That's the funny thing about Birthdays, they're kind of an annual thing!
Tomorrow, I celebrate my twenty fourth year on this planet. I can't believe I'm almost half way through my twenties, and I'm really trying not to dwell on the fact that one whole year of that has been spent locked down in a global pandemic. I don't feel old enough to be twenty four, if I'm being honest, I only just feel ready to be graduating (but that happened three years ago *face palm*).
If you've just stumbled across my little place on the internet, then welcome to the yearly tradition where I tell you about all the weird and wonderful things I've learned in the past year. Twenty three has been an emotional whirlwind; from buying my first car and getting my ears pierced, to living through a global pandemic and losing my precious Grandad. It's crazy to think how much can happen in 365 days.
So without further ado, here are 23 things I learned in my twenty third year!
1) Getting Your Ears Pierced Doesn't Actually Hurt at All
I've always worn clip-in earrings because I was scared that getting my ears pierced would hurt. I can now fully confirm that it doesn't hurt at all, I didn't feel a thing and I'm already thinking of getting my seconds done (I know, I'm so brave!).
2) They Always Come Back
Y'know when you break up with someone and your friends always tell you that 'they'll come back' (cue the eye roll), well it's true! Sometimes it just takes a little while for them to realise what they lost, and it's important that you remember your worth when they do!
3) Realising Your Worth Doesn't Make You a Bad Person
Following on nicely from my last point, realising your worth and acting on what YOU feel is right does not make you a bad person. If you feel as though they're not good for you any more, accept their apology and move on. It'll probably make people respect you - it's all about those boundaries!
4) Car Shopping is Complicated
If you didn't already know, I bought my first car! And let me tell you, it's waaay more complicated than it seems; from engines and models to road tax and insurance quotes - I've learned a lot about cars in this past year. Plus, I'm the fussiest person ever so it's a miracle I found something that I love!
5) Law Of Attraction is a Game Changer
Over the past few years, I've actively been practicing the law of attraction and I'm a firm believer that you can manifest anything you desire into your life. I used to feel embarrassed talking about it, but now I'll openly say that the law of attraction works and it fascinates me!
6) Mom Jeans are Ultimate Comfort
I didn't think anything could take away my love for a classic pair of skinny jeans, yet here I am owning 5 pairs of mom jeans and basically living in them - is this 24!?
7) It's Okay To Just Do Your Own Thing
The older we get, the easier it is to compare our lives to the people around us; whether that be family, friends or strangers we see online. Truth is, it's okay to be doing your own thing as long as YOU are happy. Make your happiness a priority.
8) Mamma Mia is the Ultimate Feel Good Movie
If Colin Firth dancing around a Greek Island doesn't cheer you up, then I don't know what will. I still stand by the fact that there isn't a mood that the 'Dancing Queen' scene can't fix.
9) York is the Perfect City for a Girly Weekend
As we're all aware, travelling to exotic destinations has been put on hold, but that didn't stop my lovely friend Cyde and I from spending the cutest girly weekend in York. It's the most gorgeous city, with tons of history, quaint cobbled streets and stunning views - I can't wait to go back!
10) Tell People you love them Everyday
It's pretty self explanatory, so take this as a little reminder to call or text the people closest to you and tell them that you love and appreciate them.
11) Only Shampoo Your Scalp and not the ends of your Hair
This is a tip I got from the many hours I spent scrolling through TikTok in lockdown and it has literally changed my haircare routine! If you double shampoo your scalp, let the suds run down your hair, and then focus the conditioner on your mid-lenghts/ends it leaves you with soft, shiny hair. Trust me, it's a game changer!
12) Morning Meditation Changes your Mindset
I was determined to look after my mental health during the most recent lockdown, after watching it take quite a dip last year. I stopped checking my phone first thing in the morning and started meditating for 10 minutes instead. It has had such a positive impact on my mindset, allowing me to stop, breathe and focus on everything I have to be grateful for.
13) It's Okay to not have a Plan
Not to quote Phoebe from Friends, but I don't even have a pla-!
And that's okay! I know it probably seems like everyone around you has a set plan and knows exactly where they're going with their life. It can feel intimidating and lonely, but remember you don't need to know where you're going as long as you're happy with where you're at right now. Everything will always fall into place and opportunities will present themselves when the time is right.
14) You Don't Always have to see your Friends to know that they're there
It's been a year of long distance friendships; of late night phone calls, Netflix Parties and spending hours on FaceTime & Zoom. It's true what they say, good friends are like stars, you can't always see them but you know that they're always there.
15) Buying A Car is such a Proud Moment
I'm such a Car Mum now. I treat Minnie the Micra like a child; she's parked at the far end of the carpark so that no one can touch her and the new thrill in my life is buying car air freshener.
16) It's Normal to Outgrow people who don't Align with you Anymore
It's true what they say; you can feel it when someone doesn't align with your energy anymore. If it feels as though someone is holding you back or a relationship is draining you, don't feel bad for distancing yourself. It's important to protect your energy too, we don't have time for negativity!
17) Biscuit Brew is the Future
Whoever thought to make tea that tastes like biscuits dunked in tea deserves an award. If you haven't tried Yorkshire Tea Biscuit Brew yet, then you need to get on it - it will literally change your life.
18) Some People don't want to see you Succeed
There's three types of people in life; those who want you to succeed, those who don't want you to succeed and finally, those who want you to succeed but not as much as them. I've encountered a few of the latter this year and it's hard to understand how someone can have that mindset. Just remember to surround yourself with those who cheer for you, inspire you and encourage you to chase your dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem.
19) Spa Days are Ultimate Relaxation
I now fully understand why people crave a spa day; the relaxation level is literally off the scale. I left feeling like I was walking on a cloud, I suppose you could say cloud 9.
20) I love Bottomless Brunch
Okay it's official, bottomless brunch is my new favourite pass time. Drinking unlimited cocktails with my best friends and eating delicious food, seriously what's not to love!? I had my first bottomless brunch at Mason's in Liverpool and I wrote a blog post about it, if you fancy a read.
21) Focus on What you do Know
I'm an over-thinker and if I let my thoughts get the better of me, I can think myself into the worst mood possible. This is why it's important to ground yourself. Instead of focusing on what could happen, focus on what you do know. For example, if you're overthinking about someone not texting you back, focus on the fact that you do know that they go to the gym on a Wednesday, not that they could be ignoring you. I promise it will completely change your mindset.
22) Lizzo makes me feel like I can take on the World
Truth Hurts.
23) There is something Good in Every Day
'Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in every day.'
It's all about finding little things to be grateful for; from the sunshine coming through your window, a smile from a stranger or wearing a top that makes you feel pretty. The more you appreciate the things around you, the more you attract what you desire.
I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends tomorrow.
And so we embark on the next chapter; Here's to 24!
Lots of Love,
Meg x
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