much as happened to you and you are still here. Still moving forward, still breathing, still living.
There you have it, 22 lessons in 22 years! All in all, we are all just trying to figure life out one step at a time. Be the person you want to be and remember this "Puede Hacer esto" you can do this!
