Everything I've Learned in My Twenties (So Far...)

While I still have plenty of my twenties to live, I've learned a few things so far -- and I figured I'd share them.


1. Finding a mouse in your house isn't the end of the world (even though it might feel like it in the moment). I promise --  you'll survive. Buy some traps, use the peanut butter method, and maybe don't leave that sandwich crust out next time. You got this.


2. A good friend is a good friend - regardless of how long you've known them. I have met some amazing people in the past two years, some of whom have become my closest friends. It's true when they say that some people enter your life and just show that they are a great friend. Let these people into your life, and don't count them out just because you haven't been friends since elementary school. Sometimes, the right people come into your life exactly when you need them.


3. You don't have to have it all figured out. Point, blank, period. You are supposed to be a work in progress. Remember this.


4. You are allowed to change your mind. You can shift gears, change your major, move schools, alter goals, dress differently, and act differently. You are not bound to the identity and person that you have always been. Growth is not just allowed -- it's necessary. 


5. Text them. Seriously. I'm not telling you to drunk text your ex (please do not do this) but if there's someone in your lectures that seems cute -- slide into their DMs!!! The worst that could happen is that they ignore you or don't feel the same. Best case? You hit it off. 


6. You don't have to go out if you don't want to. This is something that I struggled with last year. I love going out with friends, but if I am not in the mindset or mood to do so, I know I'm not gonna have a good time. So, I started saying "no thanks!" This has been an important change in my life, because it makes the times that I do go out even more enjoyable. You deserve to listen to yourself, and follow through with those choices. 


7. Live your life like you are in a TV show. This is actually something that I have implemented in my life over the past few months, and it truly works wonders. Romanticize your daily routines and every action - big or small. This could be walking to class, making your coffee, taking the train, or whatever else you're getting up to. Imagine yourself as the main character of a TV show, and think about all of the people who are rooting for you. Then start rooting for yourself. 


8. Sometimes being away from family makes you love them more. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it's true. I love my family, but going to school hours away from them has been one of the best decisions of my life. Not only have I gained independence and responsibility, but I have a newfound appreciation for them. It makes visiting them and coming home for Summer break that much sweeter.


9. Pour into your friendships -- especially your female friendships. Relationships will come and go, but good friends are for life. Your friends are going to be with you through major transitions and changes in your twenties, and you should be there to support them too. They are your chosen family, can provide honest conversation, rib-bruising laughs, shoulders to cry on, and wonderful memories that you will have for a lifetime. Treat them like family, because they are.


10. Budget for coffee!!! Seriously. I have started a habit of buying coffee six days per week (oops), so I had to shift my spending habits in another category so that I wasn't getting too crazy with the spending. I suggest you do this ASAP so as not to scare yourself when checking your bank account...


I'm aware that I still have many years left to live in this decade, but I'm pretty happy with the people I've met and the things that I've learned. I hope some of this resonated with you, especially the coffee message.  I don't want anyone to experience the shock I did when I checked my bank account (it won't stop me).


Until next time,

Pisces Ponderings ♓



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