20 Things that took me literally 20 years to learn

It feels weird to know that I am no longer a teenager or a “kid.” I’ve hit that point in my life where everything I do actually matters and in just two short years when I graduate college, I will be living independently. That excites me. I have a feeling my 20s are going to be amazing, but I wanted to take the time to reflect on the important lessons I’ve learned in my 20 years around the sun. I recognize that I have so much more to learn but here’s what I’ve got so far. Hopefully it doesn’t sound too preachy… 
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1. Ditch milk that comes from a cow; almond milk is where it is at. 
2. I live a really privileged life, and it is up to me to educate myself on how to be an ally to minorities. This requires me to be a better listener and to speak up for those who can not. #BLM
3. When it comes to relationships, two halves do not make a whole. It’s simply just not going to work if you aren’t chill with being content with yourself in the first place. 
4. Confidence is key. The bouncer can and will pick up on your nervous energy. Also, don’t forget your address. Learned from that mistake. 
5. Making money is always better than having nothing to do. Chase that check. 
6. “The best things in life are not things.” 
7. Wearing sunscreen is important. 
8. Time heals.  Something that might seem like a huge deal in the moment will not bother you as much as time passes. ~Whatever you are going through will not last forever.~
9. I find it so so important to surround myself with people who have the same goals and ambitions as I do because the environment I put myself in sets myself up for success. 
10. “Anything that costs you your peace is too damn expensive.”
11. Life is essentially a game, you better play your hand of cards well if you want to be a winner. 
12. If you had not undergone the experience of your coldest days, you would not have understood the true appreciation of the feeling that warmth on your skin brings you. 
13. “Comparison will kill you.”- There are literally so many beautiful, smart, successful, and amazing beings out there. But just because someone has something going for them doesn’t imply that you are less than because of that.
14. Chances are, it is not that deep.
15. “I get by with a little help from my friends.”
16. Most relationships are bound to grow apart but you can expect them to eventually contract and come together. 
17. When your favorite artist comes to town, send it no matter what. Seeing them is always worth it no matter the cost because those are moments that make life so sweet.
18. If he wanted to, he would. But you are not less than because he didn’t. 
19. BEING KIND IS COOL AF. 
20. “It is what it is.”-probably the only thing, yet still very valuable, I took away from my Pre-Calc class taught by an old Romanian teacher.