Five Years Since Graduation: What Have I Learned?

This week marks five years since I graduated from college. Five years since I donned the white dress, carried the red roses and walked across the Cistern for the first time. Five years since I left my beloved Charleston to go traveling, which became indefinite.

Five years since I made the decision to become a writer. A lot has changed since then, least of which has been my hairstyle. I’ve faced ups and downs, had my heart broken a time or two and hustled to get the life I wanted. I’ve learned a lot of things, but here are just a few from the five years since graduation.

You can live with less.

In college, I had a huge room, so naturally I acquired more furniture to fill it. But when I moved to Australia, I lived in a modified closet and it suited me just fine. You can fit everything you need into a backpack. I can name every item of clothing I have because I purge as soon as I get something new.

Nothing good happens after 2 am.

There’s a reason your mom says this. That’s not to say that I haven’t had fun on late nights, but I don’t need to still be drinking or partying at 2 am. I should be making my way home to bed. I’m getting old and I certainly feel it the next day.

You don’t always have to do what’s expected of you.

I hate certain social situations like massive parties and avoid them like the plague. Such was the case with the Full Moon Party in Thailand and a number of other “must do” things.

Real jobs are overrated. 

It’s a part of my motto of the blog for a reason. I originally thought I’d be happy working at a newspaper after college, but once I got a taste for travel, that all changed. Since then, I’ve made my own job and traveling lifestyle.

You are, for the most part, responsible for your own happiness.

Some days are just plain bad and you have to ride them out. But otherwise, don’t let yourself get sucked into the negativity and pity parties.

Education doesn’t stop after graduation. 

I’ve learned everything I know about blogging and business since leaving school. I’ve learned unnecessary skills like packing pallets, mixing drinks and how to balance my books.

Some things are worth splurging on. 

As I get older, I’m more comfortable spending money on good meals and good trips. Experiences matter, even if they cost you a little more.

Treat your body well because it’s the only one you get.

I wish I had treated my body better back in college. I should have gotten more sleep and put less crap into it like energy drinks, junk food, and booze. I should have started running as a means to calm my anxiety.

Let the haters hate.

One of the best posters I ever got was a print my sister found that says “Never read the comments.” While I can’t always follow this advice as a blogger, I try my best to tune out the haters and negative people.

What have you learned in the last five years?