24 Things I Have Learned by 24
By: Joceline Lisseth
Tags: Life Lessons, Birthday, Lessons, Advice, Takeaways

Lessons I have learned what I would tell my younger self.

Fight for what you want

Yes, I have fought for things that I have wanted a lot ever since I was 16. I fought for going after my major in Journalism. I fought to get to do things that people my age get to do and fought for people. Fight. Especially if what you believe in is being threatened.

2. Dream Endlessly

I feel like dreaming is a constant ever since I was a little girl. I always dreamed of love or success or really anything that my heart wanted. There is no harm in dreaming and if we dream hard enough, we can get what we wish for.

3. Be Yourself

This might seem dumb but I know people who try so hard to be others and that to me, is a waste of a person because people can be themselves and enjoy being unique. Don’t change for others because it will not make you happier.

4. Your Past Doesn’t Define You

No matter what crap you have been through in the past years, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn from it or grow. We have all been through some tough stuff but it doesn’t mean that is who we are.

5. Happiness Comes From Yourself

People think happiness comes from others or from materialistic things but that’s wrong. I know a shopping spree can make me happy but that is not the answer. Doing things that make you happy or being with people that make you happy can help but you can truly make yourself happy. And happiness isn’t a forever state, it comes in waves and more people need to be aware of that. Also, happiness doesn’t just happen, it is a state of mind that you have to work on getting there.

6. Don’t Convince Yourself that Everyone is Better Off Than You

Social Media has been the source of we tend to convince ourselves that everyone is having a better life than you which is completely wrong. Social Media shows the good things that happen in people’s lives. People don’t post when they are crying or when they are at home bored or when they are angry about something. Social media is a highlight reel, not the whole scene.

7. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

We seem to be forced to act happy all the time but it gets exhausting to do that especially on days where it is impossible to act like so. It is okay to cry and be upset. Your feelings are valid and no one can tell you that you can’t cry or you can’t be mad.

8. Be the Bigger Person

I know revenge is always so tempting but don’t stoop to the level of the one who did you wrong, that just shows you aren’t any better than they are. Be the better person because, in the end, you will be the winner.

9. Do Things at Your Pace

Not all the time will you be caught up with your peers but that isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes, certain things take a little longer for you than for others and that’s not wrong. It just isn’t your time yet, but when the time comes, it will be worth it.

10. Mending a Broken Heart Can Only be Fixed By You

Going back to the person who hurt you, isn’t going to make you feel any better. You are the only one who can truly fix it. And you can’t put all your pain onto someone else to deal with. You and only you can make yourself feel better again.

11. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

As dangerous as it sounds, having walls around your heart does no one any favors when falling in love. People who wear their hearts on their sleeves and strong and not afraid to show emotion. Those people are the ones who love without boundaries.

12. If They Don’t Make Time for You, Leave

If a person truly likes you or loves you, they will make time to text, call and/or hang out with you. They have to put the effort in order for everything to work. If not, you are the only one trying and it is frustrating and upsetting to go through that.

13. Listen to Your Gut

I can’t count how many times my gut has been right about things or even people. Listen to it, there is a reason we have it and how it is very hard for it to steer you wrong.

14. Appreciate what You Have

Today’s society makes it feel like we are garbage or poor if we don’t have the latest iPhone. But we have to be grateful for what we have. Like a roof over our head or running water or a bed. People in this world don’t have that, and it is good to take time and look around yourself and know that you have it good.

15. Learn to Let Go

Over time, I have learned that people leave your life and you have no clue why. Some people leave because their time was up on Earth or they leave your life. Learn that this is something to take from. That they left you because you didn’t need them anymore or they served their purpose.

16. Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up

If you have something to say that has value, don’t be afraid to say something. Like if you want to say something in class, say it. If you have something to say to your significant other, say it. Don’t be afraid.

17. Know Your Boundaries

Know what you feel comfortable with and what you aren’t. And this also means having an open mind to new things but knowing what you would do and wouldn’t do. Like maybe trying some new food or doing a different kind of activity, as long as you are open to it.

18. Having an Open Mind

Having an open mind lets in new ideas and it makes you learn more. Learning a new perspective, new languages, new skills. It lets us expand our mind and keep us young. We get to try different things and if you are curious, try it. You will never know if you never try.

19. Tell People that you Love Them

As simple as this may sound, sometimes people forget. I tell everyone who I love that I love them because if something were to happen to them, I would want to assure them that I love them. Tell the people you love that you love them while you have them because no one has tomorrow bought and some people can slip through our hands.

20. Know that if You are in a Bad Place, it isn’t Forever

Sometimes, life hits hard and has no mercy. But we have to know that the tough spots don’t last forever. That happiness is on the horizon. We must keep going because the book never ends when it is getting tough, that just means it is about to get to the good part.

21. When the Going Gets Tough, Good People will Show Up

I’ve noticed that when the shit hits the fan, the people you can rely on will make themselves known. Like when a breakup happens, friends and family will be by your side to make sure it will all be okay. Or when someone in your family is sick, your friends and/or your significant other can be there for you to hold you while you cry from the pain. Or just when you had a bad day at work, the people who will listen and help you vent also are the best people. Those people will be there for you, through thick and thin.

22. Enjoy the Little Things

Yes, as dumb as it sounds, enjoy all the little things. Like walks to the train station, car rides to dinner, Target runs, or the time while you wait for your Starbucks drink. Sometimes, enjoying the moment is nice just because we are always waiting to get out of work, or waiting to get out of the house or etc, we need to live in the moment and enjoy the ride.

23. Spend time with the People you Love

I love spending time with the people I love. Whether it is my boyfriend, my family, my friends, my pet hamster, whoever I love, I love to spend time with them because it is a way that I show that I love them. Time is the best thing you can give people because it is something no one can buy.

24. Read.

Yes, reading. I love to read whether it is an article, a poetry book, a YA book or even some of my own writing. Reading leads to great writing. And reading helps your mind stay young. Learn to love reading because it will change your mind and expand your imagination.