21 Before 21

Ahead of my 21st birthday, I thought I would continue the tradition I started last year (with this post), by writing out a list of 21 things I learned this year.

Without further ado:

1. Mental health is a long journey, don't get discouraged if there are setbacks. You will get through it
2. Life is easier when you smile. BUT... you should never force a smile because that will just make you miserable
3. If your friends always show up late to events, tell them the start time of future events is an hour earlier than it really is so they show up on time.
4. If you live somewhere that gets snowy and icy, keep a pair of crampons in your bag so you can walk without falling and hurting yourself.
5. Listening to classical music while you study helps you concentrate.
6. Always carry a phone charger with you. Even if you don't need it, you can lend it to someone else who might.
7. The North Face was right when they said walls are meant for climbing. Support your local climbing gym by trying it out.
8. Just because people may have it worse than you does not mean that your problems are not difficult to deal with. Do not try to downplay your pain and issues because you think "it could be worse".
9. There is nothing that can't be solved with a cup of tea, a friend or warm blankets.
10. Listen to your gut, it is ALWAYS right.
11. If you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot get back to sleep, try drinking a cold glass of water and then close your eyes and breathe.
12. Ask someone to teach you how to knit and try to make a scarf if they do.
13. Spontaneity is fun, but so is organization... add a little of both into your life.
14. Peppermint tea with honey can cure a sore throat very quickly.
15. Live and let live. If you are not directly affected by someone else's choices or actions, do not get involved.
16. Change is good. Try not to stress too much, and try to let it happen.
17. Putting a bit espresso in your morning smoothie will give you a good kick of energy for the day ahead.
18. If you do not have anything nice to say, sometimes it is okay to say it... As long as you are being constructive and respectful when you do.
19. Socks with sandals is the most comfortable footwear combination ever.
20. Growing old is mandatory but growing up is a choice. Life is too short to be bored. So play in the snow with your friends.
21. You do not need everyone to like you. The world will not end, accept and move on.

Every day you wake up is an opportunity to learn something new. You definitely do not have to be in school to acquire new knowledge. Life is one big lesson if you look at it the right way. So take advantage of what is around you and soak it in. No matter how young or old you are you can always gain more appreciation for life and all that it has to offer. Once again I want to take this time to reflect on everything that happened throughout the year and remind myself that life is unpredictable and messy but that I am a stronger person because of it.

I cannot wait until next year to see what I can add to this list but until then...

Have a beautiful day, my lovely readers.

*Originally posted February 2019

*edited to fix spelling and grammar.