Twenty Six Things I Learned Being 26

I'm Officially In My Late Twenties!

Honestly, why did I ever feel old at 20!? I was literally a child.

Tomorrow, I welcome in my twenty seventh year of life. It doesn't seem two seconds since I was writing my 'Twenty Things I Learned At 20' post. When I read it back I can't help but wish I could go back to being that age again when things weren't so complicated. However there's one thing that hasn't changed; I didn't know what I was doing back then and I still don't know what I'm doing now. I guess that's what's fun about being in your late twenties, you're still young enough to dream but old enough to chase it.

If you're new here, welcome to the yearly tradition on my blog where I tell you about all the things I've learned in this past year. Twenty six has been a crazy year (saturn return, is that you?) and a lot has changed for me personally; I travelled to some beautiful countries, focused on my mental health, and I lost a huge part of my life when I said goodbye to my darling boy Buster. 

I know I say this all the time but I genuinely look forward to writing these posts every year, it's so nice to look back and see how much I've grown as a person. 

So without further ado, here are 26 things I learned in my twenty sixth year.

1. Heatless Curls Are A Game Changer

I'm on the heatless curl hype and I'm obsessed. I bought my heatless curler from Aldi and it's so simple to use. Literally just wrap your hair around the curling rod as tight as you can, secure it with a scrunchie and voila! You wake up in the morning with effortless curls. 

2. Stop Being So Available All The Time

I include boundaries in every single one of these posts but they are so important. I'm learning to stop being so available all the time. It's okay to leave your phone at home and be in the moment, you don't need to be the beck and call of people all the time. 

3. Castor Oil Is Incredible For Period Pains

Every month I suffer with terrible period pains, to the point where I'm walking round with two hot water bottles and dosed up on medication. I was introduced to castor oil by Dr Barbara O'Neill who recommends to put a little drop in your belly button and around your stomach area every morning. I started doing this 3 months ago and to my surprise, it actually worked. If you're suffering with bad period pains and are looking for a natural remedy then get yourself a bottle of castor oil and give it a try!

4. Corfu Is One Of The Most Stunning Places

My twenty sixth year saw me take a trip to the beautiful island of Corfu and it's one of my favourite destinations I've ever been to. The Old Town is absolutely stunning and it's the perfect place to pretend you're living your Mamma Mia dreams, I know I was!

5. If It Didn't Open, It Wasn't Your Door

Have faith in the fact that what is meant for you will never pass you by; rejection is redirection.

6. Radio 2 Is So Much Better Than Radio 1

Is this the real sign I'm in my late twenties? I can proudly say I'm a regular Radio 2 listener and I absolutely love it. From Vernon in the morning, to Scott in the afternoon, to Rylan and Ry-biza on a Saturday; they literally play tune after tune.

7.  It's Okay To Say No

Sometimes it's a good idea to take a break and stop packing out your social calendar through fear of letting people down.

8. Late Home Flights Are So Much Better

I just love spending the last day of my holiday chilling on a rooftop bar before heading for my flight home. It makes the trip feel that little bit longer and slightly helps with the holiday blues. 

9. Nothing Prepares You For The Loss Of A Pet

Earlier this year, I said goodbye to my darling boy, Buster. We were lucky to love him for 15 years but nothing could have ever prepared me for the day we said goodbye. It's one of the hardest things I've ever been through. It's crazy isn't it? We think our pets are going to live forever, even though we know one day they'll go over the rainbow bridge. I wish they could live forever though because I miss him everyday. 

Goodnight my Buster Boo, I love you endlessly x

10. Nothing Lasts Forever

I learned this lesson in two ways; the first is that if you're going through a tough time then you must have faith that it will pass, the second is that you should treasure all the happier times you have with those you love, live in the moment and never take it for granted.

11. Liverpool To Dublin Is The Quickest Flight Ever

I'm still not over the fact it takes 30 minutes to get from Liverpool to Dublin on a flight. That's the same amount of time it takes for me to get from my house to Liverpool, madness.

12.  Dublin Is Perfect For A Day Trip

Following on nicely from my last point, take this as your sign to take yourself on a little day trip to Dublin; visit the Temple Bar, have a pint of Guinness and take a stroll around Trinity College. If you fancy seeing what we got up to in Dublin, I wrote a little blog post all about it. 

13. Everyone Needs To Go And See 2:22 A Ghost Story

I don't want to say too much so all I will say is that it's one of the best pieces of theatre I've seen in years and you absolutely must go and see it for yourself. I won't shut up about it and neither will you!

14. Stop Stressing About What You Post On Socials

So what if your hair doesn't look perfect or the lighting isn't quite right? I promise people are not bothered. The less you care about what people think, the happier you'll be. 

15. Being Near The Sea Makes Me Happy

There's just something so calming about being near the sea, listening to the waves and breathing in the fresh air. It's one of my happy places.

16. Independence Isn't A Bad Thing

If someone is intimidated by your independence then that says more about them than it does about you. It's okay to want to spend time on your own and recharge your social battery.

17. I Actually Quite Enjoy Guinness

As long as it's got a little bit of blackcurrant in it.

18. Stop Comparing To Your Teenage Self

I don't know who needs to hear this but stop comparing your twenty six year old body to your sixteen year old body; you've grown from a young girl into a young woman and you should be so proud of who you are. It's also completely normal for your personality, your style and your interests to change, embrace it!

19. The Beauty Crop Do The Best Setting Sprays

Their Glow Milk Mist has been a holy grail in my make up bag for the past year, it gives a gorgeous glowy finish all year round and keeps your make up looking perfect all day.

20. Ibiza Is A Whole Vibe

Last year we booked a spontaneous trip to Ibiza and it's safe to say I fell in love with everything about the island, from the music to the sunsets, it just felt as though it was my kind of place. I knew it would be a destination I enjoyed but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did, I'm definitely in my Ibiza era!

21. Cafe Mambo Is Incredible

Watching the sunset at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza is simply stunning. It's something I've wanted to do for years so to be sat there drinking cocktails and listening to the best disco house music was a dream come true. As you can tell from the photo, I was really happy to be there.

22. Don't Be Embarrassed About Where You're At

It's okay if your life isn't looking the same as those around you, we're all on different levels and as long as your happiness is a priority, that is what matters. Remember, you are exactly where you're meant to be.

23. The Scouse Pantomime At Liverpool Royal Court Is Next Level Hilarious

We watched Scouse Dick Whittington last year and I can honestly say I have never laughed at a pantomime so much. I can't believe I haven't been to see one sooner!

24. Social Media Does Not Define Your Worth

You are not the number of interactions you get on social media, don't let numbers on a screen define your worth.

25. Self Date Days Are So Important

Make time for them.

26. Be Proud Of Yourself

This is your sign to give yourself more credit and be proud of yourself; for the big things, the little things and everything in-between. You're doing great.

I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends tomorrow.

Here's to Chapter 27!

Lots of Love,

Meg x

Twenty Four Things I Learned Being 24

Well, I'm officially in the Over 25's Category

I've made it to the midway point of the weird and wonderful era known as 'your twenties' and to be honest, the fact that I now belong in the Over 25's category on X Factor slightly bothers me. Why did I class myself as old? More importantly why did no one ever want to mentor this category!? We're great! 

If you would've asked 15 year old Meg what she'd have done by 25, I don't think she'd have expected to be where I'm at right now. I probably thought I'd be married, have a house, maybe kids but it's crazy how life works out and those things you classed as important aren't at the top of your priority list anymore. It's all about accepting where you're at and putting your own happiness first.

If you've found my little place on the internet, then welcome to the yearly tradition where I tell you all about the weird and wonderful things I've learned in the past year. Twenty four has been a lovely year; it's been the year of focusing on myself and finally passing my driving test. 

I've been doing these posts since I was 17 and I absolutely love looking back at the life lessons I've learned along the way; seeing not only how my perspective has changed but also how I've grown as a person. 

So without further ado, here are 24 things I learned in my twenty fourth year!

1) Don't Let Other Peoples Opinions Affect you too much

During one of my journalling sessions last year, I realised that I value other peoples opinions waaay too much, whether that be about what I'm doing, what I'm wearing or how I look. I somehow seek this approval from certain people when in reality, my happiness should come first.

2) It's Okay Not to Reply Straight Away

I've always been someone who replies to text messages in 0.25 seconds through fear of people thinking I'm being rude or ignoring them. Truth is, life has gotten real busy again, I don't have the time to reply so quickly anymore and that's okay; it doesn't make me a bad person. You need to take time out for yourself and be present.

3) Doing Things On Your Own Isn't Embarrassing

Being comfortable and happy in your own company is so important. This year I went to the theatre on my own and although it was nerve wracking, I absolutely loved it. At first I thought people would be looking at me thinking 'it's a bit weird she's come on her own' but they were so immersed in their own bubble that no one batted an eyelid. I've been to see Jersey Boys and Waitress and both were amazing. Don't wait for other people to do things with you, go and do that thing yourself and enjoy spending time with YOU!

4) Passing your Driving Test is one of the Best Feelings Ever

When I started learning to drive people told me that the day I passed my test would be one of the proudest moments of my life and I can fully confirm that's the truth. I'll never forget the day I got that pink license, although no one ever prepares you for how weird that first drive on your own feels. 

5) Your Car Tells you What Side Your Petrol Is On

Whilst we're on the topic of cars, did you know that if you look at the petrol sign on your dashboard there's a little arrow that tells you what side you fill your petrol on? I'm probably really late to the party with this knowledge but I'm so amused! 

6) It's Okay to Rewear Outfits

Does anyone else just have this fear that if they rewear the same outfit too many times people are going to think they've got nothing else to wear? I'm really trying to ignore this feeling. I don't need to buy a new outfit every time I go out, I've got plenty of cute clothes in my wardrobe to be reworn and no one is judging me! 

7) I Don't Have to Share My Life on Social Media

If you follow me on my socials you may have noticed that I don't post as much as I used to, whether that be on the grid or on stories. I'm learning that I don't need to document everything I do, it's all about being present in the moment without thinking I've got to get a photo to prove I'm out for tea. What am I trying to prove anyway? I must admit, my life feels a lot more peaceful when I take social media breaks.

8) A Smile Costs Nothing

It could literally brighten someones day. 

9) Olaplex is a Haircare Game Changer

It's true what they say, once you start using Olaplex you'll never go back. It makes my hair feel so healthy, shiny and soft; I'm obsessed! 

10) It's Hard to Make New Friends In Your Twenties

Why does no one ever talk about how lonely your twenties can be? Your friendship circle becomes smaller and smaller as you slowly realise who's worth your time and energy, and although this is good for you, it can feel incredibly isolating. It seems everyone is so busy with their own lives, your friends start moving away, and you just crave those days when you had less responsibilities and could meet up for a coffee after Uni without having to compare a six month schedule. 

11) F&F At Tesco Is Very Underrated

Incredibly underrated!

Why do we all just ignore the fact that F&F at Tesco has some gorgeous clothes!? Very rarely can I go into Tesco without coming out with a cute jumper or dress; I only nipped in for a meal deal! 

12) Other People's Success Doesn't Make You a Failure

It's very easy to sit and compare yourself to others but success comes in different forms. Just because someone seems to be living their most successful life doesn't mean that you aren't succeeding too. The thing is, success means something different to everyone and guarantee there's someone looking at you thinking the exact same thing. GIVE YOURSELF MORE CREDIT!

13) Go for Massages Regularly

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love going for a hot stone massage done, it is ultimate relaxation and it helps with period pain too! It's so important to take some time out for yourself and just chill. 

14) Six The Musical Is Incredible

Mum and I went to watch SIX for the first time last year and it's very safe to say that we are obsessed!
It's the most feel-good show with the most amazing soundtrack, and if at least one of the songs isn't stuck in your head when you leave the theatre then you're lying! 

15) I Can't Function Without My Morning Coffee

I was never a morning coffee drinker, always a Yorkshire tea kind of girl, but now I can't function if I don't have a coffee every morning. How did I ever cope before!?

16) I Avoid Parallel Parking At All Costs

If you're one of those people who confidently reverses into a parking space then I envy you. Unless it involves driving straight through into a space then it's a no from me. Parallel parking? No chance. I'll drive round until a space becomes available. 

17) It's Okay to Have High Standards

If someone isn't treating you the way that you deserve to be treated then tell them, don't lower your standards or settle for anything less than you deserve; both in relationships and friendships. 

18) Don't Doubt Yourself

You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think! 

19) You Never Know What People Are Going Through

So be kind, always!

20) The Sky Garden is Beautiful

I love visiting London, especially when I get to spend time with one of my best friends Liv. Last time I stayed with her, we went to The Sky Garden and I'm still not over how gorgeous the views of London are! I'd highly recommend visiting if you're planning a trip to the Capital soon!

21) Motorways Are Weird

Yes they freak me out and I have absolutely no idea how people know which lane to be in when you're coming off, BUT I am building my confidence on them and I'm very proud of myself. 

22) Don't Be A People Pleaser

A few months ago someone told me that they could tell I was a 'people pleaser' and if I'm being honest, they're completely right. Although some will say it's a good trait to have, it can often result in your kindness being taken for granted. It's important to remember that it's okay to say no and set your own boundaries. 

23) Embrace Your Natural Beauty

This is something I'm still working on and will continue to learn. I've realised that a lot of the beauty standards thrust upon us are all a filter of how society thinks we should look. Instead I'm learning to embrace and love everything about myself, from my dimples to my acne scars, completely unfiltered. 

24) The Gym is an Act of Self Care

If you feel that going to the gym is becoming a chore, remind yourself that it's actually an act of self-care. It's boosting your endorphins and keeping you fit and healthy. The more you treat going to the gym as an act of self-care, the more motivation you'll have (and the more you'll enjoy it!)

I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends tomorrow.

Let's make Chapter 25 a great one; Here's to 25!

Lots of Love,

Meg x