What I've Learned About Life in 22 Years

About three weeks ago, I celebrated my 22nd birthday. I have had a lot of life events occur recently that have made me realize that I have learned quite a bit about life in the last 22 years. In honor of my birthday, here is a list of 22 things I have learned. My list is slightly longer than 22 lessons, but these were my most favorite. Here is the list in no particular order. Except the first one definitely is my number one.

1. Life is better when your top priorities are: God, family, and friends.

2. Never regret. Chalk up all "mistakes" as a learning experience and be more careful next time.

3. Don't ever by afraid to start over. Embrace, cherish, and use your God-given talents.

4. "Love all, trust few, do wrong to no one." --Shakespeare

5. Be nice to everyone--always, no matter what. You never know what types of struggles or needs a person may have.

6. Don't complain. It only makes the situation that much worse and does not solve the problem.

7. Be early and show up to everything. This is your life.

8. People are capable of bad things; even people you know and trust.

9. Take risks and embrace the outcomes.

10. Every choice has a consequence--some positive, some negative. If it is negative, don't make the choice. Or, if you can't accept the consequence, don't make the choice.

11. People are going to let you down a lot in life. Don't be the one letting others down.

12. Life gets better. If you're young and reading this...trust me. It gets better.

13. Respect those who serve you.

14. When you find that one friend who knows ANYTHING and EVERYTHING about you and loves you anyways--hold onto them.

15. If you want friends, be a friend. Friendship is a two-way street.

16. Growing up is a privilege.

17. Don't give into peer pressure. You'll respect yourself a lot more later in life because you had the backbone to say "no."

18. If you don't want anyone to know...don't do it.

19. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

20. If a friend walks out when you've made a mistake they were not your friend to begin with.

21. Take care of yourself: get sleep, eat right, exercise, keep your mind and body healthy. We only have one shot at life. Live it healthy.

22. When we endure something tough, our character and self-esteem are strengthened.