20 Life Lessons i'LL be taking into my 20's

A lot of lessons are learnt in your teenage years, here are the ones that are coming into my twenties with me.

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They say you learn the most in your teenage years, from the endless embarrassing moments and the shameful fashion faux-pas, you're bound to pick up a little insight into how to ace life, or so I thought.

My twentieth birthday is one I've looked forward to, leaving behind my teenage decade, that holds some of the most miserable but also some of the most amazing memories. I've always seen twenty as a chance to start fresh, a new era with new life lessons, but that doesn't mean the things I learnt in my teenage years won't accompany me along my journey into adulthood.

Here's what I'm taking with me into my twentieth year...

1. Trying to be an adult is hard

From bills to food shops, oil changes to getting rid of spiders, adulting is challenging to say the least. I realise now how easy my mum makes it look. Keeping ahead of the game when organising daily tasks helps me with this.

2. Stick up for yourself

There's nothing better I learnt in my teens than how to voice my own opinions and not be scared to do so. Don't shy away from fighting your own battles.

3. Life's Short - Sometimes too short

I've seen people been taken far too young and far too quickly, it's unfair but it's also unfortunately all too common. This has taught me to have fun, to make impulsive bold decisions that I'll always remember.

4. Try to still be a kid

Because being childish is much more fun when you're meant to be an adult. Have fun on a night out, don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that some of the things you did as a kid won't be just as fun now.

5. Arguments always get resolved

If you're truly meant to be a part of someone's life, then you'll always forgive each other. You always find your way back to the people who are destined to be around you. This one is harder for me to process in the heat of arguments, but a lesson once mastered will work wonders.

6. Family are the most important

Don't take them for granted. I am making it my goal to visit home more this year, the travel is worth it. I realised in my first year of university I missed home a lot and I'm so much happier now that I allow myself to escape to the countryside again.

7. You'll come across a lot of difficult people

Not everyone is accommodating and friendly and you won't always be everyone's cup of tea, but that's ok!

8. The dreaded gym

Is actually not so dreaded after all. As much as you may hate dragging yourself to the gym, once you're there it does wonders for your mental health. I've recently started going 3 times a week and definitely won't be stopping any time soon.

9. Choose podcasts over music sometimes

One of my latest discoveries is how amazing podcasts are for escapism and education. Listen to my current favourite. I love 'As for me and my House' as Jordan and Milena have the most welcoming material to ease you into their podcast.

10. Don't be scared of faith

I've recently been exploring my curiosity surrounding faith and religion, specifically Christianity, which is something I have always been reluctant to do. Linking back to my previous point, 'As for me and my House' is a religious podcast that eases you into religion, if this is something you're even slightly interested in, give it a listen.

11. Spend time alone

This is so important, I can't stress it enough. Learn to be ok with being alone. I've recently discovered my love for coffee shops, taking my laptop and headphones and just shut off for a few hours and do some work. I also think late night drives have helped clear my head before I try and go to bed.

12. Love being single

And no, this doesn't mean sleeping around, this means learning how you deserve to be treated and what you want out of any future relationships.

13. Overthinking is pointless

Positive thoughts, positive goals, positive mind. The amounts of nights I've spent overthinking and regretting it the next day - it's not worth it.

14. Go green

Reduce plastic, try and eat vegan, cut down on meat. Every little bit counts. For me, I've recently introduced vegan days into my diet. I cut out meat completely, but the introduction of vegan eating has helped me think more about the environment and what I put into my body.

15. Read books

Sounds cliché but it really does wonders for headspace. I have been reading Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. It discusses race and gender inequality in the modern day from different accounts and is a great escapism read.

16. Find what brings you up when life drags you down

Whether that be a person, a movie, a place or a pet, find something that's guaranteed to boost your mood when you need it. My favourite pick-me-up movie is Roman Holiday, you can't go wrong with an Audrey Hepburn movie and a hot chocolate.

17. sun, sun, sun

I honestly think the sun is my biggest mood booster, making the most of it is important. I know this is a hard thing in the UK but whenever we have the slightest bit of good weather, I drop everything and try and soak up the sun, I find it really helps my wellbeing.

18. you don't have to have your shit together

Although it may seem like everyone else does, as a matter of fact they don't, no-one does.

19. it's ok to cut people out

Not everyone is good for you, sometimes you have to cut out the toxic people in your life in order to succeed. I've recently had a social media cleanse of a lot of people I didn't feel necessary to have know little details about my life and trust me it felt amazing.

20. Life goes on

No matter how intense the bad days are, the next day always comes.

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