A few weeks ago, I received a Facebook invite for my 10 Year High School Reunion and I’ve just been so blown away at the fact that a decade (or almost) has already passed since then…where has time gone? I’ve been strolling down memory lane constantly and ruminating on the things I’ve achieved, things I failed at or didn’t do, and how much I’ve grown from when I was just 18. And while I have done quite a bit, I most definitely wish I did more. So for all you young ones out there (not that anything over 25 is so old), here are my top 10 life lessons I picked up from the last 10 years:
#1 Travel More.
I’ve always wanted to travel, but have always put it off because I hadn’t saved enough money, time wasn’t right, or someone was holding me back. You can’t wait for things to be right on anything. With a family now, traveling has become even more expensive and it’s harder to get time off of work. So if you want to travel, you need to make it a priority and go now.
#2 Study Harder.
Like most people, academia was kind of natural for me. I never studied super hard or put a lot of effort into what I was learning in school. I was simply going through the motion because that’s what we’re expected to do growing up. But what you learn during these early years can be so valuable if you will just pay attention and take it seriously. Teachers are such a precious gift and can open so many doors, so many opportunities for you. Grades don’t dictate success or the road you take, but it’s better knowing you put forth your best effort than always wondering if you could have been better.
#3 Focus Less on Relationships.
Let love wait. You’re so young and you’ll change so much - the constant change will only bring strain and tension in your life. There’s no point in being obligated to someone now when you hardly know yourself so focus on yourself; the perfect person will eventually come. Also, no relationship is perfect. Let go of that fairy tale fantasy you grew up watching in Disney.
#4 Slow Down.
Growing up, I was always only looking forward and living life so fast that I never really lived my youth or took advantage of the time I had then. There’s no reason to rush - I always wish I would have just slowed down. Take all the time you need to learn about yourself, your dreams, and then figure out how to get there.
“Direction is so much more important than speed. Too many people are going no where fast.”
#5 Live On Your Own.
The only way to really grow up is to live on your own. Better yet, leave your hometown and go somewhere new. Only then will you really learn the essence of financial responsibility and the consequences of poor decisions.
#6 Don’t Hold Grudges.
You will hurt people and people will hurt you. Sometimes it may be someone you care most about - your lover, parents, family, or best friend. No matter who it may be, learn to forgive and forget. No one is perfect and life is too short to live feeling angry with someone forever. Whatever happened, I’m sure it’s not worth losing someone that important over.
#7 Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing.
Sometimes, we look at people and think they have it good - everything is working perfectly in their favor, they know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. But I can assure you, nothing is ever as it seems. Everyone is struggling and again, no one is perfect. Just do you.
#8 Give more.
We’re all a little selfish, but I can guarantee that if you give some of your time, donate a little money, or just do something good for a good cause, your soul will feel that much better and your life more fulfilled. This is the most time you’ll ever have so use it to make a change.
#9 Take care of yourself.
Put some effort into the way you look and the way you dress. It may sound shallow, but you will always be judged on your appearance and how you carry yourself. You never know who you may run into or who’s watching you so always be ready.
#10 Believe in yourself.
At a time when nothing feels constant, you will feel a little insecure. Someone else will seem prettier, smarter, or more capable - that will never change. But you’re also pretty, smart, and capable - you shine in your own light.
Never ever let anyone make you feel like you’re anything less. And if you have to change your values or who you are to hang out with a certain someone, you’re in the wrong place. Move. Always be sure of yourself for only you can do that best.
XO,
- Susan
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Image Source Credits - Vanessa Mooney, Marie Hochhaus, Lauren Conrad
