21 things I’ve learned in 21 years.

Hey babes, it’s new blog post day! I’m trying to get back into a routine of writing posts regularly. So, this is going to be a bit of an unusual, different post today. As part of my self-care ritual and learning to love myself again; I’ve been reminding myself of important things. What better time to write this sort of post. Whilst doing this self-care ritual, I come to realise how much I have learnt in my 21 years of existence on this planet. I’d say I have witnessed quite a little bit for my age, so I’d love to share some of the things I’ve remembered and told myself along the way, that are important in keeping me grounded.

Without further a-due, here’s my personal lesson number 1.

One: Be YOU. Do NOT base your likes, preferences and opinions on what other people say or think. Embrace your own interests and have fun whist doing it. Embrace who you are, don’t try to be somebody you’re not. Embrace your perfections and your imperfections.

Two: Listen to ya mum. She’s right, most of the time.

Three: Keep the stressing to a minimal. I’ll always be the biggest stress head, that will never change, ask anyone around me… but I’ve learned how to take a step back. Stress is ugly and makes you feel shit, do not let it rule your life, angels. Put yourself first, stop trying to please everyone and focus on YOU.

Four: This one ties in to the above ^. You’ve got to be a lil selfish sometimes. I wouldn’t even class it as selfish anymore, it’s being kind to yourself.

Five: Do not let anybody take your confidence away. This has been a huge lesson for me this year, and after a huge confidence knock, I am never letting anyone make me feel that I’m worth less than anybody else. Confidence is something I’ve always struggled with, I always have and I think I always will, but that said – confidence is mine to own!

Six: SKINCARE. Bloody skincare!

Seven: Go easy on yourself. I’m notorious for beating myself up about things that are rarely my fault, or things that are out of my control but I do, all the time. I’ve learned that there are things that you cannot change and also things about people that you cannot change, but you should not feel responsible for that.

Eight: Treat others how you would want them to treat you. A basic one I know, but it’s veryyyy important.

Nine: Be prepared for people to come and go from your life. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I’ve learned that even the best of people (or so you think) can pick up and leave. 2 of my greatest friends, I lost at the start of this year and I was gutted and even now, sometimes I get sad but, shit happens. You just have to pick yourself up, move on, accept that some people, you simply outgrow and make way for new friends.

Ten: Always surround yourself with who and what you love and get rid of anyone and what weighs you down.

Eleven: Say yes more.

Twelve: Embrace change instead of running away from it. I massively suffer with change and it takes a while to adjust, but drill it into your minds that change can be good instead of scary.

Thirteen: Appreciate the people around you- like your parents, grandparents, partners, siblings…sadly we are all not going to last forever. You never want to have any regrets towards the amazing people in your life.

Fourteen: If you’re thinking about it, do it. Do not overthink and talk yourself out of  something you’d like to do or achieve.

Fifteen: Always be kind. You never know what somebody is going through or thinking about. But, also be a dick if needs be lol.

Sixteen: Love yourself first. I have this quoted on my ribs in Arabic, it’s something my sister-in-law told me all the time when me and Ryan were going through a rough patch and I was finding life difficult. I drilled it in my brain until I loved me first. Once I had accepted me and loved me again, I was able to stop taking shit from anyone and now, again where life has been tricky; I’ve reminded to love myself first.

Seventeen: Make sure you always know somebody that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts, you need those kinda humans in your life.

Eighteen: Talk. If something is on your mind, say it. Find that person who you can share stuff with and believe me, talking makes you feel so much better about any situation. Don’t be scared of the outcome of opening up and saying it how it is.

Nineteen: Things do get better. Whatever you’re sad, worried or angry about will not last forever. It probably will not matter within a few months from now, or even weeks. There will come positive times again, look forward to them!

Twenty: Don’t get sucked into the pressures of social media. Reality standards compared to social media standards are bullshit. Girls/guys on social media profiles are filtered, edited etc and not real. But YOU are real. Keep being real.

Twenty-one: Spend your time wisely. Learn to move on, forgive and forget. Don’t be a pushover and live in the moment.

There’s so much more I could add to that list, but I guess I’ll just wait until next year when I’m sharing 22 things I have learned in 22 years. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and have a lovely day.

Love, Chloe x