Hey lovelies, I recently celebrated my 24th birthday (wow… where did that time go!). I have to be honest, this totally freaked me out… I’m sure anyone in their twenties can relate. It’s bizarre how time seems to disappear once you have turned 18. I have learnt so much in my 24 years, but I wanted to make a post about the really important things I have discovered.
- Family matters.
For the majority of my life I haven’t been close to my family. I would resist of resent going to family events, not bother to keep in regular contact, and I even chose a university as far away as I could find! Eventually, I began to realise the importance of family; that it is a big deal when I miss my nephew’s birthday, and that my mum worries every day I don’t contact her… Make the most of unconditional family love, even if things don’t seem like a big deal to you, you could make or break someones day.
2. Explore.
Don’t be afraid of travelling. When I was younger, I travelled alone to many different places and saw some amazing things. This has completely shaped me as a person; I am more confident and independent. Even if you are worried, take every opportunity. Experiences are memories which last a lifetime, so spend you savings on holidays (rather than new clothes…)
3. Plan!… but don’t set everything in stone.
It is so important to have a plan. Don’t expect to leave school or university and find you dream job- if you manage this you are very lucky. Make sure you have something lined up… even if it means working in a bar or call centre over the summer. Think about your future but don’t expect it to turn out the way you want it too. Life is full of twists and turns so don’t be upset if everything doesn’t work out exactly as you thought.
4. Spend money on moments.
When we are 80, we aren’t going to remember what phone we had, or the new shoes we spent £100 on… we will remember experiences. Seize the day and do something you love, like taking a day trip with your friend or packing up a picnic and going for a swim in a lake. What I am saying really, is make plans and don’t flake on plans! You won’t regret it…
5. Treat the people you love.
Whether this is by taking you mum out for coffee, sending your gran a card, or buying your partner a lovely birthday present… treating the people you love will make them smile, and in turn this will make you so much happier.
6. Make the effort.
Don’t lose touch with old friends! This is something I am still trying to improve on. If you are invited to birthday’s… go! Even if this fills you with anxiety. Make sure you keep in touch with your grandparents, half an hour out of your day is very little, but it could make their whole week.
7. Treat your body well.
I have not treated my body well, but I am doing my best to try to rectify this. Your body is amazing- whatever size or shape. Don’t restrict yourself, or put yourself through pain. It’s not worth it, we only get one life so enjoy it!
8. Friday’s are special.
Friday is the most amazing day of the week, so make the most of it! Every Friday, make sure you wind down and relax. Try not to hold on to the stress of the work week.
9. Find a job you love.
We spend the majority of our life at work. Don’t get stuck in a job you hate or you will begin to hate your own life. I got stuck in this rut a year ago, and it took a very brave decision to change my career path- one which made many people think I was crazy! I am so much happier now, so don’t let the thoughts of others get in the way of your own happiness.
10. Take risks.
I know it’s cliche, but it’s true, we regret the things we don’t do more than the things we do. Take risks at work and in your personal life and I guarantee you will be rewarded.
11. Don’t give up on exercise.
It’s so common for people to finish high school and give up on all the sport and exercise they took part in. This is something which I did and I completely regret it. Sport and exercise is a great way to socialise and improve you mental well being. If, like me, you have already sidelined exercise… take it up again, it’s not too late! In the last year I began exercising again and I feel a thousand times better.
12. Be creative.
Whatever it is you love, make sure you set time aside to be creative- whether you have a passion for music, art, ceramics, or something else… being creative is a great way to relieve stress and feel happier.
13. Treat every moment as your last.
I have recently lost a close family member, and this has highlighted to me how precious time is. Make the most of your life and the people in it… it’s not worth holding grudges, or wasting the day away…
14. Treat yourself.
You are important, clever, strong and worthy… don’t forget it! If you wake up feeling low, the treat yourself… buy some flowers or enjoy a bubble bath, whatever makes you happy really!
15. Don’t give up on your goals.
You are never too old, too broke, too busy or too tired to fulfil your goals… so don’t give up on them! Even if you believe something is achievable, keep going!
16. Appreciate nature.
It is so easy to get caught up in our busy world and forget how beautiful it actually is. Go for a walk in your park or travel to the countryside, and remember that life is beautiful.
17. Make your house a home.
Even if you are renting and don’t expect to stay somewhere very long, make sure the space you live in is somewhere you want to come home too.
18. Appreciate your life.
Sometimes it is important to take a step back and remember that there are so many lovely things about your life. This can feel impossible sometimes, but there are always positives you can take from your experiences.
19. Do the little things that make you happy.
Enjoy your favourite meal, buy a cupcake, grab a coffee, spend an hour painting your nails… Whatever you enjoy, make time for it! Small things can make a big difference to your attitude.
20. Be happy & others will follow.
I have found that even if I am feeling terrible, the best thing to do is to walk into work with a smile on my face and be a friendly, lovely person to be around. Making other people smile will always make you feel better about yourself.
21. Don’t be a bitch.
Bitching is horrible, it doesn’t make other people feel good and it definitely doesn’t make you feel good. Bitching about someone else does not make your life any better or easier.
22. Worrying doesn’t solve anything.
It’s true! If you lay in bed at night worrying about the next day, this will not change what is going to happen. The only person who suffers is you.
23. Be strong, not skinny.
You need to look after your body, so don’t idealise the thought of being stick thin, aim to be healthy and strong. You wan’t your body and your muscles to last! For a long time I envied women who had tiny figures, yet now I am beginning to build muscle I feel much happier and better about myself.
24. You will find your way.
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