22 Before 22

Once again, as my birthday comes up, and because i love continuing traditions, I've compiled another list of life lessons I learned this year that I hope to use as I move into my 22nd year of life.

These lessons may not be the most profound nuggets of information, but they are useful to me and make for a very fun little time capsule. So, for the third time... here we go:

1. Being the loudest voice is not always the most effective way to get your point across. Speak softly, and with meaning. You will make much more of an impact that way.

2. Journalism is extremely important. support good investigative reporters.

3. Buying coffee from the cafe every day wastes a lot of money... get yourself a good coffeemaker and a reusable mug and you'll notice how much you save very quickly.

4. Focus on yourself. Do not let others get to you if they are not acting right. You cannot control others and getting frustrated over every little thing makes life a lot more stressful.

5. Go for Pho when you're cold and sad. It warms your body and your heart.

6. The healthiest diet to be on is one that is balanced. Cutting carbs, or fats, or whatever else people say you should do is not always healthy. Eating things in moderation and for your specific body type and metabolism will work best.

7. Crash diets include things like teas, supplements and foods that are sold in a way that suggest they will make you lose weight. that is not the case... workout and healthy lifestyles will. PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ADVICE

8. Brunch is fun. have brunch more often.. even if it is just brunch made at home. sitting around with breakfast food and good friends will make your day brighter.

9. Go out and do some "we shouldn't be doing this" things. Those are usually the most fun! Just don't get in trouble with the law.

10. If your nose gets too dry in the winter, invest in a good quality humidifier, you will feel a million times better and won't need to worry about using too much nasal spray.

11. Buy local and buy used. Better yet, borrow before you buy. You will save the planet and your wallet this way.

12. The train is the superior way to travel.

13. Your mistakes make you human. Learn from them, grow from them.

14. Always proofread your writing before submitting. Sometimes you will forget to cut out parts that were not meant to be in the final work and it will suck if the error is there forever.

15. Wash your reusable water bottle after every use. The water you put in it will taste better. Also germs are gross.

16. You can get ink off your skin easily with lemon juice!

17. Trying is better than not doing anything. As long as you give it your best effort you are already winning.

18. Learn how to use Microsoft Office Excel and Word well. It will save you time in both your personal and professional life.

19. Get lost along the shelves of a library. It's therapeutic.

20. Don't use fabric softener when washing your athletic wear. I learned this the hard way on a nice pair of leggings... it will ruin the fabric.

21. Make a habit tracker to remind yourself to do all of the tasks you need to get done daily. It saves you from worrying.

22. Fill your room with plants. Having greenery and colour will make you feel so much happier and more relaxed.

That's it. 22 life lessons, big and small. I can't wait to turn 22 and sing that Taylor Swift song over and over again until my friends and family want to punch me in the throat to stop me. Enjoy these nuggets... Until next year!