26 things I've learned in 26 years

How does it feel to be [insert age of latest birthday]? It's the typical question you get asked on your birthday, and I usually answer the same way each year: "It doesn't feel much different." But that's not exactly true. Even though I wake up every November 1st feeling much the same as I did the morning prior (well, maybe a tad hungover from the Halloween party the noche before), I'm not the same person. A decade ago, freshly-printed license in hand, I wanted to fast forward to 19 and then stay there forever (19 is the legal drinking age in Ontario). How happy I am that wish didn't come true (my liver couldn't take it)! Each year for the past three years I've felt like, "Ahhhhh, this is it! I've come into my own," only to think the next year, "No, this is it! I've really come into my own." I'm taking that as a positive sign. 

And this year, after 26 years on this planet, I'd like to reflect on a few things I've learned. In no particular order, here they are...

1. It's really not that big of a deal.
2. Everything is more manageable after you get a good night's rest.
3. On those days when you feel totally gross and spend all day thinking about how you should really take a shower, but can't bring yourself to step into the shower ("I won't be seeing anyone today anyways"), just do yourself a favour and take a frickin shower. You'll feel much better about yourself.
4. Vitamin D is the best drug. Period.
5. Silence is a gift.
6. Don't buy the alright-looking jeans just because they're on sale and you could use a pair. Buy the ones that you're totally in love with because they make your ass look fabulous...even if they are out of your budget.
7. You really don't look like an entirely different person without makeup on.
8. Travel whenever you have the opportunity.
9. Let it go.
10. Know when to break the rules. (And when not to.)
11. Talk less; listen more.
12. Busy times are not the times to cut out social activities and exercise. They're the times when you need them the most.
13. You are not a loser if you eat dinner alone at a restaurant or go to the movies solo. You're simply someone who is eating dinner alone or going to the movies solo.
14. Some people are right for you at certain times in your life, and not in others. It's fine to let them go, or let them back in.
15. Just do it.
16. Not everybody is going to like you, no matter how awesome you are. Don't waste time trying to figure out what you're doing wrong.
17. Waiters and customer service representatives are people too.
18. Good food is one of the joys of life. Spend time making it, and sharing it with people.
19. Music is another joy of life. Listen to it often.
20. There's no substitute for family. That said, move out of your parents' house 0as soon as possible. You'll have a better relationship with them if you do.
21. It's cool to be cool, but it's cooler to be nice. 
22. Don't miss the things that matter in order to get that assignment in on time.
23. Humans are inherently creative. It's important to find your creative outlet, whatever it may be.
24. It's liberating to admit your flaws. It even makes you more likable.
25. It's important to have regular conversations with yourself. 
26. Tell the people that you care about that you care about them. Better yet, show them. Do it regularly.