21 Lessons I’ve Learned in My 21 Years of Life

#5. Don’t complain about anything that is within your power to change.

In just a few weeks, I’m going to turn 21 years old. To me, that’s crazy. I’ve always assumed that old age, much like getting burglarized, only happens to other people.

But here I am — old. When did this happen?

I mean, wasn’t it only yesterday that I cut my own hair for the first time when my mom wasn’t looking? No, actually — that was 19 years ago.

I can’t believe it.

Now, knowing how quickly time flies, I recently decided to start a new journal to write down all the advice and life lessons I’ve gathered over the years — you know, to help me in my old age.

Honestly, I didn’t think I would have much to write at first. But the more I wrote, the more thoughts came to me.

So, here are some of the lessons I’ve learned as well as advice I would give my younger self:

1. Do at least one thing every day for your health and future, no matter how small it may seem.
2. If someone doesn’t respect you, walk away.
3. If someone sticks by you, even in difficult circumstances, they’ve revealed their true colors and their true feelings for you. Never take those who love you for granted. They’re irreplaceable.
4. If you aren’t grateful for the little things, you’ll never be grateful for the big things.
5. Don’t complain about anything that is within your power to change.
6. Laughter is the best medicine. Laugh often and help others see the humor in life too, especially when it’s easier to have negative thoughts.
7. Spend time in nature when you’re stressed.
8. When you’re struggling, help someone who is struggling too.
9. Trust your gut. Always.
10. Travel to places you’ve never been to before, whether physically or mentally. Doing so will expand your horizons in ways you could never imagine.
11. Smile more. You’d be surprised by how your mood will improve just by smiling frequently.
12. Be grateful for everyone in your life, because they will all die and you have no idea when.
13. You are priceless, just like everyone else. Know your worth, and help others see theirs, too.
14. Save and invest as much as you can spare — your future self will thank you.
15. You are not a bystander to your life. If you don’t like where you are or what you’re doing, you can and should change.
16. Spend time alone. Those who know how to make themselves happy are powerful because they aren’t dependent on others for anything.
17. Put challenges or problems in perspective. Ask yourself if what you’re worried about will matter in an hour, a day, or a year, and react accordingly. Things often look worse than they really are.
18. Spend less time on your phone and more time soaking up your life in the present moment — go for a walk, smell a flower, say hello to people.
19. Being single is a blessing, not a curse. Use your single years to your advantage — figure out what you want and what you don’t, and date accordingly.
20. Be kind. At the end of the day, we are all broken people who are trying to figure out this big adventure called life, and sometimes, when we feel at our lowest, a kind word or a smile from a stranger can make a world of difference in how we feel.
21. Don’t settle for a relationship, a job, a lifestyle, or anything else if it’s not what you really want. Life is short — live with no regrets.

So there you have it. Looking at this list, I can’t believe how much I’ve grown and learned in my life so far. It’s been a wild adventure, and I can’t wait to see what the next 21 years will bring.

Regardless of your age, what are the greatest lessons you’ve learned in life? I’d love to know.