23 Things I Learned in 23 Years.
Today, on the 23rd July, I turn 23. It's my Golden Birthday, which is when someone turns the age of their birth day. So apparently the rest of the year is supposed to be lucky for me, or something? That's pretty cool, although I already consider myself pretty lucky.
The past year has been pretty great, and it's the one where I think I've seen the most growth from myself ever. And the cool thing about it? I'm still growing and learning! Other than your teen years, I think your early twenties is definitely where you experience the most change. Especially post-uni (for those of us that went), we're in a time where we are considered adults by society, but certainly don't feel like it. University is such a little bubble, that the 'real world' can feel like such a smack in the face.
I think I've done pretty well for myself, all things considering. When I was in my teens, I always used to idolise being 'older', so that I could take life by the horns and make my own decisions and be a total badass. Which I guess I am doing, to an extent. Am I where I though I would be by now? Well, I don't have a multi-million pound book deal, or a cool lofty flat with exposed brick wall, and I haven't even learnt how to drive yet. But that's fine, because I've also learnt that I am still so young. There's still plenty of time to get all that.
I thought it would be cool to jot down some stuff I have learnt on my short, short time on this planet.
Some people aren't meant to be in your life forever - and that's okay. Not everyone will be your friend for life, some experiences are just meant to be fleeting.
Learn to forgive. There's no point in holding onto anger for ages. As the saying goes, "holding a grudge is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die."
Make an effort to cook more. Going out to eat is great, but do it all the time and it defeats the purpose of it being a treat (plus its expensive).
You're always harder on yourself than others are to you. So cut yourself some slack.
Make time to practise self care. Get a massage, go to the hairdressers, have a bubble bath, have a movie marathon. Taking care of yourself is so important.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's in the workplace, or towards your mental health. It's not a weakness, it's showing amazing strength.
If someone doesn't like you for who you are, SCREW THEM. You should never have to compromise yourself for anyone.
Get a full eight hours sleep. One more episode of Orange Is The New Black isn't worth the fatigue you'll feel the next day.
There's no such thing as the perfect family. So stop idolising; everyone has their baggage.
Drink lots of water. Your skin (and body in general) will thank you.
Make an effort with people. It's easy to get complacent sometimes, but reaching out and making the effort every now and again really does pay off.
Be patient. Not everyone thinks like you or does things your way, and that's perfectly fine.
Don't judge people based on hearsay. It's not really fair to make a judgement on someone based on rumours, give people the benefit of the doubt from time to time.
That being said - listen to your gut. If you have a bad feeling about someone from the get-go, chances are you're usually right!
Step out of your comfort zone from time to time. It can be scary, but it leads to great experiences and, ultimately, it's great for you.
Don't let others shame you. Whether it's for the kind of books and movies you like, or what career path you want to go down. You don't need that negativity in you life.
Go out once in a while. Be it to the pub, a walk round the park or just to the corner shop to buy milk. I love staying in and being by myself, but sometimes you just need to engage in a bit of human interaction.
Be silly. I'm guilty of taking everything a bit too seriously. Sometimes you just need to let loose.
Don't take people for granted. No one is around forever, so make sure you show and tell your loved ones that you appreciate them.
It's okay to be completely, unashamedly in love with your appearance. Give anyone who thinks otherwise the middle finger.
Take lots of pictures. They don't necessarily have to go onto your social media, just have them somewhere you can look back on once in a while to reminisce.
Don't take texting too seriously. Sometimes, your phone just happens to be in your hand when someone messages you, no-one in their right mind will judge you for texting back straight away.
Lastly, don't compare yourself to others. It's only setting you up to be miserable. Life's not a race, and people learn, grow and develop at different speeds. Just because so-and-so has done this-that-and-the-other by a certain ages, doesn't necessarily mean you have to, too. Another cool saying I live by is, "don't compare your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 20."
What other life lessons have you learnt? I'm off to buy a lottery ticket to see if I can start my Golden Year off right!