I know the lessons I have in life are endless and they are only just getting started. But, these are the 24 lessons I have learned by 24. I know I make wrong choices daily and I’ve got a lot to learn, but never forget in the biggest moments of weakness you learn the most. So when you feel like you don’t know what to do, trust those you love, say your I’m sorry’s and use those moments as a way to making life even better!
- Find something you are passionate about and do it. For me it’s playing sports, taking pictures, traveling and sharing that all on here.
- Search long and hard for good friends. It sounds easy enough, but finding those friends who will be there for you always are important.
- Be intentional about family time as you grow up. You don’t get as much as you used to, so when you are around your family, start conversation, play games, and be there for them.
- Take care of yourself. I fell off track a few years ago and it’s one of my biggest regrets. But, I can stand here at 24 saying I’m starting to figure it out- whether it be working out, eating healthy, or not working all the time, they all help.
- It’s okay to mess up. I wouldn’t qualify myself as a perfectionist, but I would say that I have a hard time being in trouble or letting people down. But I’ve learned a lot from them and often time it makes situations even stronger and more honest afterwards.
- Travel. I mean it. Soon enough you’re going to be old and it’s going to be too hard and too busy to go all the time. Take the time now to go everywhere you can! The world is beautiful.
- Dress to impress. You don’t always have to, we all love being a mess sometimes, but take time and look presentable so you feel even better about yourself.
- Don’t pay for things on your credit cards you don’t have the money for. I am super frugal with credit cards, but make sure you are only spending what you have. It makes your financial stresses so much better.
- As much as you don’t care about the news, start caring (even just a little). I use to never read it because it made me sad and frustrated, but once I started to learn how to navigate it, I felt more intelligent and more equipped for conversation. It makes you an all around more social person I think.
- It’s okay to stay up past bedtime. I feel like a grandma saying this, but I used to get so tired that the thought of being tired the next day at work killed me. But the best stories I have and the funniest memories all happen later. So, take care of yourself but also have some late nights you want to remember.
- Be kind. Simple but the most important. It’s so easy to get caught up with frustrating people that you just want to give in and scream, but also try and take the road less traveled and be kind in your weakest moments.
- Give second chances. I have so many friends that I got rough first impressions of or I didn’t think I’d connect with and now they are some of my greatest. I also have a lot of situations at work and in life where you could just flip a gasket and call it quits on instinct or you could grant a second chance. Turns out, second chances make you feel better.
- Sports evoke emotion. This may sound silly but it’s really important for me. I feel like sports have helped me figure out who I am a little more. They definitely did when I was little, but as an adult they really have. It’s so much easier to find joy, accomplishment and fun in them.
- Call your parents. Do you feel guilty now? I get it, life is busy and it just doesn’t happen sometimes. But I promise it will make their day. They are living their lives thinking about you all the time and a phone call means the world. Plus, if you are as blessed as me, they might just make your day.
- Drink more water. I’m still not a champ at this but I am learning. I didn’t even think about it growing up because I consumed so much due to sports, but as an adult you have to be a little more intentional. I set it as one of my goals this year and I think it has helped with my skin, digestive system and weight.
- Leave space on your calendar. I am not saying you can’t always be on the go- do it! I love bopping around. However, leave space for things to happen. It’s one of the many things Russ has taught me and I think it makes for better friends and a great quality of life.
- Go above and beyond. You don’t have to constant do everything 150%, but once in a while do it and see how you feel. I try and work my heart out occasionally and also try to do things for people sometimes that are out of the ordinary and it makes you feel loved and it makes others feel even more loved.
- Find a place of peace. For me, it’s church or sitting on the bluffs of Pacific Palisades. But find somewhere that takes you to your calmest point and lets you just breath. Honestly, I also love having moments to myself at the top of mountains while snowboarding…although people may not love me just sitting in the path haha.
- Be your siblings best friends. I am lucky enough to have siblings I have always loved and hangout with, but I can’t stress how important it is to tell your siblings you love them and just laugh with them sometimes.
- Find a job that makes getting up in the morning exciting. Whether it is for the friends you have at work, for the work you are doing or for the opportunities your office gives you, find a place that makes you thankful you get to spend time there.
- Love people who love you. It sounds easy, but don’t let go of the ones who go out of their way for you. They’re hard to come by and worth keeping around.
- Don’t skip breakfast. A good breakfast makes you happy and ready to start the day. It doesn’t matter how big or small, but find something that fits into your routine and don’t forget it. I used to skip breakfast a lot and it never, ever, paid off.
- Take risks. You’ve got time. Do things you think might hurt you or not end well, but you keep thinking what if.
- Move somewhere. Maybe this was your 4 years of college or maybe it’s the years after college. Or like me, maybe it’s both. But moving somewhere gives you a bigger perspective of the world, the people in it and how to navigate it. Mostly though, it just makes you crazy thankful for all the incredible places you can go.
