Over the last few weeks, I have had Taylor Swift's 22 on repeat. If you have read any of my posts, you know she is my all time favorite, which makes this birthday extra fun. After a week of celebration (yes, I celebrate my birth week), I began reflecting on the last year. It has been the best year of my life, by far. A year full of healing, learning, unexpected blessings, and all the adventure I ever could've hoped for. This year has been a life-changing one, in more ways than one. While I am very excited for year 22, I feel it is only appropriate to close the book on 21 by sharing what it has taught me.
1. Travel as much as you can. Go on adventures with those you love. The memories you make on those trips will last a lifetime.
2. Learn to trust again. It is important to realize that your future is different from your past. Just because someone broke your heart, doesn't mean the next person will.
3. Write it down. Write down your favorite memories, the way you feel in big moments, and what you learn from the struggles in your life.
4. Work at a camp. Wow guys, literally (Camp WOW). I worked at camp last summer and it could not have been a better experience. I learned so much more about myself, what I want in life, and how great our God is.
5. "Time flies" isn't just a saying. Time goes by way faster than you could ever imagine. Enjoy every second of it.
6. Put your phone down, and live. Don't waste your time on your phone. Put it down and enjoy the people and places around you.
7. It is must easier to sleep without scary movies. Just don't watch scary movies, who really enjoys being scared that bad? If you must watch them, broad daylight is the best time.
8. Save money for experiences, not things. While I love clothes as much as the next girl, I have really enjoyed spending my money on concerts and trips this past year.
9. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. I thought I already knew this, but boy was I wrong. Sometimes you just have to close your mouth and say nothing. At all.
10. Create opportunities for yourself. Get out there and find all the opportunities you can. Sitting back and doing nothing will get you nowhere.
11. It's okay to change your mind. I am very indecisive, but hey that's okay. If you decide you want Mexican food and then decide you don't, that's okay. For real though, change your mind, and change it again. You deserve whatever it is you want.
12. Love heals all things, not necessarily time. I have heard "time heals all wounds", but I disagree. I think love heals all wounds. You get over pain and heartache, but learning to love again and feeling loved. The right person will come along, and that hurt you felt will just seem to disappear.
13. Don't wish your life away. I can remember being in high school and wishing for graduation and college. Now I am graduating college and a part of me wishes I could start it all over. Point is, don't wish away your life. Enjoy it, even the parts you wish were over.
14. Spend time with your friends. Your college years are when you will have the most time to see your friends. Hang out as much as you can, whether it is over dinner, studying, or a movie night.
15. Graduation is a real thing. I graduate this week and I cannot believe the moment is finally here. Keep working towards the finish line, you will get there.
16. It's never too late to change your path. While I did not change my major in college, I am not doing what I originally planned on. While I am a little behind now, I am certain I know what to do now.
17. You have to learn when to let go of people. While it really sucks, some people just aren't meant to be in your life. You can try and try but if it's not meant to be, it will never work. Save yourself a little extra heartache and let go.
18. Open a savings account. While I am a little embarrassed that I just started one this year, better late than never. Save some money now so you can enjoy it later.
19. A relationship will never be better than at the beginning. If the relationship is not wonderful at the beginning, it won't get any better after there is a ring on your finger.
20. Always do what makes you happy. While life can get pretty life-y, remember to continue doing things that make you happy. If you don't you will find yourself pretty unhappy.
21. You aren't going to have it all together. Turning 22 and graduating college makes you feel like you need to have a complete life plan. In reality, you really don't. Take life as it happens.
22. Twenty-two is going to be full of life changes. Graduating college and continuing my education at another University is a pretty big change. I met the most wonderful and goofiest guy who I am lucky enough to call my boyfriend (hopefully more someday). But that's a story for another day.
Year twenty-one has been a memorable one. I have gained a lot of knowledge, a stronger relationship with my friends, a COLLEGE DEGREE, and the most wonderful boy I couldn't have even dreamed up. I am excited for what the next year brings and cannot wait to share the journey with you.
In the meantime, I'll be here...just feelin' 22.
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