By the time you’re reading this, my birthday will have come and gone and I will officially be 23 years old.

There’s a lot that I’ve learned these past 23 years, even more in the last year since graduating college, getting a job, moving away, and overall working toward finding myself.

So here are 23 meaningful life lessons I’ll continue to keep in mind this year:

1. You don’t have to have everything figured out, especially in your 20s.

Growing up, it often feels like you have to have the next years of your life planned out to a T, but there is no specific age when you’re supposed to start a career, have a house, get married, have kids, or whatever other milestones you feel need to be reached.

2. Hugs are healing.

Studies have shown that hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which can heal feelings of loneliness, anger, and isolation. They’re even known to strengthen immune systems when supply is plentiful.

So go hug someone. It’s good for your health.

3. Success comes with hard work.

4. Be a sponge.

Absorb information and the world around you at all times.

5. Treat others how you want to be treated.

We’ve been learning that since kindergarten, but it’s a solid piece of advice that I think some adults might need to hear more often.

So let’s be kind to others, because you’d want people to be kind to you.

6. Asking questions doesn’t mean you’re not smart.

Instead, asking questions means you don’t understand that subject, but are smart enough to try.

7. Not everything that’s broken needs to be fixed.

Broken relationships can be difficult. And don’t get me wrong, mending broken relationships can be a good thing, but not all that is broken needs to be fixed in any aspect of life. It’s OK to let go of the things that hurt you.

And, sometimes, those broken things aren’t even broken, they’ve just been grown out of.

8. If they wanted to, they would.

9. The money will come.

Over-worrying about money isn’t healthy. Keep putting in the work and do what you can to save and the money will come. Don’t let your finances consume you.

10. Traveling is worth every penny.

I have never regretted going to a new place and seeing new things. And, as I mentioned before, the money will return.

Life’s too short to not go to new places or spend time trying new things. There’s so much to be seen. Those memories and experiences will last a lifetime.

11. Take time to breathe, step back, and relax.

12. Work out for yourself, not for anyone or anything else.

Go to the gym because you want to better yourself, not because you think society is telling you to. It’d be miserable to force yourself to go to the gym or work out for reasons other than doing so for yourself — for your mental and physical health.

And gyms aren’t the only way to reach goals, so, if you do want to work out, do so however you want.

13. Be aware of your mental health, as well as that of others.

Your mental health is just as important — if not more important — than your physical health. Seek help when needed and know there is no shame in asking for help. Your health matters, and so do you.

14. Baby steps are essential.

Take the time to get to where you need to be. Success won’t happen overnight, so make small steps along the way. It’s just another journey to explore.

15. Doing something poorly doesn’t mean you’re bad at it.

Also known as the cliche “practice makes perfect.” Don’t be discouraged by mistakes, errors, etc., just keep practicing.

16. Being different is OK if it means you’re being yourself.

Another cliche here: “Be you because everyone else is taken.”

But it’s true.

Think about how boring life would be if everyone was the same. Be you and you’ll automatically bring excitement into the world.

17. Be a good, kind human.

18. You don’t have to do everything alone.

I’m still learning that one. Just because you can do something and take on all those responsibilities doesn’t mean you shouldn’t or can’t ask for help.

19. You don’t fail unless you quit.

As long as you keep trying, you’re not failing.

20. Celebrate little victories.

Little victories will come more often than the big ones, and they’ll lead up to the big ones. When something goes right or you do something well, acknowledge it and honor it.

21. Will it matter in five years? 10?

Keep the big picture in mind, too. Whether you answer yes or no to that question, consider the answer and play it from there.

22. Take time to admire the world, the people, the cultures, the food, the beauty, and everything else around you.

Life’s too short not to.

23. Tell the ones you love that you love them.

Life’s too short not to.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@TheAlpenaNews.com.