20 Life-Facts I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 Years Old (To Maximize Self-Happiness)
Quotes, maxims, and all the good stuff
Growing up, you think you know what life is all about. That’s exactly when you get smacked in the face by life to put you in your place.
Life has a funny way of teaching you certain facts.
These facts come in quotes, maxims, or as the best teacher, experiences turned into hard lessons.
Keep reading if you want to know 20 facts that would have changed everything if I knew them when I was 20 years old.
1. Life is play
We’re all here just trying to figure out what the hell we are doing. Along the way, we play. We find whatever enjoyment we can out of this thing called life.
2. You’re not that important in the grand scheme of things
Zooming out through the planets, galaxies and universe, we realize that we are small. This moment in time, when we are alive, will mean nothing when it’s all said and done. So, don’t dwell on mistakes too much and enjoy what you can.
3. You are important to those close to you
Although you may not matter to the universe, you do matter to those who love you. They think about you, care about you and want the best for you. You matter.
4. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts” - Marcus Aurelius
Creating a good relationship with whatever is going on inside your head is more potential the most important thing you can do. Work on self-awareness, self-love and self-happiness. Learn about yourself and appreciate each aspect.
5. Family is everything
They were there when you were born, and they’ll be there when you die. They’re there when you’re hurting and need help, and they are there to celebrate with you when you achieve something great. Family is everything. Don’t take them for granted.
6. Forgiveness is for yourself more than anyone else
We have the tendency to believe forgiveness is for the person we are forgiving. Ironically, we feel a weight off our shoulders when we forgive. Forgiveness is for you - you let go of the emotion you were holding against someone.
7. Self-love comes first
Before you can love anyone else, you must first learn to love yourself. Loving yourself has the bonus effect of attracting the right people. You’ll be a radiant ball of love that pulls love closer. Love yourself before anyone else, and you will maximize your happiness.
8. “If anything is worth doing, it is worth doing to excess.” - Edwin Land
It’s rare to find something worth dedicating yourself to. When you do find it, do it as much as you can. You’ll just be happier and happier.
9. Take a second to enjoy the moment
We take for granted the little moments. Those moments when there is nothing to worry about and we are truly happy. When one of these moments is happening, take a second and truly be present.
10. Your body really is a temple
If you sleep badly, your body will hate you. If you drink excessively, eat poorly and don’t take care of yourself, your body will hate you and you will pay for it. Treat your body as if you have to live with it forever… because you do (duh).
11. Rome wasn’t built in a day… For real though
It’s an old saying, a true one. Anything great that was built took time. You have to lay one brick at a time to build a wall. Don’t get discouraged by looking at the final product - be encouraged by seeing how far you’ve come.
12. “Nothing in life is a problem – everything is a possibility.” - Sadhguru
Every problem is an opportunity to create something great. It’s how any good business is formed. We are problem solvers, and because of that, we have endless opportunities in front of us. This mindset will make you view problems that inevitably will arise differently.
13. You probably shouldn’t listen to your gut
Your gut is the loud voice that is scared. It’s been hurt and it doesn’t want to be hurt again. Quite often, you need to listen to the quiet voice in the back telling you the real thing to do.
14. Those who are offended when you say no are worth saying no to
You need to say no more often. It is the best way to gain control of your time. If someone is upset that you said no because you are valuing your time, quite often, they are exactly who you should be saying no to. The “real ones” understand your time is valuable.
15. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” - Alan Watts
Don’t overcomplicate life. You just have to go with it and join the movement. Trying to take too much control will get you nowhere. You have to let go and join the dance. That’s how you find happiness.
16. The curious mind is a happy mind
Listen to your curiosity. It will lead you down the most enjoyable rabbit holes. You’ll discover the things that truly make your soul stir.
17. Don’t stop learning
You must always remain a student. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing. Happiness comes from constant progress, and constant progress comes from learning.
18. It’s okay to disagree
We all come from different places. We grew up differently, around different people. We are going to disagree with each other. So be it.
19. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” - Steve Jobs
For all you know, this might be the only time you are ever alive. You are who you are. Don’t hide it, don’t try to be someone else. Be the person you were meant to be.
20. It all comes down to love
At the end of the day, love is the answer. That’s what life is all about. When in doubt, embody love, and do what it would do if it were a person. If you haven’t realized it yet, you are living your life properly.
Closing thoughts
Life doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it. It really can come down to a simple sentence or realization to live by.
Find what gives your life purpose, what makes you happy, and what keeps you going, and live by that every day.
Thanks for reading