Confession #8: 20 Things I think everyone in their 20s should know.

In our 20s we finish college, meet life-long friends, start our careers, and create families…sure, some of us do these things earlier or later or not at all, but for the most part your life begins in your 20s. We 20-somethings may be known for being slightly reckless and sometimes naïve, but we have so much potential and enthusiasm. We are young enough to believe in anything, but old enough to turn our beliefs into reality.

This is a list of 20 things that I think every person in their 20s should understand, try, and experience:

1.     Reading is good for the soul. Broaden your mind. Expand your vocabulary. If 
        you want to live well, you have to use your mind well.

2.     Find a career that you are passionate about. We all know that the economy 
        is rough and that jobs are hard to come by. But you don’t have to be stuck in a 
        job that you hate for the rest of your life. Figure out what you are passionate  
        about and know that you always have options. Find people who are passionate 
        about the same things and explore your opportunities. The power of networking 
        and education is limitless.

3.     Save for retirement. We are young and retirement feels so far away (and that 
        50 inch plasma looks really tempting), but saving for retirement now will put you 
        leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else. Set a certain amount of money aside 
        each month and if you can, sign up for a 401(k) at work. You won’t regret it.

4.     If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. Of course, this statement does not include 
        absolute necessities and emergencies but for the most part, don’t spend money
        you don’t have. Credit cards can sometimes feel like gift cards but you’re going 
        to have to pay someone back eventually plus interest.

5.     Figure out what helps you unwind. Whether it is going for a run, hanging out 
        with a friend, or having a glass (or two) of wine, learn what helps you distress.

6.     Love without limits. Love is the most amazing thing this world has to offer. 
        Love big and love unconditionally.

7.     Learn to cook. You might discover that you like your creations even more than 
        the meals served at the restaurant you go to every Friday night. You will save 
        money, eat healthier, and I guarantee you will have fun. Plus, doesn’t everyone 
        love someone who cooks??

8.     Keep up with current events. It is important to know what is going on in the 
        world and to make informed, social and political decisions. You will be able to 
        have more intelligent conversations with people.

9.     Stress is temporary. The things that you are worried about now, most likely 
        won’t matter in a few years. Take control of your environment, express your 
        feelings, learn time management, and focus on the positives in your life.

10.   Keep a journal. Or even a blog! It will help you hold on to memories and 
        become more observant and creative.

11.   Trust your instincts. If something feels sketchy to you, it probably is.

12.   Be who you want to be. You and only you can control your happiness. You 
        can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t have to. Focus on you.

13.   Never let anyone be your everything. Because if they leave, you will become 
        nothing.

14.   Friends are your chosen family. Let go of the people that bring you down and 
        hang on tightly to the ones that raise you up.

15.   Travel. Try new things and experience different cultures. You will fall in love with 
        new foods and new scenery (and maybe even a new you).

16.   Laugh at yourself. Laughter is good for the soul. We all do silly, stupid things. 
        Learning to find humor in your mistakes will make you a happier person.

17.   Give back to the community. Meet new people, gain a new perspective, boost 
        your self-esteem, and know that you are needed. The more you give, the more 
        you will receive.

18.   Learn to forgive. Forgive yourself for your own mistakes/failures and forgive 
        others for hurting you. Don’t waste your life stewing over past betrayals. You 
        don’t necessarily have to forgive them for them. Forgive them foryourself.

19.   Always remember that you are beautiful. It’s as simple as that.

20.   Don’t be afraid to dream. Make a list of 30 things you want to do before you 
        are 30. And if you feel comfortable enough, share your lists with me. If enough 
        people share, I will share my list with you all.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

– Mark Twain.