Happy Monday everyone and Happy Birthday to me! I've been doing some reflecting today and just thinking about everything that has happened in the last year. I just wanted to share the 21 things that I learned. Some are very generic and cliche but no less true.

1. Although 21 is the legal drinking age in the U.S., it's not for everyone. At least not in the same way. There's nothing wrong with not consuming the way others do, if you choose to at all. Don't let anyone bash you for only have one drink or none at all.

2. Schedules and other priorities can make friendship difficult . Once you're out of school everyone is trying to start their lives. It can be difficult to manage friendships at the same level of intimacy and devotion that you used to. But, small things means the world. A simple text, a quick phone call, etc.

3. Even though you're legally an adult when you're 18, it doesn't always feel like your an adult. For some people there are times when you have no clue what you're doing and in spite of having been away at school, you still need your parents and there is nothing wrong with that. The only caveat is avoiding complete reliance.

4.People will pick and choose when they see you as an adult.

5. You cannot please everyone. There are people who will find any reason to disagree with you or put down your actions or views.

6. Coupons are clutch. Use them!

7. Grocery shopping for yourself is harder than it looks. 

8. Living healthy is expensive. Who knew asparagus would cost so much?

9. Days were far easier when you have someone else to decide what to eat or just make you food. Why is it so hard to decide what to eat.

10. You won't be happy everyday.

11. You'll feel a lot better if you say what's on your mind. I've found myself thinking a few times, "I should have just said something." 

12. Sometimes when you have no motivation you just have to do what needs to be done.

13. You can save yourself so much money if you do things yourself instead of buying everything. DIY projects are fun and so helpful most times. You can make things out of things and ingredients you have sitting around.

14. Everything does not deserve a meltdown. Sometimes things happen and they feel like the end of the world and you find yourself overwhelmed, only to realize some time later that it wasn't even a scratch on the surface.

15. Sometimes things and people change and there's nothing you can do about it.

16. Working with other people while hard, particularly on projects, planning events, etc., is not impossible. If no one wants to be the leader, save everyone time and stress and take the role. If your leader doesn't know what they're doing help them out. 

17. Don't expect people to pick up on ques and do something. Everyone doesn't have the same mind set, moral compass, or common sense that you may have. Everyone was raised differently so you can't expect them to react the same way you would.

18. Everything isn't for everyone. That goes for clothes, T.V. shows, music, people, etc. Nothing wrong with not liking the same thing as everyone else. There are people out there who love what you love so don't worry when a majority say, "I've never heard of that." Someone has.

19. Don't rely on other people to make you happy or comfortable. 

20. You can do everything for people, but don't expect them to do the same. Just because you spent a lot of time and effort doing things for someone or helping them doesn't mean they will reciprocate. Some people just don't understand that balance.

21. The best way to start your day is to pray and say, "Today is going to be a good day," even if you don't know for sure or you feel bad. It will boost your mood, I guarantee it.

Excited to see what 22 things I learn over the next year!



-Kira Elise