14 Life Lessons Only The Happiest 20-Somethings Have Learned And Mastered

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1. Prioritize your life, people and goals.
It is important to know who and what is important in your life. At every phase of life, your priorities will and should change. But every now and then- sit back, relax and think what are you doing and who are the people you really need in your life. It is important and necessary to cut off the drama. You don’t need to put up with something/someone if it does you no good.

2. Learn to say no.
Say no. A simple two letter word. Can you lend me some money? No, I can’t. You want to go out for a coffee? No, I don’t. Give reasons if you feel like. But learn to say No. That two letter word would let others know that you have an opinion and most importantly a mind of your own.

3. Learn more than just academics.
Have a hobby, learn about a new topic, new country, new culture or maybe zoology. Any random thing which has got nothing to do with your degree or work. You will be surprised how it changes your personality.

4. It is okay to have handful of friends.
When you are happy or when you are low, you neither would need tons of people to hug and celebrate or to hug and cry. Handful of those you can call your own is all you need. Most of the people who you call as friends would be waiting to see you fall and fail. Be wise and cut off these ‘friends’ from your life. It is easier to stay alone than deal with people whose intentions you are unaware of.

5. Explore the world, look beyond what you see.
Go abroad to get a higher degree/certificate course, go for a short stay, or just go to learn about a different culture. You will always be short of money. Save up. Set a goal and save up. Once you reach the goal, pack your bags and explore. The world is the best place to learn life’s biggest lessons.

6. It is okay to fail.
It is okay to fail. It’s okay to not have things go your way. Life is not fair at times and no one said it will. Get your shit together and move on.

7. It’s okay to not get what you deserve.
Sometimes, you will feel that you didn’t get what you expect to and deserve to. That’s okay, too. People say you will have something better and bigger coming your way. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. What matters is you don’t give up. If it is meant to be, it will.

8. And it is totally okay when you see someone less deserving get what you deserve.
It hurts. And it pains to see someone less deserving get what you should. But who decides that someone deserves less anyway? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. Even if they don’t, its fine. It is out of your control and you can’t change it. Let go.

9. Be easy on yourself.
Leave the ‘judging you’ part for others to do, please. Love yourself. Nurture that beautiful mind and body. Give yourself everything you can. Pamper yourself. Feel like eating an ice-cream, go eat that giant scoop. Feel like buying that expensive dress for a change-splurge. Do what you want and feel like. Make yourself your no. 1 priority.

10. Life goes on.
Every turn that life takes -for good or bad – just remember: life goes on. Nothing is permanent. And most importantly, tell yourself-it is all going to be alright. Be kind to yourself.

11. Don’t be guilty for the choices you made.
You made choices in your life. Be glad that YOU made a choice. Was it good? Or was it bad? Walked away from a relationship that others thought you should have stayed in? It’s okay, you made a decision, respect it. Trust yourself that you did what was right. Right for yourself, right for those who matter and right for the situation.

12. Create memories.
You never know how much time you would spend with your loved ones. Technology has made communication easier. But people travel, change jobs, move places and you lose physical contact. Make memories with your family and friends. Leave your phone behind-go for a quiet dinner, a music concert or just talk. Create something to remember each other. It is magical.

13. Say, ‘I love you’ more often. Especially to the people who deserve it.
Say I love you and mean it. Say it to people who really matter. Say it to your parents. Give them a hug and tell them what they mean to you.

14. Know it is never too late.
It is never too late to start something new or afresh. Each day is a new day offering thousand great opportunities. Embrace life and enjoy. Again-be easy on yourself. Life is beautiful if you see it as one.