I hate starting on a negative, but wow, my twenties were
HARD… Like really hard, but boy did I learn a lot along the way. A lot can
happen during 3,650 rotations of the sun!
I reckon I’ve had more ups and down in the last ten years,
than I have in my whole life! Your twenties are such a pivotal decade though,
and one where you really learn who you are, what you want out of life, and what
you will and won’t stand for. It’s only now, as I’m on the cusp of turning thirty
that I fell that I’ve really grasped the direction that I want my life to go in.
I can definitely say I’ve felt pressure in recent years from
society to have hit the ‘usual’ milestones in life, such as marriage and
kids (I have neither), but that’s ok. I try and tell myself that life
would be boring if we all arrived at the same destination at the same time. Plus,
there are a lot of things in life that simply can’t be forced, and I’d rather
wait fifty years for something to feel right, then rush into something because our modern
world tells me that I should before I hit thirty.
A few years ago I wrote a post called 26 Things I've Learnt Over 26 Years... Today I thought it would be fun to go back over them and add in what I've learnt along the way...
1. Age is only a number. I have to constantly
remind myself of this one.
And I still do. Thirty is the new twenty anyway...
And I still do. Thirty is the new twenty anyway...
2. You don't have to be married with two
babies just because everyone around you is. Trust me, there's no rush.
I came pretty close to getting married two years ago, but five weeks out it was cancelled. Marriage is a lifelong commitment so go with your gut on this one, it has to be right and to the right person (obviously). I was completely heartbroken, and I have tried on many an occasion to write about it to gain some sort of closure but the words don’t come easy. One day I hope to get married and have a family of my own, but I’m not prepared to compromise on this one, and you shouldn’t either.
I came pretty close to getting married two years ago, but five weeks out it was cancelled. Marriage is a lifelong commitment so go with your gut on this one, it has to be right and to the right person (obviously). I was completely heartbroken, and I have tried on many an occasion to write about it to gain some sort of closure but the words don’t come easy. One day I hope to get married and have a family of my own, but I’m not prepared to compromise on this one, and you shouldn’t either.
3. Life happens really quick. Everything
can change in a heartbeat so be present in the moment as much as possible.
4. You will never get along with everyone you
meet, and that's ok. Learn to be polite and except people for who they are.
Yep…
Yep…
5. People will let you down and it's usually
from the people you least expected. Shrug it off, and stay positive.
6. Being a responsible adult is hard. Everyone
has bad days, and days when they don't want to clean the bathroom and hang
their laundry up. That's normal.
7. Never feel guilty for having a day devoted
to your sofa and Netflix. We all need to recharge our batteries from time to
time...
8. Just don't make it a habit. Netflix will
always be there, but that awesome opportunity might not. Get up, dress up and
show up.
9. Set goals and work towards them. Whether
that be a career goal or a handbag goal. Work or save your butt off to get to
it. It's vitally important in life to have goals to work towards, it gives us
something to focus on.
I’ve got a bit lax with this lately and I truly believe that setting goals gives us something to drive towards. I’ll definitely be setting some new goals for 2020 to get me back on track.
I’ve got a bit lax with this lately and I truly believe that setting goals gives us something to drive towards. I’ll definitely be setting some new goals for 2020 to get me back on track.
10. When in doubt, put on a pair of dark jeans,
a smart blouse, and killer heels - Winner!
11. Learning what looks good on you and what
flatters your figure is life changing.
If it makes you feel a million dollars, and accentuates all the right curves who cares what brand or make it is, how much it cost or who likes it. You're dressing for you, no one else.
If it makes you feel a million dollars, and accentuates all the right curves who cares what brand or make it is, how much it cost or who likes it. You're dressing for you, no one else.
12. Quality over quantity.
EVERY TIME! Learn to invest in pieces that will last you a lifetime. It will save you money in the long-run and will save the world a whole lot of consumerism in the process.
EVERY TIME! Learn to invest in pieces that will last you a lifetime. It will save you money in the long-run and will save the world a whole lot of consumerism in the process.
13. If you’re going to spend big, do it on
accessories. Wearing a good watch, pair of shoes, sunglasses and handbag will
see you through most situations.
14. Make time for your friends. It takes
nothing to send a quick text or email to see how your friends are doing. Plus,
it reminds them that your still alive and thinking about them.
15. Make time for your relationships too.
Relationships take real work and effort.
16. Never underestimate the importance of loving yourself too.
Self-love is a healer, and it should be a priority for all of us. It can be a five-minute face-mask, journaling or full blown spa day, whatever you need to do to love yourself and give you some 'me time', do it.
Self-love is a healer, and it should be a priority for all of us. It can be a five-minute face-mask, journaling or full blown spa day, whatever you need to do to love yourself and give you some 'me time', do it.
17. Always take your make up off before you go to sleep. If it means keeping wipes on your bedside table, do it!
It’s never too late to start a skincare regime. It doesn’t have to be eighty five products, just a good cleanser, toner, SPF and moisturiser will do the trick and trust me, your skin will thank you.
It’s never too late to start a skincare regime. It doesn’t have to be eighty five products, just a good cleanser, toner, SPF and moisturiser will do the trick and trust me, your skin will thank you.
18. The realisation that the hangovers get that
little bit worse every year...
19. Coffee will get you through almost
anything.
20. The older you get, the more a night in with
a Chinese and a bottle of wine wins hands-down over a night out
'clubbing'.
21. You only get one family, cherish them. I still believe this whole heatedly.
I lost my Grandad a few years ago and what I wouldn’t give to see him again. Cherish the moments, because they go far too quickly.
I lost my Grandad a few years ago and what I wouldn’t give to see him again. Cherish the moments, because they go far too quickly.
22. Learn to utilise that 'magic' hour between
6 and 7 in the morning to organise your day and get bits done whilst everyone
else is still sleeping. You'll feel more organised and on top of your schedule
before anyone else has even had breakfast.
23. Everyone younger than you will always be
classed as 'twelve'... #standard
24. Realise just how much you're worth and
never settle for anything less. As above...
25. It's the little things in life that truly
matter.
26. Go that extra mile, it's never crowded... Honestly, it never is!
Plus a few more I’ve learnt recently…
27. Less is more… With most things. Keep your circle small, curate your wardrobe, and only keep what you love.
28. But, love in abundance! We can never have
too much love in this world.
29. Nature is truly the greatest healer. Getting
out in the fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental health. I’m not
the fittest person by any means, but I walk outside can make me feel so much better in no time.
30. Do it for you! No matter what it is, if it
makes you happy, do it. This is the single most important piece of advice I can
ever give. If it made you happy, don’t regret it, because at some point it was
exactly what you needed.
