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Adulting 101

A series of things and tips I wish I knew.

By IAM SimplyShanPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 7 min read
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Adulting 101
Photo by Jamie O’Sullivan on Unsplash

Studies show that the age one is classified as an adult is 18 Years old. I remember being so excited to turn 18, and then it was my 20s. I really thought I had it all figured out. Oh was I wrong.

Now if I knew the things I do now , I think I would have been better equipped with life ! However , I am grateful for the journey.

The list below is a collection of mottos, lessons, and beliefs that I learned throughout my life to date. Each one has helped shape the person I’ve become and the one I hope to grow to be.

My hope is that through creating and sharing pieces of advice I learned thus far. I will save you from some of the mistakes I made and many frustrations I felt. I hope at least one of them will inspire you to live open and hopeful.

1. Less noise , more action.

By Jakob Owens on Unsplash

It is so important to have discernment in who gets to experience the best parts of you. Making moves in silence isn’t just for your haters, and the people that want to see you fail. Sometimes, you have to protect your dreams, visions, and goals from the people that want to see you win. Crazy right? Your wildest dreams, the life you have planned for yourself, is not always conversation piece. Before you go telling the world about your plans…always know what you’re about to say, and most importantly, who you’re saying it to.

2. Thriving and surviving are not the same thing.

3. Exercise

By Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

As long as your body is moving , it is proven to positive improve your overall health. Mind. Body . Soul

4. Know who you are and be damn good at. | Be your OWN goals

Learn who you are, what you value, and why.  Learn what lights you up and what doesn’t. It’s taking the time to tune into your inner wisdom of self. To integrate some discernment into the process and really leaning into the feelings behind the goals you are setting . You have full permission to admire and be yourself. You can 100% be your own goals .

5. READ Daily- The best investment you will ever make, will be IN YOURSELF

By Ishaq Robin on Unsplash

Reading changes everything. Did I say everything? Yes. Reading good literature. For those who just don’t enjoy reading , Audiobooks are a true game changer!

Reading changes the way you think, the way you speak, the way you approach life. Reading can feel like a kind of meditation in its own way. As you read, there is a voice that is reading it. An inner voice , and your imagination of the character. Buying a random magazine on a topic you normally wouldn’t read about can feed your curiosity and teach you something new.

Must Reads :

Grit - Angela Duckworth

48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene

Atomic Habits - James Clear

The daily stoic - Ryan Holiday

The lemonade life - Zack Friedman

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

These are just a few. Will do a series on it ! (stay tuned)

6. Make 𝐿𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 daily nature

By Isaiah McClean on Unsplash

Laughing is a GREAT way to release , and express emotion . For me it definitely allows me to lighten the stresses of the world and pressure . To do this , I enjoy watching movies that are warm and filled with laughter .

7. Take Chances

By Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

When it comes to taking chances , I know it may seem scary in unknown . It’s through that you learn about yourself and grow. You’ll also save yourself a lot of sleepless nights and unnecessary stress if you realize one important thing, other people’s accomplishments will not stop yours . Believe me, there is plenty of sunshine for everyone. Everyone includes you. Learning to trust the process has been some of the hardest work I’ve had to do. Every risk and every leap of faith I’ve taken, I’ve simply let go and trusted the process.

So go ahead and take the chance or risk that has been on your mind , it will be worth it !

8. Keep a journal

By Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Journaling is truly a form of meditation in its own way. It’s literally prayer, taking place on paper. Right there . Journaling allows you to unpack your thoughts and self realizations. Millionaire ideas that you have written on paper and can see.

9. Avoid the News

By Jose Aragones on Unsplash

That goes without saying, the news is very depressing.

10. Nuture it

By Denise Jones on Unsplash

Create unforgettable moments with people you love. Forgive those that have wronged you . This goes hand in hand and ultimately will relieve you from harvesting Ill feelings and help your mental health.

11. Inspire Kindness

By Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

Sometimes we forget how easy it truly is to spread good vibes daily. It literally doesn’t take much to uplift someone through simple gestures. All from sparking a smile, giving a honest compliment, holding the door for someone , and maybe even treating someone to coffee or tea.

Related : Inspire Kindness

12. Quality over Quantity

The length of any relationship really doesn’t hold much merit or matter. People often like to brag about how long they’ve been friends, dating, or married.  They glamorize the quantity as oppose to the actual quality of the relationship. Now what truly matters is shared experiences. Intimacy matters. Being honest and unguarded about who you are matters.

Are we better together or apart? Is a question you want to ask yourself in regards to your current relationships.

13. Make sure your luggage is ready for when your flight comes.

By Matteo Raw on Unsplash

Luggage is another word for priorities . If you have been on an airplane the pilot makes it very clear that in case of unforeseen conditions . One must secure themselves first . Yes, it's that simple. When you care for yourself, you're caring for the world. Self-love enables you to be the best you. The kindest you. The realest you. The most generous you. This is what the world needs— you, at your most loving.

Related : Is your luggage ready for when your flight comes?

14. Master Piece , Master Peace.

“Not my circus not my monkeys” - Unknown

In life, it’s very tempting to involve yourself in what other people have going on.  To add your two cents or 5 cents just because you can. In some cases , it’s used as a way to ignore our own chaos . A distraction. Well, take it from me I suggest you don’t do that. It will mess with your peace.

Despite societal norms and what we have been conditioned to believe . There is no “right” way to live. Or one size fits all when it comes to this life. It’s important to understand that each and every person gets to decide how to live their life based on their own goals and aspirations. Involving yourself in other people’s drama will only end up cluttering your life with unnecessary negativity.  Believe me , this one I learned the hard way .. many many times. By taking a step back, understanding that not all situations need you to fix them, you will be able to focus on things that really matter to you.

15. Patience is KEY

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. - Leo Tolstoy

When it comes to success it often looks like it was over night . Thanks to movies , television shows and social media. It doesn’t take into the many hours , sweat , tears and sleepless nights . I say all that to say . Be patient with yourself . After all patience is a virtue for a reason. Things don’t just happen overnight and it’s easy to get frustrated when you don’t see results right away. Trust the process.

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts. - Bob Marley

That’s my list of the 15 pieces of advice for not only your 20s, but beyond. Sharing the things I wish I knew.

Quick Tangent

Whether you realize it or not, we are all authors of our own stories. Unlike books . When it comes to life , you can’t skip chapters . There is no fast forward button or audioable available.You have to read each and every line. You meet every character front row, live and direct . I can guarantee , you won’t be fond of all of it. Some chapters will have you crying for weeks ! You will read some chapters that you won’t enjoy or want to read in the first place . On the flip side you will have moments that you don’t want to pages to end .

Remember to take a moment daily to really look in the mirror, and recognize that you too can be the hero of your own story – that is if you allow yourself to be. It’s your life do what you want with it. At the same time, don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I have met , didn’t have it figured out at a 21, 25, or 30.

Stay Radiant

- Ss

If you think someone may benefit from reading this , please do share !

Likes, tips, and subscriptions are always appreciated. 💕

Teenage years
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About the Creator

IAM SimplyShan

Analytical, Food for thought stories and experiences through my eyes.

-Ss

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