D R A F T

Write. Save. View Preview. Edit. Edit some more. Get frustrated. Pause. Write a little more. Re-Read. Save Draft. Walk away.

That is a pretty accurate sequence of events that happens each time I sit down to write. More times than not, I realize that I forget altogether that I even had drafts saved. Like now for example, I logged on to write a fresh post, and realized I had 7 drafts saved, unpublished. This one seemed fitting to post at the beginning of a new year, or maybe it was just the most "polished" draft I had written.

Either way, time to finally hit "Publish" on one of these.


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10/8/14

Figured I'd start this list now, considering I'm hours away from turning 24, which arguably is considered halfway into your twenties.

I read a list on 'things someone learned in their twenties' on Pinterest once, and it got me thinking I should start one. To be able to put into words all the things I've learned in the past three years (or even past three months) seems almost impossible. But I'm giving it a shot in hopes that 10 years from now they'll still ring true, and then some.

1. You don't owe anybody anything, except yourself.

It is not your duty to justify your decisions to others, to explain things to others, to please others or to be everything to others. You are your priority.

2. Have faith. Always.

Even when the world feels like it's ending and when you are literally about to give up, it is exactly when the power of faith steps in. Faith and patience go hand in hand. Figure out what style of faith helps you learn patience, and all will be right in your world.

3. Adult friendships are hard work.

But if you nurture and take care of them, they can also be the most rewarding. Communication is key.

4. Keep people in your life that you can call your family. And who would treat you as such.

Because nothing feels better than being able to call your friends your family, and mean it.

5. Spend time with yourself. And more importantly, cherish yourself.

It's okay to go to the movies alone or even to a bar alone once in awhile. When you can laugh at yourself and the things you can do on your own, you will be a better person around others, and others will be drawn to your confidence.

6. Speak up.

Probably one of the most important things I've learned, and one of the hardest things to do. When something isn't right, or you believe something should be done, voice it.

7. Cherish your parents.

The sooner you develop a meaningful relationship with them other then depending on them to help you, the happier everyone will be. Small gestures also go a long way.

8. Do what makes you happy and forget about what everyone else thinks.

I can't stress this enough. Whether you date a Spanish guy who lives across the world even though it'll realistically never work out, or you choose to spend all of your money on an overpriced purse, the decision is yours. This is your time to figure out what exactly that thing is that makes you happy, and you don't need to answer to anybody in the process of determining that happiness.

9. Take care of yourself.

Physically, emotionally, and mentally. I once had someone tell me straight to my face, "You have no friends, nobody likes you. If you die tomorrow, nobody will come to your funeral. You are alone in this world and nobody else has your back." It was quite possibly the most horrifying yet humbling thing I've ever heard. If you can't take care of yourself, then who will?

10. Listen to your gut.

Just because someone has more authority, doesn't mean they're always right. You have to listen to your instincts to really know what to believe and who to trust. Not everyone older or above you always has your best interest.

11. Listen to your own advice.

If you're giving someone else advice, you should be able to spin it around and swallow your own words. You'll probably realize that what you would tell someone else is exactly what you need to hear.

12. Don't settle.

Even if you have to kiss a hundred frogs to find your prince, you will still have found your prince. It's important to have standards. And it's important to adhere to them.

I enjoy making lists of things that I've learned and being able to look back at them down the road. It's a nice reminder that at one point I really was absorbing the world around me instead of cruising on autopilot through the hustle bustle of everyday life.

And obviously this is a work-in-progress list. I'm sure many things will be added, and other things possibly tweaked, but it's a start either way. And to be honest, I should have a lot left to add, I'm only 24.


xoxo