My birthday was a couple of days ago, making me officially 23. Like many, I was a bit sad I was not able to celebrate with all my friends and family due to the pandemic, but nevertheless, I am beyond grateful to have finally spent some time with my best friend which I haven’t seen since the beginning of this year (I don’t think we’ve ever gone this long without seeing each other!).
Looking back, despite the downside of spending almost half a year in quarantine and not being able to see my friends, 22 was still pretty amazing. I graduated with honors and distinction from university, and took the leap to continue my education with a Masters’s program. Spent Lunar New Year with my family in China for the first time in 12 years and got to see some of the extended family that I haven’t seen in years. I crossed some more places off my travel list and started a plant collection. Then I spent the summer renovating my house and finally moved out of the basement after 10 years. I gave out candy on Halloween for the first time, became a Canadian citizen, and started this blog.
There’s still so much to learn for me, but I wanted to share some of the wisdom I’ve gathered so far now that I’m basically a quarter way through life! I still have to remind myself of some of these from time to time, but I hope you enjoy these!
1. If you really want something, work for it
Nothing in life comes easy, but also nothing is really impossible. If you work hard, it will pay off, whether it’s in the short term or the long term.
2. Don’t be too self-critical
I’m still working on this one, every single day, but you know what, you are your worst critic. Sometimes you just have to cut yourself some slack. Accept that you are good enough.
3. Be the first one to speak, no matter how hard it is
Whether it’s a fight with a friend or a loved one, or maybe it’s some form of injustice you see, if you feel the need to speak up, if you think something needs to be said, say it. Time heals but it cannot flow backward. It’s better to potentially hurt in the moment than regret it never happening at all.
4. Say YES more
I keep telling myself this and I keep letting fear hold me back on this one, but the times when I put my fears aside and did say yes, it was absolutely AMAZING and UNFORGETTABLE. Saying yes more will open you to more opportunities, it will push your boundaries, and it will make your life so much more interesting. It can be scary, but you won’t regret it.
5. Set time aside OFF SCREEN
Especially being a content creator, I’m almost always permanently on my phone. What I learned especially through this pandemic is that setting screen time limits and phone-free zones are so important to avoid burn out and to really just enjoy life.
6. Saving money is important, but so is spending it
Yes it’s important to have some emergency funds, and to save your money, but life isn’t always about how much you can save. Splurge and treat yourself once in a while, because you deserve it, especially on those experiences and things you’ve always wanted. Don’t get caught up in counting every penny, and for god’s sake, BUY THOSE FLOWERS.
7. TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL
One thing that I regret is not traveling enough and splurging on traveling during my undergrad. Now that I’m almost done my Master’s program, the reality has hit me that I will not have a 3 months summer break for a long while. With COVID, I can’t even travel really this summer, so when you can, grab that opportunity.
8. Check in on your loved ones often
Never take anything for granted. Make sure you check in on your friend, tell your family you love them. Go see them when you can and if you can’t, then at least Facetime or call. I never used to really check in on my parents during undergrad, and my dad’s health suddenly got really bad over the past year. Thankfully it’s nothing major, and he’s recovering, but you never know. Never take things for granted.
9. It’s okay to outgrow people
People change, it’s inevitable, sometimes for the better but sometimes for the worse. It’s okay to let go of some people if they no longer make you happy or are dragging you down. Some people are just not meant to be in your life forever.
10. Learn to love yourself
Self love is a journey, and it can come in all forms. It doesn’t happen overnight, nothing really do. It takes days, months, years but just keep working at it, I definitely am. Be the biggest fan for yourself! When you learn to love yourself and accept yourself for all your flaws, you become truly invincible.
11. Live in the moment
I guess being a content creator has gotten me into the habit of seeing my life through the screen, capturing every moment. But life is meant to be lived and enjoyed in the moment. It’s nice to look back at all the videos and photos, but sometimes, it’s just better to simply have it in your memories.
12. Meet more people
I think one thing I regret in my undergrad is not having more friends. I guess it’s tough to connect with people when you’re commuting 2 hrs a day & everyone’s schedule is different but I definitely could have done better. Everyone’s unique and has their own story and views on life, talking to more people will make you wiser.
13. Learn to drive…and actually drive!
Okay, I’ve always had a fear of driving, I think it’s from all the Moms against drunk driving presentations that were repeatedly shown to us every year in high school. BUT driving is such an essential skill and I wish I could practice driving more so I can actually contribute to longer road trips and cottage trips with friends.
14. Adopt/Foster a pet
Adopting my cat Tia was probably the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I understand not everyone has the privileges to do so, but animals need all the love in the world. Even if you can’t adopt or foster, volunteer for an animal shelter. I did that too and it was the best time of my life!
15. Always choose to be kind
Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. Plus I’m a firm believer in karma, so it doesn’t harm anyone or anything to do more nice things for others.
16. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body
Your body is the temple that gives you life, so treat it so. Exercise, don’t eat like shit all the time, and DRINK YOUR WATER! Mental health is just as important though because that’s what keeps you sane. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it, and make sure to check in with yourself.
17. Learn to cook some basic recipes
Cooking is definitely not my strong suit, but knowing a couple of basic recipes won’t hurt, and can always come in handy. Google is your best friend! There are so many simple easy recipes out there (such as this mini apple pie recipe) in the universe, you just have to try. Plus cooking at home is always healthier and cheaper!
18. Gain work experience
Work is so different from school, and you learn so much more working a job! I think it helps you mature faster, and who would say no to some extra money in the bank? Not only does it help your resume but it will also help you develop many important soft skills.
19. Know your boundaries…
Especially your alcohol one 😛 But seriously, set your boundaries and don’t push them for anyone except for yourself.
20. Appreciate how far you’ve came
Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone’s journey is different. Take time to celebrate your victories and milestones, big or small. Your only competitor is yourself! One quote I’ve always lived by is be so damn busy watering your own lawn that you don’t notice how green the others are!
21. Practice makes perfect
I used to hate this when my mom said it to get me to practice piano, but the older I get, the more I appreciate this idiom. No one is born perfect, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but you can always improve through practice.
22. Know you’ll make tons of mistakes, so don’t be afraid to make them
No one really knows what they’re doing in their 20s. I still don’t really know what I want to do for a career. It’s time to be a little stupid and to experiment. Try something new, embarrass yourself, take a dance class. Perhaps you’ll find something that’ll change your life forever, and if not, move on, no one will remember that embarrassing story, years down the line anyway…okay maybe other than your best friends 😛
23. Life will throw you curveballs, you just gotta deal with it
Life happens, and some times bad things will happen, no matter how hard you try to make things perfect. You just gotta make the best out of it! Mindset is everything, and there will always be a silver lining if you choose to see it. Shit happens, the question is, how will you deal with it?
I hope you enjoyed these little pieces of wisdom and things I’ve learned throughout the years. I’m sure there will be a lot more to learn especially as I get my first job this year!
All the love,