Well hello to you my reader chums! If you saw my last post, you'd know I've just turned 21 years old. It's crazy to think I began this blog when I was 16/17 and now I'm still documenting things several years on. I've grown with this blog and it's still my favourite place to type away my thoughts. It's safe to say over the past few years I've learnt a lot about myself and the world around me. With all those lessons, I want to share a bit of my wisdom and advice with you all.
Here are 21 things I've learnt in 21 years.
- Everybody is beautiful - Tall short, slim or curvy, every shape and size is beautiful. There is no point being hurtful towards someone else, simply because they look a different way. As human beings, each of us should be complimentary of everyone's different quirks and features instead of pointing fingers. No one's figure is perfect, in fact nobody is perfect in anyway. Every single person on this earth is beautiful in their own way.
- Toxic people aren't needed in your life - It took me a while to learn this lesson, especially in school. However, now I've got into my twenties, if people are going to bring negativity into my life or intentionally hurt me, I don't need them. School was a hellish place for this and I wish at the time I would have just waved those people goodbye instead of sticking by them and being their friend. But hey, that's the whole point of learning. If anyone is digging at you and saying mean things, you don't need them, you will find people who love you for you.
- You don't need to prove yourself - I can't stress this enough. You don't need to prove yourself to anyone. What I mean by this is you don't need to prove which materialistic things you have, possessions don't have any meaning. You don't need to prove that you can be wild. You shouldn't need to feel pressurised in any situation, whether that's looking a certain way or doing something 'cool'. All you need is to be you and work that.
- Put yourself first - I've always been one of those people who will do literally anything for anyone as I think everybody deserves love. However, as I've gotten a bit older I've learnt it's okay to put yourself first every once in a while and not think of others all the time. It's okay to be that little bit selfish and care for your own needs instead of helping someone out. We're all human and need a bit of self-care too.
- Spread kindness and love - As I just said I love doing things for people but this can spread wider than that. My favourite quote of all time is 'throw kindness around like confetti', as essentially love is what drives the human race and makes everyone feel included. Whether it's smiling at a person in the street, donating a bit of money to charity of helping someone out say running an errand, a little bit of kindness goes a long way.
- Family is everything - With the hustle and bustle life brings, you often take for granted of what means most. Over the past year, I've come to terms with how lucky and blessed I am having the family I do. Family always have your back and they'll love you no matter what. They care and support you in whatever way they can - and if you're ever lost, you can always find yourself at home.
- It's quality over quantity with friends - You don't need loads and loads of friends, something I always thought was important. All you need is a handful of true friends that will support you in every way of life and make each moment you spend with them, a fabulous memory.
- Travel as much as you can - Travelling and seeing new places is my favourite thing to do. Nothing can open up your eyes more than witnessing how different cultures live and venturing round the world's most beautiful sights. I've seen a fair amount of places this past year and I can't wait to continue doing so, broadening my horizons in new continents.
- Appreciate the little things - We often live for the big 'wow' moments in life that we forget the whole point of living is all those little snippets pieced together. Whether it's laughing till your stomach hurts with your best friend or going for an evening walk, the little things make life that tiny bit better, everyday.
- Confidence grows over time - This has to be one of my favourite points. If you're sitting here reading this and thinking 'I wish I could be more confident', trust me you will. I used to be the shyest of people, too afraid to talk to new people, strangers in shops or even putting my hand up in class, however I've now got to a stage where all those things are a lot easier. I'm still not the most confident person ever, but through the years, my confidence has grown immensely and so will yours. People and environments change. You'll get used to that and grow in confidence with it.
- Loving yourself is key - Comparison is the killer of all joy and I've wasted so much thinking time in comparing myself to somebody else or their life. It's honestly the most pointless thing. You are you and there's no point in changing that. You need to embrace every flaw, rock it and love every inch of you because you're worth it. You're a beautiful human being that deserves every ounce of love.
- You'll find your way - As young people, we always put pressure on ourselves about what we should be doing in the future and constantly piling on the pressure. But let me tell you, you will find your way. A path is planned out for you and someway or another you will reach it, you will find what you love to do in the future. For the mean time, carry on with your favourite hobbies and take the subjects you enjoy learning about.
- Always give everything a go once - We have a whole world to explore and many, many experiences available to us so always try something once. Whether it's parasailing off a boat or flying on your own to a new country, stepping out of your comfort zone is key to growing in confidence.
- Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you - As I said about having a small group of friends, make sure those are the ones who make you a better person and bring out your confidence. Surround yourself with those who love and support you for you. Who encourage your dreams and are honest with you when you're in the wrong. True friends will be loving and do everything in their favour to make you smile.
- Study hard and always give 110% - It's safe to say, I was definitely one of the 'geeky' kids in school, always handing in my homework on time and trying my best in lessons, giving it my all. I always wanted to work hard and get the best grades so in the future I could work my way up into a dream career. I think everyone needs a bit of motivation when it comes to school/university life but as long as you try your best it's all that matters - don't ever give up!
- Mental health is important - In this day and age, our society is slowly grasping how important mental health is in everyday life. It's something we all need to respect as many people suffer from mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, eating and body disorders are only to name a few of the mental health issues out there. If you know someone who suffers, please give your love and support in any way you can. Always try to offer a helping hand, whenever it is needed as it can make a massive difference. Mental health in general, we all need to look after. Every once in a while, it's good for us all to step away from work and our phones to simply breathe. Run a bath, read a book or take a walk down the beach, anything that'll let your mind settle.
- Eat well - Food is one of life's best inventions and I love nothing more than tasting new cuisines, from Italian to Indian. There's so much variety to try and recipes to make, always ensure you're embracing the best of food.
- Reading broadens the mind - My love for books is on another level. There is something so magical about opening a book and immersing yourself into a storyline. I think everybody should read at least a few books in their lifetime or if you're like me a whole stack in a year. Reading opens up so many worlds and sparks creativity I don't see how you can miss out. Read, read read!
- Social media isn't important - I'm a bit of a hypocrite writing this statement as not only am I always on social media but it is in fact my job. What I mean by 'social media isn't important', is how in the spectrum of what goes on in the world, the amount of likes/comments/follows, isn't relevant. Yes, getting 100 likes on an Instagram picture makes my heart fuzzy and I spend a bit too much of my day lusting over peoples feeds, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not what we should focus on. We're all so revolved around this online world, we often forget to simply socialise. Instead of endlessly scrolling, step away from the phone and meet up with a friend.
- Be generous - In every sense of life, be generous. Be generous in the love you share, the kindness you spread and the time you give to others. Generosity in whichever way you take it is always appreciated and goes a long way.
- Life is what you make it - As Hannah Montana famously once said 'life is what you make it' and she couldn't be more right. Go see the world, eat good food, surround yourself with the best people and simply have fun. Life is a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs but each of those obstacles will grow you as a person. Enjoy every minute you get and keep working hard to make all your dreams come true. Be happy and be you!
I hope you enjoyed this advice style post. What life lessons have you learnt?
Thank you for reading <3
I can definitely second most of these! Especially the toxic people part. You don't need that in your life for sure. And the sooner you know it the better!
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I'm so glad you agree!! xx
DeleteThis is one of the best blogs I have have read on topics like this. Agree with most of what you say here and I hope some of them inspire us to become better people in some way. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, your comment has made my day! xx
DeleteHappy birthday :) Totally agree with travel and mental health, both are important and can go hand in hand. I took a year out to travel and focus on my mental health which is the best thing I ever did.
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That sounds amazing - well done you x
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