Cheers to 22, here's to 23!

If you know me, even just slightly… You know that my favorite day of the year is MY BIRTHDAY, And it just so happens to be TODAY!

So, I’m going to share with you the lessons I learned as a 22-year-old.

1. Stop comparing… You are everything you need to be. I took a year off of school after I graduated high school because I needed to live in Utah for a year to get in state tuition. In 2018, all of my friends from high school were graduating college and I still had a whole year left. I couldn’t help but be jealous of them. As a young 22-year-old I was so mad at myself for being behind everyone else. Well, I was wrong. Looking back, as I near the end of college, I am so grateful for that year off. I’m grateful because I know the experiences I had and the people I met would not have happened if I did college any other way. I wasted time comparing myself to others when I should just be focusing on enjoying my own path.

Lesson: It doesn't matter where you are in life, just make sure you are doing what it takes to reach your goals and be happy.

2. Find time for what brings you happiness. When everything seems to pile up at once and you are stressed, figure out what makes you calm and happy. It really doesn't matter what it is (other than drugs obvi). My happiness is window shopping. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed I make Dal take me to the mall and walk around with me. It gets me out of the house and I get to spend time with the person who brings me the most joy. When we’ve walked the mall a few (hundred) times, I’m re-energized and ready to take on whatever it is that’s stressing me out.

Lesson: Find an outlet that brings your joy to keep you from going insane.

3. Believe in yourself. I learned that I can do so much more than I think I can. School has been tough because I’ve done a few 18 credit semesters, planned a wedding and got married during finals week and have worked full time while going to school full time. Semesters like these have been incredibly difficult, but they have come and gone. And guess what? I DID IT. I doubted myself through a lot of these semesters, but I had to really believe in myself and I was able to finish every semester with great grades! (if you can believe that)

Lesson: We can accomplish so much more than we think we can.

4. Take a chance, even if it’s tough, do it! Some of the greatest experiences I’ve had have come after I took a leap of faith. I’ve taken lots of leaps of faith since I moved out to Utah (that being one of them) and every time I do, I don’t regret it. An article I read recently talks about the positive outcomes from taking a risk. A quote that stuck out to me in the article is, “You don’t achieve your dreams by playing it safe.” I love this because I’ve lived it. I have been able to achieve amazing things as soon as I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Lesson: It’s ok to be scared, but it’s not ok to use that as an excuse to not take a chance. It could change your life for the better.

5. Get involved. The reason I’m so sad to graduate is because I am going to miss my PR family at UVU. PRSSA has changed my life for the better and I owe my positive college experience all to the extracurricular activities I did at UVU. If you want to really enjoy going to school, get involved in something you really enjoy. You will make lifelong friends and create memories you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Lesson: If you want to enjoy college, get involved in something you are interested in.

These are just a few lessons I’ve learned the past year. I cannot wait for year 23 and all the lessons I still have to learn!

tiny me on my 22nd birthday