23 Things To Know Before Turning 23

So yeah, I'm officially 23 today.

It's wild. I can't wrap my head around it either.

Being 23 doesn't feel much different from being 22, but somehow, it's got this weird, unfamiliar vibe. Like, I'm a young adult now (apparently), though I haven't really felt like one in a while. It's this strange in-between where you're figuring stuff out but also just winging it and hoping for the best. Anyway, here are 23 things I've learned (or am still learning) before hitting the big 2-3!

23 Things To Know Before Turning 23:

1. People change. You're not the same person you were in school, and that's okay.

2. Own your mistakes. Reflect, learn, and move on.

3. Social media? Not worth stressing over.

4. You'll lose friends, but you'll also make new ones.

5. Protect your privacy – it's rare these days.

6. Don't obsess over getting skinny. Focus on being healthy instead.

7. Just because you've been hurt doesn't mean you should hurt others.

8. When you learn something, pass it on. Keep learning, keep teaching.

9. SUCCESS DOESN'T HAVE A DEADLINE. It'll come when it's meant to.

10. Save some money, even if it's just a little. Every bit helps.

11. Celebrate even your tiniest wins. You deserve to.

12. Let yourself feel. Cry if you need to, get mad if you need to. Bottling it up won't help.

13. Not everyone will like you, and that's fine.

14. Take long walks. It's good for your soul and your body.

15. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for loving what you love.

16. Never beg someone to stay in your life.

17. Stop apologizing for who you are. You're not here to please everyone.

18. Sleep more. Seriously, aim for 7-9 hours. Your future self will thank you.

19. Life isn't a straight path. When it gets too much, pause and breathe.

20. Everything is temporary. Cherish the good, and don't stress too much about the bad.

21. Things have a way of working out, even when it doesn't feel like it. Just do your best.

22. You'll be scared, but do it anyway. Fear is part of the process.

23. One day, you'll be okay. It might not be today, but trust that it'll happen.

Here's to being 23! What's one thing you've learned about life that you wish you knew sooner?