I don’t know about you, but I’m no longer 22. This was hands
down one of the most challenging, exciting, fun, memorable, and successful years
I’ve had so far. While I dislike odd numbers, I’m happy to move on to 23 and to
continue the unknown path of life. With that being said, I learned a lot at 22
that will follow me until I die. While I could be clever and cliché and list 22
lessons I’ve learned, I’m sticking it to the top 5 that I will remember each and
everyday.
You Will Always Be Criticized
I learned this closer to the end of my run as 22 when I didn’t
expect to hear someone basically downgrade a success of mine, but also I felt
this was a lesson I was preparing to realize all along. You can do the right
thing, the wrong thing, put in the hardest work ever and someone will always
find something to criticize you about. Being the emotional person I can be, it
can hurt, but I realized I don’t have time for that. The more negative energy
you let in, the less you’ll grow. As long as you know you worked your ass off,
then that’s all that matters.
Screw 5 Year Plans
I’m serious. I graduated at 22 with a BA in Creative Writing
with minors in Marketing and Communications and while I have an idea of the
career and the life I want, I don’t have a damn clue where I’ll be in 5 years.
I’d like to think I would be in my career, living on my own, potentially seeing
someone, but I won’t plan it. I refuse to sit here and write down what I should
be doing in the next 5 years and how to do it. Yes, I do think sometimes these
plans can work for little things like a fitness journey or finances, BUT I do
not think you should use this as a tool to guide your path. Live on the edge,
go where life takes you and discover your true passion.
Being Alone is Amazing
I used to not like being alone, but then I realized how much
I learn about myself when I am alone. Being able to think, breathe and focus on
myself without the influence of others around me is fantastic. Being able to do
what I want, when I want and not have to report to anyone is really such a freedom
you need to enjoy while you’re young. I’m a huge believer that your 20’s should
be the time for you to be on your own and to not listen to what others say.
Think about it, your entire life up until this point has been dictated by your
family, school, friends, etc. It’s time for you to take the wheel and guide
yourself.
Your Passion Comes First
People might disagree, but I believe you should chase your
passion. My mother told me that she wanted to actually be a dancer, travel the
world and choreograph. She was talented. My family always told me she had what
it took to become a famous dancer, but my grandfather told her she needed to
pick a stable career to support herself and the family she wished to have. Ever
since, my mother raised my brother and I to always go after our dreams no matter
what it may be. She has always supported my passions unlike anyone else has.
You don’t want to be stuck doing something you don’t love. Your life is too
short and precious to spend being miserable. Remember, while society and the
people you care about may think your passion is crazy and unattainable, as long
as you know you can do it then that is what matters.
Embrace Change
Change is hard for many people including myself. However,
during 22 I found that with a glass of wine and a nice bath I can handle it. I’ve
witnessed a lot of change during this year specifically - a change in
friendships, environments, life paths, etc. However, I knew every change
happens for a reason. There is a reason for everything believe it or not.
Sometimes you won’t know the reason, but if you have trust in the change you
will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Overall, 22 was the most magical year of my life. It’s the
one year I actually will look back on and smile about. It’s the year where I
grew into myself and realized more than I’ve ever expected. Now, it’s my Jordan
Year. I’m 23, unbothered, focused, cruising, and most of all happy.
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