So in the month of February alone, four of my best friends are turning 20. And I’ve written them birthday cards, and a theme has popped up in the cards: to-do lists. I’m not quite sure why, but 20 seems so daunting and terrifying and a bit saddening, but it also seems so full of life, exhilarating, and inspiring. Though no longer holding onto the teen years, and not quite 21 to be considered adult enough, 20 is this in between limbo, and I think there are things everyone should do before the drinking age rolls around. 20 should be special so cheers to everyone who has turned or is turning 20 this year, make the most of it, and maybe check a few of these events off your list:
1. Have a kiss right out of the movies. I don’t mean re-create the Notebook’s pouring rain scenario, but have that kiss tale that you tell over and over again.
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2. Go on a road trip, see the world, bond with your besties, and roll down the windows and blare your favorite music. You have time to travel, so take advantage of that.
3. Go see that band you’ve been dying to see since middle school. Those people who were like oh yeah I’ll catch Nirvana next time they come to town are regretting that decision still. Plus, if you’ve never been to a concert, do it.
4. Get in shape. While you are in your 20’s, you’ll be in the best shape of your life, so practice good health and exercising, so you can do it later in life, and so you can own your body while it’s rockin’. Play pickup soccer, go Zumba, or just go running, whatever, get active and learn to love it.
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4. Explore food you’ve never tried before. Just branch out and maybe go to that Thai restaurant. Let your taste buds experience new and exciting flavors.
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5. Go on stage and perform. Conquer that fear of public speaking. Whether you go to a karaoke bar and sing, read some poetry at a cafe, or participate in a play, do it. Embrace your nerves and take center stage.
6. Shut down technology for a day, this doesn’t entail no microwaves or heat, no no no. I mean don’t log on to Facebook for 24 hours, don’t touch your cellphone, no Tumblr, no Pinterest, basically no internet, no iPad, no cellphone. Just exist for a day, be with people and talk, read a book, go for a walk, enjoy where you are and who you are with no ties to the tech world.
trial-technology.blogspot.com
7. Make a semi-big purchase. Whether you buy a $300 pair of jeans you’ve always wanted, the new PS4, a car, a tattoo, whatever, save for it and finally spend that money on something you’ve wanted but never thought you’d be able to afford.
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8. Document being 20. Whether you take photographs or you write in a journal every day, when you’re 21, and even older, 30, 40, 50, 70, you’ll be glad you can look back on your life and experiences and relive memories.
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9. Change your hair, or do something along those lines that puts you out of your comfort zone. Try bangs, grow it out, get that pixie cut, dye the ends. Or wear heels everyday, gals, or dudes no basketball shorts each day. Or get a nose stud, a lip ring, or earrings.
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10. Spend more time with your family. Take your grandparents out to dinner and ask them about their childhood, and what it was like growing up in the 60’s, and the first concert they saw, or the first time they fell in love. And go for a walk with your parents, and ask them about their first car, the first time they left home, their college experiences. Learn all you can from loved ones and appreciate who has helped shape you and helped you grow up.
Live, Laugh, Lyrics 