23 THINGS I LEARNED AT 23
I've been inspired to do this since my 23rd birthday, but I haven't had enough time to build on this idea by then. Feeling all bummed out by this lost opportunity, I thought I had to wait until next year to do a "24 Things I Learned at 24." However, one of the perks of having a late birthday is that the holidays are just around the corner!
On that note, I feel that Thanksgiving is a time to not only give thanks, but to reflect on what you've accomplished throughout the year. It being Thanksgiving, I decided to mold this idea with this holiday and challenge my readers to self reflect on their life's accomplishments. It doesn't have to be tangible - they could simply be traits or life lessons :)
1. LET THE MOMENT SEIZE YOU
Even when you had doubts, you've told yourself to "seize the moment." However, what I also learned through experience is that letting the moment seize you will bring you to new and exciting endeavors that you'd never expect yourself to encounter. Taking those leaps of faith and allowing the moments to accept your individuality is one of the most promising adventures that you can take on for yourself. Instead of having the moments take you somewhere, say "Yes," and take yourself into those moments - accomplish your dreams.
2. APOLOGIES ARE IMPORTANT
Even if there are no fingers being pointed, apologies are key to maintaining trusting relationships with coworkers, friends and family. Life isn't easy and we make mistakes, which is the result of being human. A verbal confrontation can touch the heart of the other person and show that you understand the situation and care about their feelings and importance to you.
3. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
This is something that I should’ve known long before 23, but it’s not until now when I’m out of school, finding my own hobbies and making my own money, that I’m beginning to understand the feeling of doing what makes me happy. While other people are living their lives, I should be doing the same.
4. YOU DON'T NEED A COMPANION TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
If there is something that you genuinely yearn for, just go for it. Waiting for somebody to do things with you will only delay your time. Or, if you're really passionate about having a companion, try to focus more on your journey with them rather than who they are.
5. NO ONE REMEMBERS THE NIGHTS WHEN THEY HAD ENOUGH SLEEP
This quote is from my Instagram bio, and I truly embrace the meaning to this. I used to worry so much about the "tomorrow's" or what might happen if I were to go out really late one night with unwarranted responsibilities the next day. I personally love having a full plate. It's all just about being responsible.
6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
Before I turned 20, my mom always used to tell me that our bodies only start to go downhill from there. Thinking that she was one of those OCD health maniacs, I'd just brush off what she would say. Now, I understand how it feels to have reoccurring ankle pains and lower back stiffness.
7. FIND A PRACTICE THAT KEEPS YOUR SANITY
For me, doing yoga twice a week gives me the opportunity to level out the positives and negatives in my life. Channeling in energy from everyone in one room and those who are working towards a common goal is so rejuvenating.
8. STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT YOUR NEIGHBOR IS DOING
When you worry about what others are doing, you can't help but compare how you are in juxtaposition. Everyone has a beauty of their own capacity which doesn't necessarily meet yours. As you do your own thing without thinking about whether or not you're doing it "right," you will radiate effortlessly.
9. DON'T STRESS YOURSELF OUT OVER ANYBODY
Honestly, I sometimes overthink what I possibly might have done wrong to end what may have seemed to be "perfect.” However, what I learned multiple times, is if he's into you, he will text you back. And I shouldn't settle for something that makes me have these thoughts anyway. It’s tires me out and wastes time.
10. HAVE A SIGNATURE DISH
For friends-giving, works-giving or other-givings, it's nice to have something you're known for bringing. Even if you’re a bad cook, at least you’ll be the talk of the town during the holiday season.
11. KNOW HOW TO DOWN A SHOT OF WHISKEY
Even if you're not a whiskey drinker (that's me), everyone pretty much drinks it. It's also one of the smoothest liquor to take down without having a terrible hangover the next day. Plus, a guy can't turn down a girl who drinks whiskey.
12. KNOW THE WINES YOU LIKE
By this time you should know what your taste buds fancy during cocktail hour. When a waiter comes to you with a tray of various wines and labels each glass, you only have a few seconds to pick!
13. HAVE A BAR NAME AND A BAR TALE
For the instances where you get stuck talking to someone whom you're not interested in at all, introduce your alter ego. Or even just for kicks, because you most likely won't see this person again, see how far you'd go with your story.
14. OWN YOUR PERKS
By this age, you’ve developed a personality of your own. There will be some traits that are significant only to you and those that others define you with. Don’t be shy about them! It’s a good thing when people are able to label you with something unique - that’s what you get for being yourself.
15. DON'T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY
You will go through several jobs and relationships before you end up to where you’re meant to be. If your job does not work out for you, look for a new one. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. You never know when one decision can change your life for the better. “There’s plenty of fish in the sea…” (Until you really become several years older - but you’re not there yet)
16. DON'T LOSE YOURSELF TO THE NORM - BE YOURSELF
So many things in our society pressures us to be a certain way - the media, relationships, work, competition and etc. We shouldn’t let these things make us lose focus on who we really are. Individuality is the key to happiness!
17. EAT HEALTHY
There are things we love to eat, but we must indulge in moderation. People preach about how we should feel comfortable in our own bodies and not worry about trying to be “thin.” It’s not even about that. You can be happy and healthy at the same time.
18. YOU'RE WORTH MORE THAN YOU THINK
Don't ever underestimate your value. Whether it's in dating or at work, don't let what others say to you or about you make you feel less than what you actually are. If you feel that you are not getting an equal return for the effort that you put in, understand that there are so many other opportunities out there for you.
19. HAVE INTEGRITY
Own your mistakes. It’s okay to say “I’m sorry.” Sometimes covering up your messes with excuses could only make you look cheap. Integrity is way more important than intelligence, but don’t forget to check up on yourself every now and then.
20. BE PASSIONATE WITH WHAT YOU'RE GOING AFTER
Rather than chasing your passions, be passionate with what you’re chasing. It’s so easy to lose motivation along the way, but if you love what you’re doing, the journey is only so much easier. Whether it’s in blogging or at the gym, embrace it.
21. BE KIND, BE UNDERSTANDING, BUT BE STERN
The hate in this world is already so pervasive, and you don't know what others are going through in their personal lives. If you're the one that people can turn to, they would only want to do you right out of the genuine love that they have for you. However, don't forget to lay your grounds. Welcome with a warm heart but give the cold shoulder when things cross your boundaries.
22. STOP BEING INDECISIVE
Know what you want. Even if you're the type of person who's easy going and would go with whatever everyone else wants, you sometimes need to be a little picky.
23. STAY HUMBLE & ALWAYS GIVE THANKS
Despite all the obstacles you've faced in your life, keep in mind that you are here today because of everything you experienced up to this point in time. It doesn't matter what you believe in (God, the Universe, hard work). Just be thankful and don't forget those individuals who've impacted your life for the better. Stay humble, never be boastful and give praise to your journey. No one gets to live your life like the way you do, and no one will ever understand it either. Your timeline is precious to you and whomever you've crossed paths with.