26 Lessons I've Learned in 26 Years

Alas, it is my birthday. Another year gone, another year older—and definitely another year wiser. It can feel either scarier to get older, exhilarating, or nothing special—to me, it's certainly weird thinking how just yesterday I was 8 years old watching The Proud Family and learning cursive. Now, at 26, I can look back at the life lessons I've endured to help me learn to be proud of my accomplishments, and to move forward with gratitude and eagerness for the future. I wanted to share some lessons with you all that may be useful to you, provide insight, or simply allow you a glance into the life of someone completely unknown to you. This list is made in no particular order of importance, just the lessons I view as important overall.

1. It's ok to make time for yourself; you are not selfish for doing so.

2. If you wouldn't want it for someone you love, then don't do it to yourself.

3. If they care, they'll show you; they'll also show you when they don't. Pay attention to the signs.

4. Every hour of studying, writing, and reading is worth it in the end. You'll be proud of the end result, no matter the grade.

5. Friends come and go, and that's ok.

6. Pastels are not your friend. Nor is neon. Denim shorts too, for that matter.

7. The less you do to your skin, the better it will be. Leave it alone!

8. Your thoughts create your reality. The more positively you think, the more positive your reality will become.

9. Giving back is the antidote to depression (along with good ol' therapy and medication).

10. Getting out of your comfort zone will give you confidence you never knew existed. Push yourself out of your confined perception of who you think you are.

11. You don't need veneers. Your teeth are beautiful the way they are, and make you unique. The same goes for your nose.

12. It is your divine right as a woman to tell a man no.

13. You can't change anyone, no matter how hard you try. If you feel the need to change someone that fervently, they probably shouldn't be in your life.

14. How people treated you throughout childhood does not define who you are today. You know who you are; they did not.

15. It's ok to start a conversation with someone new; you won't die of shame and humiliation.

16. Speak up about how you feel. Your feelings are valid; no one should shame you for them.

17. Being pale doesn't make you ugly. Embrace your Elmer's glue-colored skin tone.

18. Sometimes the best thing you can do is leave.

19. You are so much more powerful, smart, and beautiful than you realize.

20. The person you thought they were is not an excuse for sticking around.

21. Stop spending money just to spend money.

22. You need to learn how to dress yourself—along with going shopping on your own with confidence in your choices.

23. Everything happens when it's time to happen; the universe knows when things are destined for you. Stop pressuring things to happen when you think they should happen.

24. I am meant to write. No matter what I do, writing needs to be a significant part of my life. If writing falls to the wayside, so will everything else.

25. It won't kill you to stand in the sun for a few minutes; skin cancer doesn't happen that quickly.

26. Love who you are, and change the parts that make you love yourself less. Is it selfishness? Greed? Jealousy? Change whatever drags you down.

I hope you enjoyed reading this list, and that at least one thing inspired you to look at your own life differently. Reflecting on lessons learned is an important aspect of growth; if we go through life inattentive and distant, we'll never find true happiness and self acceptance. Look back at your life as if an outsider; what lessons would you take from looking at that person?