23 Lessons in 23 Years

Well, I did it. Yesterday I turned 23-years-old. Gone are the days of double 2's, of feeling fresh-faced and ready to conquer the world at 22. Now I'm an old, creaky-boned 23-year-old, yelling at the youths to get off my lawn. They're all hooligans nowadays.

Just kidding, about some of it. I do occasionally feel creaky-boned and yes, the youths of today can at times be hooligans, but I feel lucky to still have that sense of wanting to conquer the world and all that's in front of me. That hasn't changed with age. If anything, I feel it more. 

I am another year older and, get ready for the cliche, another year wiser. So, as I settle into my first full day in a new age, I thought I would share 23 lessons I've learned in my 23 years.

1. Always check the weather before you leave the house. You don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm in your favorite leather jacket with no hood. No thank you.

2. Always eat breakfast. Seriously, do it.

3. How you think about yourself is far more important than how others thinks about you.

4. Roll the windows down, turn the music up, enjoy the ride. But make sure your seat belt is buckled.

5. Whatever your passion is, follow it.

6. You deserve to be happy. No matter what anybody tells you or how anybody makes you feel, you deserve happiness.

7. Surround yourself with people who bring positivity into your life. Let go of the negative "friends" and acquaintances. 

8. Travel as much as possible.  Near or far, just travel. See the world.

9. If you feel like a relationship or friendship is one-sided, let it go.

10. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to be sad or angry. It’s okay to cry or scream. It’s okay to not feel like you have to be 100% all the time.

11. Treat your body kindly.

12. Never miss a moment to tell your parents you love them.

13. Money earned feels so much better than money simply given.

14. Do not let your fears hold you back from experiencing life.

15. Always apply an ample amount of sunscreen. I’m looking at you fellow redheads.

16. Some people are only in your life to teach you a lesson then they’re gone. And that’s okay.

17. There is always room to grow.

18. Always have at least one glass of water after a night out drinking.

19. Find an outlet to express yourself – whether that’s through art, through journaling, through talking with others, find a way to let your thoughts and emotions out.

20. Do not hold onto something – an object, a person, a relationship - just for the memories.

21. Never compromise who you are for somebody else. Who you truly are is better than who they want you to be anyway.

22. Everybody has different ways and tools to deal with obstacles - stress, pain, loss, anger, heartbreak, sadness, whatever it may be. Figure out what tools work best for you and are healthy in moving forward. That'll be a lifesaver. And remember not everybody will have the same tools as you and to respect those.

23. Always strive to be better than you were yesterday.

Now, I'm not saying that all the lessons I learned translate to everybody and I'm sure that you may have other lessons you would like to add to your own list. Some that are different than mine and I'd love to hear them. But, once this is all said and done, you know what makes me excited? This is just 23. There are so many more lessons to be learned and I can't wait for them.