One thing I’m really terrible at is New Years Resolutions. I set up big huge goals and then quit by January 21st and end up feeling awful about myself. I know at least one or two of you know what I mean, and I’m sure you will agree with me that it is no fun feeling like the rest of the year will be a waste because you were unable to go to the gym past January 21st. This year I decided that instead of New Years Resolutions, I’m going to do BIRTHDAY RESOLUTIONS. Which is basically the same thing because my birthday is two days before January 1st. But instead of making goals for the next calendar year, I’m making goals just for me for the rest of my life. Which is a little more intense now that I think about it, but at the same time it’s no big deal if I don’t do it all the time, because I have the rest of my life to master whatever it is I plan on doing.
Now, being 18 was pretty amazing. A lot of great things happened to me, including getting accepted into BYU (my dream school), getting my dream job, and then going to school and working my dream job, all while meeting so many great people and forming really great friendships. In ONE day I turn 19 and I’m really excited to see what this new age will bring. I mean, as soon as I turn 19 I’ll probably become extra mature and all of a sudden have pantsuits in my closet. That’s how that works, right?
Let’s be honest, not a lot happens when you turn 19. Turning 18 was fun cause it was all “wow! I’m an adult!” and even though that doesn’t really change many things, it was still exciting. Turning 20 will be exciting because, I mean, it’s TWENTY. That’s when the grown-up stuff starts to happen. So instead of looking at 19 as the boring in-between-the-fun-years year, I decided I’m going to look at it as the time-to-prepare-for-when-you’re-a-grown-up year.
So, without further ado, I present unto you,
Gabby Heroux's 19 Things To Do When You're 19 That Will Help You Become A Successful 20 Year Old (I Think)
1. ACTUALLY TRY TO MONITOR WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR BODY
Being an (almost) 19 year old, my metabolism is, not trying to brag, phenomenal. In a few years, it won't be. I'm really terrified for that moment, to be honest, because I won't be able to swing the snacks-for-meals thing anymore. But, maybe it won't be so hard to make the switch from junk food 24/7 to healthy food 24/7 if I only eat junk food 12/7 and healthy food the other 12/7 during this transition year. Fruits, veggies, protein......I'm coming for you. #HealthyIsCool
2. GYMS ARE FUN NOT SCARY
This one kind of relates to #1 in that soon my metabolism will not be what it is now. I need to start working out now so I'm used to working out when I actually really need to start working out. I will most definitely not become a crazy gym rat, but my goal as a 19 year old is to go to the gym at least 4 times a week. Obviously I'll have weekends off, and I'm giving myself one free day a week because let's be real, 5 days a week is a little ridiculous.
3. READ MORE BOOKS
Hey guys, guess what!!! Reading a book is like watching an entire series on Netflix except instead of episodes, you read chapters, and instead of watching the people act out everything, you get to act it out in your head! How crazy is that!? BOOKS ARE AWESOME. They make your brain do actual work instead of just turning into mush. They're great to read while you're running on a treadmill at the gym. Because let's be real, in college no one has time to just sit down and read a book. So, do it while you're working out and BAM. Two bird with one stone. Two things you should be doing, all done at the same time. I might have spent all my iTunes Christmas money on books instead of music or movies. Not even mad about it. If the books I downloaded are good, I'll let you know soon.
4. JOURNAL. FOR FREAKS SAKE JUST DO IT
Here's a secret: I hate journaling. I hate it so much. I really just hate it with everything in my soul. Like, I really don't like it. But it seems like everyone in their 20s keeps a journal, so to prepare for being a 20 year old, I need to start working on writing in my journal. Maybe instead of actually writing in a journal, I'll just blog more. Because a blog is basically a journal but just on the internet, and for everyone to see. Okay yeah.
5. BLOG MORE
Like 70% of the reason I'm going to start blogging more is so I don't have to keep a journal (see item #4). But blogging actually really helps me to figure out what I've been doing with my life, and what I need to start doing with my life. Plus my mom likes it cause I go a little more in-depth with the details of my life than I do on Twitter. You're welcome, mom!
6. WEAR MORE LIPSTICK
I'm pretty sure a requirement of being 20 is that you have to wear lipstick most of the time. So, might as well start practicing this year. Taylor Swift Red Lips......here I come.
7. STAY POSI
Being a 19 year old, a lot of change is gonna come my way. A lot of good things will happen and quite a few bad things will happen too. THAT'S LIFE. The best part about life though is that you can decide to be happy no matter what you're going through. I'm excited for 19 because it's going to be a year of happiness and positivity and sunshine!
8. LISTEN TO MORE TAYLOR SWIFT
If you say you hate Taylor Swift, you're either lying to yourself or just haven't listened to her albums with an open heart. She is so talented. Her songs capture emotions so perfectly. If you haven't listened to her album, 1989, yet, go do it right now. Also I may or may not be listening to 22 semi-regularly to prepare for when I turn 22.....in 3 years. Never too early to begin preparing for a big moment in your life.
9. DANCE MORE
Mostly to Taylor Swift. But also just to whatever kind of music. Dance in your room! Dance in your shower! Please be safe though. Dance in the streets! Don't dance during class cause that could be awkward. Dance at football games! I dance every touchdown. Dance at the grocery store! But only if it's not too busy because people don't like when you run into them. Dance anywhere! Even if you're alone! Even if you're bad at dancing! Cause guess what? People don't care if you're bad at dancing! Just have fun and dance because dancing is proven to make you feel stronger and happier (see: self help books probably).
10. TALK TO OLD FRIENDS
Turning 20 is the year where you really let go of your childhood and completely move into adulthood (I think...once again, I'm no expert). While you'll be meeting a lot of new people, it's important to stay in contact with the people who were there for you way back when you were little. Send a text. Ask them how they've been. Listen when they tell you how they've been. Try to schedule lunch dates. Just do anything to remind the people you love that you love them. It's important.
11. DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
Being in college, there's a lot of things that suck up your time. Studying, work, friends, studying, other responsibilities, and studying really takes up a lot of the hours that we have each day. Try and set aside time to do something that makes YOU happy. Whether it's reading, going on a bike ride, listening to music, playing music, eating......do something by yourself each day that makes you happy and grateful to be alive.
12. ACTUALLY STUDY BEFORE FINALS WEEK
I don't really feel like I have to go into detail with this one. It'll save you from a lot of stress, and probably help your grades a bit.
13. PAINT YOUR NAILS MORE
Having my nails painted makes me feel fancy, and feeling fancy is good. Also having your nails painted is a sign you have your life together, and I'm supposed to get my life together in my 20s, so I'll fake it till I make it.
14. DRESS LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO RUN INTO YOUR WORST ENEMY
Okay first of all, I hope none of you actually have enemies. BUT, besides that, this is pretty great advice. It doesn't mean you can't wear leggings & a t-shirt every once in a while, it just means you gotta be workin' it in those leggings, just in case you run into that girl from high school who was basically your rival. Always be prepared to win a fierce-off. ALWAYS BE FIERCE.
15. TRY AND BE AT LEAST 2 FOR 3 EACH DAY
Okay I'm gonna let you guys in on a huuuge Gabby Heroux secret. Every day before I leave, I make sure I am at least 2 for 3 in my appearance. Between hair, makeup, and clothes, I make sure to have at least 2 of those 3 categories be acceptable. That means if I'm not feeling like putting makeup on, I can still have a good day if my clothes and hair are looking okay. Don't wanna do my hair? If my outfit and makeup are on fleek, then I am still on fleek. 3/3 (hair, makeup, AND outfit looking fierce) means I'm gonna have the best day ever, 1/3 means I'm kind of struggling but can still get through the day, and 0/3 I might as well just stay in my room all day cause I deserve a day of rest if I'm that exhausted. It's a good system.
16. INVEST IN THE THINGS THAT ARE WORTH INVESTING IN
Invest in good shoes, good friends, and good outerwear. You'll thank me later.
17. STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF
Seriously. That thing that you want to do, that you don't think you'll be able to do? JUST DO IT. Because even if it's hard and you don't succeed, at least you did it. You got experience, you learned from it. So cliche but YOU'LL NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU TRY. SO JUST DO IT.
18. IT'S OKAY TO SAY NO
Know your limitations, and know that it's okay to turn something down if you know it won't make you happier. IT'S OKAY TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST SOMETIMES. Say no if you don't have time for something, or if you know you'll be too stressed out. I promise people won't hate you for it. They'll probably respect you for being aware of what you're capable of. And, if someone does hate you for putting yourself first every once in a while, they probably aren't the greatest person to be surrounding yourself with.
19. LOVE YOURSELF
JUST DO IT. LOVE YOURSELF AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET PEOPLE KNOW. YOU'RE AWESOME AND IT'S OKAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR STRENGTHS. IT'S OKAY TO BE CONFIDENT AND HAPPY WITH YOURSELF! PEOPLE WHO JUDGE YOU FOR BEING SECURE WITH WHO YOU ARE ARE PROBABLY JUST JEALOUS CAUSE THEY'RE INSECURE WITH THEMSELVES. SO DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THEM. YOU'RE REALLY COOL AND CUTE AS FRICK AND SUPER SMART AND GOOD AT THE THINGS YOU DO. REMEMBER THAT ALWAYS.
Alright friends, if you made it through this entire list then I applaud you. I hope you all have a wonderful 2015. Friendly reminder that every season of FRIENDS is being added to Netflix on January 1st. Happy 'flixing, and happy new year!
XOXO,
gabs.
gabs.
PS: tunes
Blank Space // Style (Taylor Swift Mashup) / Louisa Wendorff
I haven't stopped listening to this since I first heard it last Thursday. Absolutely amazing.
I haven't stopped listening to this since I first heard it last Thursday. Absolutely amazing.
