Twenty.

I have been alive for exactly two decades, and in that time, I’ve learned many things.

Rather than wasting such a major opportunity, I’ve decided to share 20 of those lessons with you.

 

1. The Electric Fence

Growing up in the country has taught me a great deal about the big wide world, but by far the most important is that of the electric fence.

If you accidentally grab the fence with one hand and jolts of electricity are surging through your body, the wisest decision is not to grab on with the other hand (literally and figuratively).

 

2. Reading

In my humble opinion, the ability to read is something that nobody should take for granted. Education is a blessing, so make the most of it.

 

3. Less is more

‘Things’ really aren’t everything, and money can’t buy happiness.

 

4. You’re not a product of your scars

The battles you face may change the course of your life dramatically, but you don’t have to let them change you.

 

5. There’s nothing wrong with being nerdy

Way back in primary school, I was constantly bullied by many of my classmates for being a ‘nerd’.

I was the kid who would much rather read a book than chase other children around the schoolyard. I was heavily criticised for handing in my homework on time, and for genuinely enjoying a good maths problem here and there.

Over time, I became ashamed of my inherent ‘nerdiness’, but now, I am proud of it. Dedication is not a bad trait, and neither is marching to the beat of your own drum.

 

6. Trust your instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

 

7. Friendships

I’ve had my fair share of friendship struggles over the years, but it’s only now that I realise how insignificant they were.

The people who are meant to be in your life will always be there, so trust that everything is happening for the better.

 

8. Boys aren’t everything

By far the most recent lesson I’ve learned, is that having a relationship doesn’t define who you are.

I used to think that being single meant that I wasn’t good enough for anyone, but I now know that it was for the better.

I’ve gone 20 years without having a relationship, and I think I turned out just fine.

 

10. Spread love

In the blink of an eye, everything can change. Take every opportunity to tell the people in your life that you love them- you may not get the chance tomorrow.

 

11. Being quiet

I’m pretty much as shy as they come. I’m getting better, but getting to know new people is still a bit of a daunting task for me.

For my whole life I’ve been lectured by many people (namely those that didn’t really know me) about speaking up and putting myself out there- “You’ll never get a boyfriend!”, “Nobody will ever hire you!”, “You’ll have no friends”.

It has always frustrated me to hear these things, but quite frankly, being an introvert has not impacted my life in the slightest, nor will it ever.

 

12. Skin

I learned the hard way that being nasty to your skin isn’t the best thing to do.

Don’t pick at it.

Don’t scrub it.

Be gentle.

And add moisture wherever you can.

 

13. Listen

I learned the importance of listening at a very young age.

As much as it’s good to share your opinion in conversation, you can learn a great deal more from simply listening to others.

 

14. Be open and present

I am a very stubborn person- changing my mind on anything is no easy task.

While I think that being able to stand your ground is a good thing, over time I’ve learned that it’s ok to be open and explore other options.

 

15. Mother knows best

Listen to your Mum. No explanation necessary.

 

16. Don’t follow your head or your heart

Follow them both. Logic and emotion are equally important- never disregard either.

 

17. Kindness with a dash of sass

Every person on the planet deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. No matter how easy it is to lose your cool when someone tests your patience, taking the high road is always the better option.

But with that said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with standing up for yourself and your beliefs. If indeed you need to, be sassy, not savage.

 

18. Peter Pan

Youth is precious, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to fade away.

 

19. Nobody cares about how you look

Whenever I used to walk into a room, I would be overcome with self-consciousness and suddenly think every person in a 10 metre radius was critiquing my appearance.

In actual fact, everyone was too worried about their own insecurities to bat an eyelash at mine.

 

20. Have a bit of fun

Life really is what you make it, so have fun with it while you can.