What I’ve learnt in 25 years
So it happened, I turned 25.
It actually happened whilst I was on a little blogging hiatus but I really wanted to write this post to celebrate the fact I’ve been living on this earth for 25 years now. *Internally weeps*
But honestly, all jokes aside turning 25 a couple of months ago played on my mind a lot. It felt like such a milestone and at the time of my birthday I was certainly not where I thought I’d be just a few months before.
Last year I wrote this post, 24 things I’ve learnt in 24 years. Since then, so much has changed. In the last few months I’ve learnt more about myself and the world around me than ever before.
So now I’m at the ripe old age of 25 I wanted to share some of my new found wisdom with my lovely readers.
1. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
I know, I know. We’re starting off with one HUGE cliche but I don’t care, sometimes we need a bit of cliche and there’s a reason this quote is so well used.
2. Travel as much as possible
Traveling can enrich your life in a way that nothing else can. It gives perspective, creates amazing memories and gets you out of a routine.
3. It’s ok to lean on people sometimes
We all go through challenging times and sometimes it can be really difficult to ask for help. It can feel like you’re failing but your friends and family are there for a reason. Trust that your support network are happy to help and it’s nothing to be ashamed of, after all, you’d do it for them.
4. Do more that scares you
Stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself brings the most empowering feeling. Knowing you’ve overcome a fear, or done something you were unsure about will have your confidence soaring through the roof. Or at least tapping on the ceiling.
5. It’s ok to talk about periods
Seriously, I don’t know why I spent most of my adult life so far feeling weird talking about periods, especially in front of guys. Periods are a thing, they happen, they’re natural, and the more we talk about them the more normal it will become.
6. Sometimes you need a setback to accelerate you in life
At times it can feel like the world is throwing all sorts of shit your way, but having faith that coming out the other side will make you stronger and better is fundamental in life. The hardest times in life can take you onto paths you’d never have previously taken.
7. Laughter is the best therapy
Hands down I believe it’s better than anything else. A good belly laugh or a giggle with girlfriends can do absolute wonders for your mental health.
8. Everything is temporary
Cherish the good times whilst they’re happening and have confidence that the bad times won’t last.
9. Exercise helps most things
Exercise releases endorphins so if you’re feeling low, it’s worth cracking out the 1kg dumbbells and getting a sweat on. When you feel like crying into a tub of ice cream, try and ignore than instinct and you’ll feel so much better.
10. Appreciate and nurture your friendships
Your friends will be there through thick and thin (if they’re true friends of course), and your relationships with your friends are just as important as any other.
11. Send cards
Words stick. Sending someone a note of encouragement, congratulations or support can make a huge difference to the way that person is feeling. Sometimes we forget to tell people we appreciate and love them, so sending a random card every now and then is a great chance to do this.
12. Get your nails done
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Getting your nails done can leave you feeling like a brand new woman, one that has her shit together. Treat yourself!
13. Spend time with family
They love you unconditionally and one day they might not be there in the same way as they are now.
14. Not everyone will have the same heart as you
You’ll end up hurt if you expect the same from others. Learn about the people around you and understand their values. It’s ok for people to be different.
15. It’s ok to go to the cinema alone
More than ok, it’s bloody great. You don’t talk to anyone whilst you’re there so if there’s something you want to see and you’ve got some free time, book it in!
16. Shit happens
17. Let the little things go
There’s more to life than worrying about whether someone’s texted you back. Have perspective about what’s important, holding onto negativity does no good.
18. Make time to get to know yourself
This is something I’m going to be speaking a lot about on my blog, appreciating alone time, getting to know yourself and doing things for YOU.
19. You’re never going to be exactly where you thought you’d be
Let’s be honest, we all had those ridiculous timelines when we were younger: perfect career straight out of uni, married by 28, kids by 30. We’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. Try and let go of expectations and ride the rhythm of life.
20. Learn to love yourself
It’s a long old journey and one that I don’t believe is ever over. But being confident in yourself as a person and loving the skin your in is something we should all work on.
21. 25 is not old
Let’s hear that again from the back, 25 IS NOT OLD.
22. Everyone has stuff going on
No matter how well they look from the outset, you never know what’s happening behind closed doors. Be kind, always.
23. Life is short and fragile
Eat what feels good, do what makes you happy, spend time with those you love.
24. “True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart”
Couldn’t resist throwing another little quote in there but this is so true. True friendships will withstand any distance and time.
25. Stay positive
Of course it’s easier said than done, but where you can try and live on the bright side of life. See the lessons from the bad times and squeeze every drop of goodness out of the great times.
So there we have it, my totally random list of… guidelines shall we say, that I like to bear in mind as I ride the rollercoaster that is life.
Esther xx