Daily Dose of Design: 22 Life Lessons I've Learned in 22 Years

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

22 Life Lessons I've Learned in 22 Years

 photo 22 in 22 Years_zpsidhchenq.jpg

Pop the bubbly and start playing "22" by Taylor Swift, because today is my 22nd birthday! I'm spending the day out and about today doing my favorite things and you can keep up with those on Instagram and Snapchat, but I wanted to share 22 life lessons and important things I've learned in the past 22 years of life. I know it sounds sort of cliché, but I think 22 can be a really pivotal year and putting things into perspective is really, really important!

1. Let the little things go. I've always been one to (unfortunately) harp on things for too long that mean too little. It's a disadvantage, but every day I learn more and more that some things just are NOT worth it. Focus on the positives and move on.

2. Cooking and baking is more than just a hobby. No one said you have to be a food connoisseur, but life is much easier if you know your way around the kitchen! Being able to cook dinner for yourself that doesn't involve a frozen pizza is sort of an amazing feeling.

3. Everyone is at a different point of their lives. I'm sure that I'm not the only one who scrolls through their Facebook feed and wonders how it's possible that everyone you grew up with is at such a different point in their lives. Some people are getting married, some are having babies, some are graduating, etc. I know all too well that it's difficult to not compare yourself to others successes or failures, but seriously - don't. It's difficult now but the sooner you realize that each and every one of us has a different path and things happen when they're supposed to, the better.

4. Challenge yourself. Taking the easy way out is of course, easier; and something all of my fellow college grads and students alike know all too well! But taking time to learn, grow and attempt something that challenges you in any way - and then succeeding - is the best feeling. Do it.

5. Spend more time doing what you love. Life is short, and you're only this young once; stop wasting time with things you aren't passionate about and do more of what makes you happiest.

6. No reason to stay is a great reason to go. There's nothing better than traveling, and your early 20's is the prime time in your life to do so! I know, it's expensive, but buy a couple less pairs of shoes each month and start a travel savings. It's worth every penny and every moment.

7. Friends come, friends go. It's highly unlikely you'll always be friends with everyone you went to high school with. Same with your childhood, same with college. People move, grow, change - and no one can predict the curve balls life will throw at us. Don't harp over the friendships lost, the ones that are worth your time and meant to be will always be there no matter how close or far you are.

8. Smile more. You'll be happier, the people around you will be happier, and you'll have a better day. Promise!

9. Make and document as many memories as possible. I wish I had more pictures from my teenage years! I was never all that big on taking pictures, and now I wish I had. Especially if you're someone who loves to have tangible memories, make sure you make it possible to look back at the amazing times you've had.

10. Be organized. Whether you itch to stay organized or could care less, don't live in a mess - physically or mentally. Write things down, you'll thank yourself later.

11. Take chances on yourself. When I started my blog, people thought I was crazy. When I started telling people that blogging and branding was a form of business, people thought I was even crazier. Do what you enjoy and try new ventures. You never know when it'll be worth it, and proving people wrong can be really enjoyable.

12. Keep it classy. Always.

13. God has a plan for every one of us. And each of our plans are very, very different! Saying everything happens for a reason is the definition of overused and cliché, but God works in amazing ways. When something is meant and the time is right, it'll happen. There's no sense in harping on something that doesn't. Believe it will and you're half way there.

14. Treat yourself. Do what makes you smile, buy what makes you happy. As my mom has always told me; this is the time to splurge (in moderation) and pamper yourself - you're young, maybe still living at home and will never be able to splurge as you can now, before the bills start pouring in even more.

15. Put everything into perspective. Stop being so pessimistic and learn to realize that the glass is half full. Trust me, it makes for a much better day!

16. It's okay to not have a plan. Regardless of what your relatives say at every family get together, not knowing what you want to do (even AFTER graduating college...) or not knowing what comes next is okay. You'll figure it out, you always do.

17. Forgive. Don't forget, but always forgive.

18. Stop harping on the past. It's called the "past" for a reason, friends! You can't change it, you can only learn from it. Take it with a grain of salt and move the heck on.

19. Take all of the once in a lifetime opportunities. Whether it seems right at the time or not, you'll likely regret it if you don't try it. For me, *hopefully* having the chance to be on Big Brother is a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Work hard to get there and don't back out of trying it.

20. Step away from your comfort zone. This one is always a work in progress for me. But oh how amazing it feels when you end up loving something that's so far away from what you're used to!

21. Love yourself first. Because honestly, how are you going to give someone else your love if you can't even give it to yourself?

22. Your life is just beginning. The more I look at it, especially today, I realize how many amazing experiences lie in front of me. The past is the past and the only way to have the future you imagine for yourself is to start in the present. I fully plan on 22 being the year my life truly starts and evolves, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

XOXO

45 comments:

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Man, I wish i wrote something like this every year, so I can see how much things evolve. 22 was one of my best years! Enjoy it and live it up. You have way more promise and potential than I had when I was 22. hahaa Best of luck for the coming year!

    Angie!
    http://www.bobodesignstudio.com/blog/2016/8/30/5-tips-to-working-from-home

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  2. You are certainly wise beyond your years. It took me A LOT longer than 22 years to learn most of these.

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  3. These are so awesome!! Happy Birthday!! I loved the cooking one! SO awesome!

    http://styledbys.ca

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  4. I need to spend more time doing what I love. First I need to remember what it is that I love! That is how far removed I am!

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  5. 6. No reason to stay is a great reason to go is my favorite lesson! I guess why i moved across the world to Australia at 22!

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  6. Happy Birthday Adriana! I especially love 3, 10, and 12! Hope 22 is an amazing year for you!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

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  7. All the praise hands emojis for #2. Once I learned to cook I honestly felt like an entirely different person, and I love it! Happy birthday love!

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  8. You've learned some really great lessons. The harping on about the past is one I have yet to overcome!

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  9. I love these lessons you have learned!! It really is amazing how much you learn as your life goes on.

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  10. I love number 6 No reason to stay is a great reason to go! These are beautiful life lessons!! Happy Birthday!

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  11. I am smiling because of all the things you have posted here. Yup. Cooking is definitely more than a hobby. How funny! I am reading a book now about not sweating the small stuff. And yes this was a wonderful read. Thank you!

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  12. I am loving all of these! Especially number 16! But they are all great lessons to live by!

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  13. These are great! I just turned 23, but these lessons are just as important at this point in my life.

    Alix | www.apintsizedlife.com

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  14. Happy birthday! Love these! 22 feels like a lifetime ago for me, even though it's only been a few years, haha.

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  15. Such great life lessons! Happy birthday!

    Greta | www.gretahollar.com

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  16. Happy Birthday!! These are such great lessons! I especially adore the one about loving yourself first. That has been my motto the past few years. It is my life - I should make sure I'm happy. 'Nuff said.

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  17. I think all of these are great. Such good life lessons. I always try to challenge myself as much as possible.

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  18. Happy Birthday! These are all such great lessons!

    Kristin
    The Blush Blonde

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  19. Happy Birthday! I'd sure love to be 22 again! But really, you've learned a lot! And my fav would be to be more organized! You can never bee too organized! Thank you for sharing!

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  20. Happy birthday almost birthday twin!! My 22nd birthday was a day before yours. :-) I definitely feel you on a lot of this list! And love what you said about cooking and baking- I adore both!

    xoxo A
    www.southernbelleintraining.com

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  21. Happy birthday! :) This post is amazing! I found myself nodding in agreement at a lot of the things in your list that I've accomplished, but also found myself thinking that there are things I need to work on - like your point about travelling!

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  22. Happy Birthday! Sounds like you have learned a lot over the years and are not stuck in the rut of living the same year over and over like the picture reflects. These are good reminders for us all.

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  23. Happy birthday!! Iove the one about cooking and baking- food is so important for everything x

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  24. These are great life lessons! Happy Birthday to you!

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  25. It's so inspiring being able to read life reflections, and I'll definitely be keeping note of some of these. Have a grand 22nd!!

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  26. Letting go is probably one of the hardest things for me. I'm not sure why. It's a lesson I'm still learning.

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  27. I have a hard time of letting go. I have tried really hard not to bring up past hurts or let them creep back into my life.

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  28. Happy belated birthday! These are really great pieces of advice! Friends come and go tends to be my biggest lesson to learn, but thankfully it's finally starting to catch up ;)
    xoxo

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  29. Love this post! Happy 22nd birthday and hope you had a wonderful day celebrating!
    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

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  30. Great post! Hope you're feeling 22!

    Kirsten - http://thewanderingbrunette.com

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  31. Great post! I love this idea :) Happy Birthday!! :)

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  32. Nice! Happy birthday and what great lessons you have learned, keep it up!

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  33. #12 Keep it classy is a must , always! Happy Birthday and this is a great idea BTW.

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  34. That is quite a list! Congratulations and happy birthday!
    http://www.loribethclark.com/

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  35. Happy birthday!! :) These are some great things to think about. I couldn't agree more with the letting go of little things! When I had my daughter, that really came into play for me. Life is just too short to let the little things get in the way. Also, I second number 13, 17, 18, and so many more! You've created a great list! :D

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  36. Happy Birthday! This is such a wise post. I have really learned to forgive in the last couple years. It really helps me more than I think the person I am forgivng. It takes a toll on the body when you are angry all the time.

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  37. I love this post! I am really starting to challenge myself and push a little with work. Happy happy birthday! :)

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  38. Happy Birthday! You are quite right on so many of these! Especially the smiling one!

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  39. The cooking and baking thing is so so real!
    Shaguna | gold&hearts

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  40. These are great lessons. I'm still waiting to learn some of them myself :)

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  41. Sounds like you have 22 on lock, Happy Birthday!

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

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  42. Great round up. Number 3 is so true. It can be so hard to remember but every time I start getting frustrated with someone I try to remind myself of that.

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

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  43. Wow such a wise girl at only 22..so many of these apply to me right now and I need to act on them..thanks for the inspo!

    xox

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  44. I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. Indian SMM Panel

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