Twenty Eight & Feelin' Great
Well, not quite yet.
Here we are again, another lap around the sun, another year of learning and another year of still not quite knowing what on earth I'm doing!
Tomorrow, I welcome in my twenty-eighth year of life. I can't believe I've legally been an adult for ten years. These posts seem to come around quicker every single year, I'm two years away from my thirties and I honestly still think I'm twenty one. I suppose that's a good thing though, I think it's good to have a little bit of childishness about you.
If you're new here, welcome to the yearly tradition on my blog where I tell you about some of the things I've learned in this past year. I know I've been slightly (okay, very) absent on here recently but I couldn't miss the opportunity to write one of my favourite posts. Twenty seven has been a year of career changes, new friendships and amazing opportunities. I got a new job, worked on my self confidence and somehow managed to end up on the BBC (although apparently I don't have a face for television).
So without further ado, here are 27 things I learned in my twenty seventh year!
1. Packing Cubes Are An Absolute Essential
Starting off strong with a top adulting tip from me; invest in some packing cubes. I promise they will literally change your life. I'm the worst when it comes to packing for holidays but they make the process so much easier and the organised side of my brain absolutely loves it.
2. Unemployment Isn't Something To Be Embarrassed About
I spent the first six months of twenty seven searching for a new job after the retail job I had for eight years decided to close down. As someone who'd always had a job, facing unemployment was scary and I'm not going to lie, I was embarrassed. This wasn't about being unemployed but more about what other people would think about me which I realise now is stupid. Trying to find a new career in the current job market is HARD and there's nothing to be ashamed about, keep going and the right job will come up eventually.
3. Rejection Is Redirection
It's cliche but it's true. Rejection hurts but you just have to trust the process, something better is coming your way.
4. It's Okay To Still Enjoy A Party Over 25
I don't know who came up with the narrative that you are 'immature' if you still enjoy a bit of a party life past the age of 25, but it's propaganda that I will not be falling for. I still absolutely love getting dressed up, going out for a cocktail and a dance, and you best believe you'll still find me in Ibiza when I'm old and grey having an absolute ball. A bit of 90s dance and disco house will always be my vibe!
5. Not Everyone Wants To See You Succeed
It's important to know the difference between the people who want the best for you and those who want to dull your sparkle.
6. Starting A New Job Is Incredibly Daunting
As someone who worked in the same place for eight years, getting a new job and going into a new work environment was both exciting and daunting. If the experience of a new job taught me anything, it's to be authentically yourself and let people accept you for who you are.
7. Interviews Are SUPER Weird
Although I'm not quite sure if they're meant to be? Obviously before I got my current job, I was thrown into the weird and wonderful world of interviews. I won't go into too much detail, all I will say is that being asked about elephants whilst interviewing for a receptionist role was not on my job hunt bingo card.
8. Be Authentically Yourself
Embrace your weird personality, your crazy sense of humour and everything inbetween; it's what makes you special and makes you, YOU!
9. You Are Worthy Of Incredible Opportunities
I've been lucky enough to have some amazing opportunities over this past year and the imposter syndrome has been so real. I've realised that I need to stop being so hard on myself. I'm worthy of every opportunity that comes my way and I feel so grateful to have done some incredible things. I just know 18 year old Meg would be so proud!
10. Take Yourself On Regular Walks
I absolutely love putting my headphones in and taking myself on a nice walk. It's amazing how a bit of fresh air and time in nature can give you such a mental boost!
11. Hearing Yourself On The Radio Is A Crazy Experience
Earlier this year, Loving Arms Dementia Group was chosen to feature on BBC Radio Merseyside as part of their Dementia Week special. As a volunteer, I was interviewed about my connection to the group and what we bring to the community. A few weeks later, the interview was aired and hearing my little voice on the radio filled me with so much pride, although I definitely put my telephone voice on because I don't sound that posh normally. Thankfully the feature got an incredible response, we even ended up on BBC News!
12. Sometimes You Just Need To Mute
And that's totally okay, the mute button is there for a reason.
13. Make Time To Do Things That Make You Happy
It's so easy for us all to get caught up in our busy lives that we forget to take a step back and prioritise doing things that bring us joy. Whether that be treating yourself to a coffee, reading a few pages of a book or taking an hour to watch an episode of a show on Netflix, make sure you're doing things that fill up your own cup.
14. Friendships Will Drift
It's a hard thing to accept but it's important to remember that sometimes people just don't bring anything positive into your life anymore and that's absolutely fine. The best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who align with you and your values.
15. Just Because You're Alone Doesn't Mean You're Lonely
I will shout this one from the rooftops.
As a happily single girly I'm often asked if I get lonely and the truth is, I don't. I've got the most amazing family and gorgeous group of friends and I'm also really comfortable taking myself on little solo dates too! If there's one piece of advice I'd give for your twenties, it's learn to be comfortable in your own company as well as being around others.
16. Invest In A Good Quality SPF
I promise your skin will absolutely LOVE you for it.
17. If Someone Tries To Dampen Your Achievements, They're Not Your Person
Stay close to the people who cheer for you, even when you're not cheering for yourself.
18. I've Got Absolutely No Interest In Climbing The Corporate Ladder
And once again, that's absolutely fine. It's okay if you don't have the same dreams as everyone else. I mean, it would be pretty boring if we all had the same life aspirations wouldn't it?
19. Don't Lower Your Standards Because Someone Shows Interest
It's very easy to put our rose tinted glasses on and overlook behaviour that goes against our boundaries just because someone has shown a bit of interest and we're debating giving them a chance. Your standards and boundaries are there for a reason, know your worth and how you deserve to be treated. I promise you'll be respected more for it.
20. Climbing Pendle Hill Is So Much Fun
If you're looking for a different weekend activity, I highly recommend taking a trip to Pendle and climbing Pendle Hill. It was one of my favourite days and we did nothing but laugh, although don't be fooled, the trek to the top is much harder than it looks (and it's pretty high too!).
21. The Viral Uniqulo Bag Is So Good
When I say you can fit everything in there, I literally mean everything!
22. It's Okay To Take A Break
And it's absolutely fine to admit that you're exhausted. There's no shame or guilt in taking a rest day and it's certainly not a waste of your weekend. It's so important to take time to look after yourself.
23. Ibiza Is My Favourite Island
But you knew that already.
24. The Strawberry Daquiris in Cafe Mambo Are Unreal
They're famous for a reason.
25. You Don't Need A Huge Make Up Collection
My socials are filled with people who have wardrobes full of make up, yet here I am with brushes I've had since I was seventeen and one, maybe two, of every product. This is your reminder that it actually isn't normal to have a wardrobe full of make up and having a small collection of drugstore products doesn't mean your make up looks terrible.
26. Looking Young For Your Age Is A Blessing
I'm well aware that I look young for my age and for years I always hated people pointing it out, it made me feel as though I was a child and knocked me down a bit. Fast forward to now and I think it's a real blessing, you're telling me I'm approaching my thirties and I still look in my early twenties!? I'll take that!
27. Stop Caring So Much
Most of the time, it really isn't that deep.
I can't wait to spend the day celebrating with my loved ones tomorrow.
Here's to 28 and really feeling great!
Lots of Love,
Meg x
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