Intro
Today, 12th of August, is officially the International Youth Day. Some people say that age is just a number, and others say that every age has its own beauty. However, life is just too precious; and short, to be lived wrong. And whether we like it or not, a lot of things are better and easier when done or learned at the younger phases of our lives. Since you’d be officially kicked out of the youth population once you’re older than 24, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to do before it’s over. So in celebration of the International Youth Day, here’s what we think you need to get done.
Travel alone
Traveling in general is an eye-opener, but traveling alone is something else. It’s a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery that you really need to experience especilaly when you’re still young.
Try new cuisines
During your journey, remember to pamper your taste buds every once in a while. Trying new food will help you get to know other cultures and will awaken your senses.
Get out of your comfort zone
Whether you go skydiving or just make new friends, getting out of the circle you locked yourself into is in fact quite liberating.
Conquer your fears
The moment you get over obstacles like fear of heights or fear of losing loved ones, you’ll feel more in control of your own life and you’ll gain more self-confidence.
Spend more time with your family
Appreciate family time now because you’ll actually look for it later. Your family is your support system, always remember that!
Catch up with your old friends
Life normally drifts people apart but try to stay in touch with your childhood friends in particular. People may come and go but nobody could compare to your those who used to borrow your crayons.
Fall in love
And of course, the obvious one. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, unlucky in relationships, or don’t believe in love at all, you need to experience it at least once. That crush you had when you were 15, that summer fling, or your first true love all have a huge role in who you’ve become today.
Get rid of toxic relationships
Don’t be afraid to let go of toxic relationships in your life; not necessarily romantic ones, but some friendships could bring you down as well. Learn to accept that!
Make peace with yourself
Learn to enjoy your own self’s company! Once you do, your me-time will be sacred!
Start your online business
Take the risk and invest in something. Not just that it’s a great way of experimenting and exploring, but this will also be like your window to the real world; you’ll gain great work experience in advance.
Make your own money
Even if you didn’t start your own thing, get a summer job or try freelancing. Nothing feels as good as that sense of achievement when you get something with your own money. All the effort and sweat are all worth it.
Embrace failure
Fail and embrace it! Failure is actually good; learning from your mistakes is what shapes your future self.
Be irresponsible
There’s nothing wrong with being a little bit; just a little bit, irresponsible. As long as you’re not harming anyone and you know the consequences of what you’re doing of course. It feels good not to beat yourself so hard and take a break before real life responsibilities hit you in the face.
Do your chores
On the contrary, practice being a responsible adult; because someday you’ll have to be one, by helping with chores. Do your own laundry, wash the dishes, cook a meal to your family, or go grocery shopping. Do it now so it wouldn’t be so difficult later on.
Learn something new
Learn a new language, a musical instrument, or a sport. The sense of novelty in your life will keep you excited for tomorrow and will eliminate boredom.
Keep a pet
A pet is a best friend that never lets you down, especially if it’s a dog; you’ll learn the true meaning of loyalty. You’ll also learn how take care of others, how someone else can be totally dependent on you, and you’ll learn how to be more compassionate and loving.
Volunteer
Whether you volunteer in your own country or abroad, charity work or community service will definitely change you for the better and will let you appreciate the things you have. Besides, you’ll even get work experience at a young age.
Cross things off your bucketlist
Get things you’ve always dreamed of doing done. Those are meant to be marked as done; don’t settle for jotting them down on a piece of paper.
Meet your goals
Remember your new year’s resolutions? Get them done for real! Not just that this is absolutely encouraging, but might also make you a better person.
Reward yourself
Like I said, don’t beat yourself so hard. Of course hard work is good, but remember, it pays off as well. So when it does, remember that you too need to reward yourself for your effort and dedication. Get yourself an expensive gift, go on vacation, or even buy yourself a cupcake.
Take care of your body
Try to follow a healthier diet and exercise more; your body will thank you later. You’re now still young and beautiful but they say that by the time you hit 30, it’s not as easy. So if you take care of your body now, not just that your 30-something year old self will thank you, but your 70 year old self will appreciate it as well.
Learn to move on
Accept that people come and go, learn that life comes with compromise, and try to forget. Just remember that life doesn’t stop when it simply goes wrong. These are just phases; the downs to our ups, and you need to accept their existence, learn from them, and move on. Once you do, then you become a member at the exclusive mature club.
Don’t settle for less
Know your worth and don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Sure you need to accept that certain things you might have hoped for might not happen, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not worthy. Always aim big and don’t be afraid to dream!
Follow your dream
Dreams are meant to be pursued. If you don’t at least try to follow your gut and try to make it happen when you’re still young, you may regret it in the future.