22 Things I’ve Learned in 22 Years

Here’s a rundown of 22 things I have learned in 22 years of my life. Enjoy.

1. It’s okay to take breaks. As many as you like. Big, small, massive. As you like it.
2. You can’t change people. The only person you can change is you.

3. Sometimes, all you need is a cup of tea/coffee. And drink it hot. Everything else can wait.
4. Life’s too short to keep reading a book you’re not enjoying. There are so many good writers and books out there. It’s alright to ditch one for another.
5. “Should” is a very toxic word. Nothing “should” have happened. Nothing “should” happen. It only makes you sad. Quit using “should”.

6. There is nothing wrong with your favorite movie and there’s a reason why it’s YOUR favorite movie and not anyone else’s. Don’t let anyone make you not find comfort in your “comfort movie” and “movie-shame” you. Never. It’s not worth it.
7. If you’re confused about this or that, remind yourself that you already know what you want. Don’t let your mind play games with you. You always know. Always. Just breathe and allow yourself time to reflect.

8. Money is fleeting. You become rich again. You become poor again.
9. Time is ephemeral. It’s over before you know it. The best you can do is to savor it. Every bit of it.

10. Know that it’s okay to indulge sometimes. Whether it’s food, travel, games, whatnot. Know that spoiling yourself a little at times isn’t bad. Just don’t make it a habit.
11. There is nothing better than toast and salted butter. When in a doubt, you know exactly what to eat.
12. Know something about everything and everything about something. It takes you a long way. Have my word for it.

13. Nobody loves you as your parents do. Parenting, if you think about it, is probably the most selfless job your parents choose to do. It’s not easy. It never was. It will never be. And sometimes viewing your parents as normal humans who make mistakes instead of your parents is imperative. It helps you forgive them easier… and faster.
14. To laugh your heart out, you need to first cry your heart out. Think about it. Life-changing stuff.
15. There’s a difference between accepting and tolerating. Accepting people for who they are is healthy. Tolerating them isn’t. It only acts like a pebble in your shoe every single time. Chances are, that one day your shoe would be so full of pebbles, there would be no room left for your foot to wiggle in. Always accept. Never tolerate. Behavior, people, anything.

16. If thinking about a thought genuinely makes you happy, keep thinking about it.
17. Don’t fret over how little love someone’s giving you. Just know that you’re a 10-gallon person and they’re a 2 pint one. So the 2 pints that they’re giving you are all that they have. It’s just that it’s nothing compared to your 10-gallon capacity. It’s magical how your life changes when you start thinking about stuff this way. Makes you happier.
18. Go and learn something. It’s interesting how renewing and rejuvenating the process of learning and creating can be. Learning is empowering. And addictive. (Read about 10 Strategies to Learn here)

19. Sure, the people you love, their opinions about you matter. They always will. They just don’t matter as much as your own opinions about yourself.
20. Always dream big. Even when your circumstances don’t allow it. Never. Stop. Dreaming. Big. Periodt.
21. Staring at sunsets is insanely therapeutic. I’m serious.
22. You deserve nothing! Absolutely nothing. Not the food in your fridge, not the AC in your room, not the comfortable clothes you’re wearing. You have access to everything you do because of your privilege. Acknowledge it, be grateful for it, and do your best to make sure this world is a better place for all of us. Not just you.  Read about PRIVILEGE here.

*Bonus*

Whenever in doubt, give yourself a pep talk. It works wonders.