21 things I learned at 21
It’s my birthday week! If you’re reading this the day I posted it, my 21st birthday was yesterday! I love birthdays for everything that comes with them- celebration, friends, reflection, and family. I thought that it would be perfect to spend some time reflecting this week on 21 things I have learned in my 21 years of life. Now of course I have learned way more than just 21 things, but here are some of my favorite!
Everything happens for a reason
Good or bad, there is a reason for everything! It is all in God’s plan.
It’s really not that serious
I used to be the kind of person who would get stressed about every little thing, thinking it would change my life completely. But I learned that nothing is that serious. It doesn’t matter if you’re five minutes late to class, and it doesn’t matter if you get one bad grade on a homework assignment.
Invest in people just as much as you want to be invested into
You get what you put out. It’s the golden rule- treat people how you want to be treated!
Jesus over EVERYTHING
Be optimistic- it’s all about perspective
What’s meant to be will be- don’t force things
“I will be happy when I am ___” will never be true
Of course it is important to remain positive and look to the future. But if you think that you will only be happy when you get something new, it isn’t true. I recently heard at church “once you are done climbing your later, all there is, is more ladder”.
First impressions aren’t permanent
You may be the only bible people ever experience
I saw someone post this the other day and it has changed the way I act around people. Some people may never read the bible or go to church, so let Jesus shine through you in all that you do so you allow yourself to plant that seed.
There is no “timeline” to life
Don’t try to be perfect
Trying to be perfect is exhausting. Don’t do something and try to be perfect at it. Aim to learn, have fun, and find a new joy in things.
A relationship with yourself is just as important as your relationship with others
Treat everyone the way Jesus did
Strive to treat people the way that Jesus did. It’s when you do this when you become the best version of yourself.
Balance to avoid burnout
Accept when you’re wrong
I used to be the WORST at accepting the fact that I was wrong. But I’ve realized, so much growth comes from accepting that you made a mistake because it allows you to learn so much!
Quality over quantity
Whether its people or things, investing in a few good quality ones is so much better than having a lot of bad quality ones.
Find your own hobbies
Have discipline with yourself
Growth comes from discipline. If you want to do the hard things, you need to have discipline with yourself.
You become the people you surround yourself with
Comparison hinders progress
Everything is temporary
Whether it’s good or bad, nothing lasts forever. When we get to heaven, the only thing that will matter is our relationship with God, not how much money we made when we were 20.
I’m so grateful for all of the lessons, friends, experiences, and opportunities that I have gotten in the past 21 years. I hope I never stop growing and learning everything that this world has to offer. Whether you’ve known me a majority of my 21 years, or you met me a week ago, I am forever grateful for all of the love and support you have shown me. Here’s to many more years of love and growth.
<3
