A couple of weeks ago I turned the ripe old age of 22. Just kidding I know that's still really young but at the same time I feel as though I've grown up so much in the past couple of years, experiencing more changes than I ever had previously between birthdays.
I wanted to stop and reflect so that I could share 22 lessons I have learned in my 22 years on this planet. Some are quite life changing epiphanies while others are minor realisations that have still contributed to who I am today.
1. No-one is better than anyone else, we're all in it together.
This is such an important thing to realised because it places you on the same level as everyone else and really puts things into perspective.
2. Exercise is important.
I don't just mean having toned legs is important but rather physical movement and taking proper care of your body is seriously important for your mental health.
3. You are your own worst enemy.
The best example I can give of this is when you have a pimple and you think everyone is staring at it so you spend so much time worrying and trying to cover it up. Now think about it the other way around - do you ever stare at someone's pimple if they have a pimple?! Not really! The truth is that we are too caught up worrying about our own flaws to even worry about someone elses.
4. It's never as bad as you think.
In the heat of the moment an argument or situation might seem like the end of the world but then you look back on it later in hindsight and realise it wasn't that bad. Often when emotions are running high things seem but more terrible than they actually are so don't make any snap decisions or pretend like the world is ending - this one I still need to work on.
5. Time heals all wounds.
When something dramatic and devastating happens, it's hard to think about how you are going recover from it. I've learnt that time really does do wonders in healing any past wounds. The more time goes on the less you think about it or the less you beat yourself up for silly mistakes.
6. Document everything
The amount of times I've looked back on my YouTube vlogs from holidays or scrolled through my Instagram feed to see what I was up to a couple of years ago. It's so valuable being able to look back and reminisce so I love taking pictures and documenting online.
7. Don't get too caught up in social media
An Instagram feed really is someone's highlight reel so don't compare your daily struggles to someone's polished birthday photos with a filter over the top.
8. Everyone struggles
Everyone you meet has something they are dealing with or have dealt with and struggled so BE NICE!
9. Compliment people
You never know what someone is going through and if smiling at them or giving them a compliment will make their day. Sprinkle compliments around like confetti - it's free and makes both you and the other person feel great.
10. Choose happiness
There are so many reasons you can give yourself to be unhappy but if you choose happiness it means you commit to your inside happiness regardless of external factors. Make it a priority to be happy and stay happy.
11. Learn to find fun in the small things
What's the point in going through life if it's going to be dull and boring? If you find fun in the small things, life will always be a party. Sure it's a trip to the grocery store but hey you can buy chocolate and pat a doggo so who is the real winner here...you!
12. Remain positive
You can go through life being negative or positive... it's your choice. But I tell you which one is going to make you and the people around you much happier. Choose to see the positive in every situation. Even if it's a shitty situation, the positives are the lessons you are learning from it.
13. There is always a lesson to learn
In the worst of situations it can be hard to accept and easy to become bitter and angry. Instead, choose to see the situation as a learning curve and find the lesson to be learnt. Each experience moulds you as a person and it's up to you to make sure that the changes circumstances make in you are positive.
14. Change is inevitable
The only constant in life is change so you really have to go along with it and take it as it comes. If things stayed the same anyway how boring would that be. Variation is the spice of life and change is one thing you can use to your advantage.
15. Never settle
It's so cliché but life really is too short to settle for ordinary. Make sure you go out of a limb to make your life extraordinary rather than settle in the comfort of familiarity.
16. Take risks
The scarier the better. High risk is high reward. Take that new job, break up with your partner you don't see a future with, go on that holiday, buy that house, start that company you've always wanted to. If not now, then when?
17. Do things you love
It's extremely important to make time in your schedule to do the things you love. Whether that be gardening, spending time with your pet, reading in a park or going to the beach. Don't deprive yourself of the activities you love because you've caught up in working.
18. Thrive don't survive
Don't play it safe for mediocre and don't lead a life you're bored by. Make decisions everyday that show how much you love life and want to thrive because what's the fun in simply surviving?!
19. It's all about the little things
It's about the cuddles you give your dog when you wake up in the morning or listening to your favourite song on repeat. Doing all the little things that make you happy will lead to a fulfilled life that you enjoy.
20. Only keep people in your life who contribute to it
You are who you surround yourself with so letting go of a friendship or relationship is completely healthy if it's the right decision for you. Don't beat yourself up thinking you've failed at a relationship or are a bad friend. Do what is right for your mind and soul because you have to take care of you first.
21. Materialism sucks
I used to be pretty caught up in designer stuff and the latest handbag. Not that it's bad but it's just not worth putting your value into material possessions because ultimately it won't make you happy. Ever since doing the whole minimalism lifestyle I've felt much lighter and more free.
22. Live in the present not the future
This is one that I'm still struggling with. Try not to fast forward your life and get to point B in a rush. Life is a journey not a destination so if you don't slow down to look at the sights you're missing out...and you'll get to the end and realise you shouldn't have skipped all the good stuff. I have a bad habit of doing this so I need to learn to sit my ass down and not rush anything.
I'm in no way a pro at this life thing, these are just some things I've learned along the way that work for me. Would love to hear from you! What's something you've learned that has changed the way you look at things or live your life? Leave it in a comment below or reach out on social media @JordyCannon
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