25 lessons for 25 years
I'm 26 now!
Don’t assume people are out to get you. Most people are nice at best and don’t care about you at worst.
Smile to strangers.
Learn to cook. You should be able to cook at least three delicious meals without a recipe by the time you turn 25.
Listen to your body. Pay attention to your hunger cues and how your body reacts being around certain people.
Try to walk every day. Say a loud and proud “hello” or “good morning” when you pass people on the sidewalk. This does wonders for the soul.
Don’t underestimate what a nice bouquet of flowers can do. They liven up a space, they make people feel appreciated. They’re a perfect gift for someone who has everything.
In dealing with men, their actions speak louder than words.
Trust your instincts. If your first impression of someone is negative, remember it. Give them the opportunity to redeem themselves if they were having an off day but let them prove themselves to you.
Don’t put off the thing you’re anxious about. Get your wisdom teeth out. Go get your vaccines. Go to the DMV. The anticipation is worse than the thing itself. Exhibit A:
Let people merge on the highway. We all have to get on the road, just let people in!!!!!
Fold your laundry right after you take it out of the dryer. I’ve gotten better at shortening the time between when my clothes are dry and when they are hung up and folded but it has taken me a long time. I’ve wasted too much of my life being angry with myself for not folding my laundry. I should’ve just done it, it never takes long!
Moisturize every day. In the winter, moisturize morning and evening.
When using dry shampoo, spray it BEFORE your hair starts to get oily. This will increase your time between hair washes.
If you find yourself wearing an item of clothing over and over, buy it again in a different color. No shame in knowing what works work for you.
Don’t try to force yourself into being a hat person. You’re either a hat person or a hair person. I’m a hair person. A hat is only ever detracting from my look. Some people look great in hats and I love that for them.
ALWAYS negotiate pay before accepting a new job. There is almost always better pay, benefits, or at least a bonus on the table. It can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to asking for what you want but you are throwing away free money if you don’t. The risk? They say no and they stick with the original offer. The reward? You get a couple thousand dollars extra per year just by sending an email.
Never leave the house without an anti-diarrheal. I always have peace of mind when carrying Imodium, which is always.
Grind in silence. The second I get overly excited for something I don’t yet have is the moment it slips away from me. I wish this weren’t the case, but it has been my experience so far.
Feel free to return something at a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop if it doesn’t meet your expectations. JUST be kind about it. “I’m so sorry, I thought I was going to enjoy this cocktail, but it just isn’t for me. Can I order the ___ instead? Thank you so much, I appreciate it.” That’s all you have to say.
Being competent and likable will get you far in the workplace. You don’t have to be exceptional at your job but if you get things done well and on time, apologize when you make mistakes, and make conversation with people, they will vouch for you and remember you fondly.
Call your friends when you need them. When you get bad news or great news, are crying about a boy, or just found out about a new job, CALL YOUR FRIENDS. It can be scary to call someone when you’re upset or anxious or depressed but we aren’t meant to go through life alone. I would drop anything to be there for a friend in need. I’ve been on both sides but I always feel honored when someone reaches out to me when they’re having a hard time. Like wow, you trusted me to listen to this really hard situation you’re going through, I’m so glad you didn’t have to wallow in this alone. Whenever you hesitate to reach out during a rough time, remember how it feels to be on the other end. You aren’t a burden, you’re just a person.
If you’re single at any point in your 20s, there’s a high likelihood that you will get more into EDM music than you ever thought possible. Lean in to the untz untz, baby.
Rest easy knowing that there is a Sex and The City episode for That. Whatever That is, one of those women has been through it.
Learn your social limits. If you’re on the fence about going to an event, you should probably go. But if the thought fills you with dread because you already feel like you’re drowning and you haven’t had a moment to breathe, it’s okay to say no. Sometimes you MUST decline an invitation for your own sake. If you’re going to be miserable sadsack the entire time, dragging everyone down with your bad vibes, you might consider staying home.
You’re not old. It’s very gauche and lame and cringe to get caught up feeling old, especially in your 20s. Age is just a number. More thoughts on this to come from my 85 year old Grandma!
thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙏🏽
lovveee <3