22 Years of "Life" Lessons

I don't know why, but for whatever reason I started thinking about what I've actually learned in nearly 16 years of schooling and 22 years of life. It couldn't go on the list if I wasn't willing to put a loved one's life on the line for. The list was a lost shorter than I thought it would be... Here's the best of what I came up with.

1. Drama and petty people don't just magically go away after high school. They are a part of life, but the amount you have to put up with depends on the people you surround yourself with.

2. Authors don't write hidden meaning and significance to every detail.Some do to a degree, but nowhere near what any English or Literary teacher would want you to believe. Even if this is true, you still need to humor said teacher so you can pass the class.

3. Hating someone isn't worth your time and effort. Its fine to dislike someone, but accept that and try to get along when the situation can't be avoided. Anything more takes too much energy.

4. A good book can change your life. Its cliche as can be but its true. For me it was the Harry Potter series. Up until I picked up the Sorcerer's Stone my grades were just shy of mediocre and reading was a pointless and frustrating past time. After I finished it I couldn't stop and read just about anything I could get my hands on. I graduated high school with a 3.6 GPA and a 34 in the reading section on the ACT. Not bad for someone that used to hate reading.

5. Use sunscreen! If you don't care about the potential skin cancer, at least do it to avoid the sun burn. That is a pain that should be avoided at all opportunity.

6. Fitting in is for losers. If you can't be yourself around a person, they aren't worth being around. Not to mention, in this day and age you can probably find someone the same kind of weird if you look around a bit.

7. The quote, "People aren't against you, they are for themselves," is completely true. (Not sure of the origin but if someone points it out I will happily give credit!)

8. There is only one way to spell beautiful. B-e-a-UUUU-tiful.

9. A principal from back in my elementary school days created a motto that was plastered all over the school and was said daily over the announcements. Its cheesey but can't be better words to live by, "Don't have a good day, MAKE a good day." Basically, you can't rely on the world to lay happiness at your feet, you have to work for it a bit.

10. A relationship (romantic or platonic) is a two-way street. If it isn't going both ways it probably isn't worth your time and emotional investment.

11. 'Classic' does not mean its actually a good book. Having said that, it doesn't mean it isn't worth reading once.

12. Unplanned movie sequels aren't always sucky. Usually, but not always.

13. Math is NOT like riding a bike. Its been three years since my last math class and I am no longer capable of simple things without a calculator.

14. There are apparently a finite number of people who know the difference between to, too, and two, as well as there, their, and they're. I am (usually) one of them. I am not one to know the difference between its and it's however.

Do you have any lessons you know for certain about life? If so feel free to let me know in the comments!