Happy 20th to me! I'm keeping celebrating my birthday really simple this year (like most years, actually). No party, no huge dinner. Just lots of laughs, loved ones, and positivity. To celebrate via Prep Northwest, I decided to make a list of 20 thoughts I've gathered in 20 years (okay, not all are from when I was 10) and share them. Enjoy!
- Surround yourself with people who have your best interest in mind and bring out of the best in you. Don't waste time with people who bring you down, who intentionally (or often unintentionally) make you feel bad. You deserve better.
- Splurge on yourself every once in awhile. It's okay to buy those Steve Madden sandals (guilty), just don't make it a habit to spend so much so often.
- Find a hobby that you really love and put your energy into that. I love crafting and painting! I'm also really interested in gardening and plants. If you're starting to feel stressed out, it's okay to take a break. You owe it to yourself to do what makes you feel good, not anxious.
- Do all the fun stuff that you can while you're young. Get that prom party bus, go to school out of state, learn to sail, backpack through foreign countries. There will come a day where time is a luxury and you won't get to do whatever you want whenever you want.
- Live in a dorm. They sound gross and small, but my best college memories revolve around living in a dorm and the people I met living there. You learn a lot about yourself when you're forced into a small space with another person. You'll survive, I promise.
- Mental health days are valid. Put you and your health first, and do what you can to be the healthy and vibrant person you are.
- Take lots and lots of naps.
- Don't worry too much about boys, dating, and some friendships right now. You're what, not even 25? We have so much ahead of us and we'll find the people we're supposed to be with. Don't stress so much - this time in your life is not a depiction of your entire future.
- Eat breakfast (especially brunch on the weekends). Nothing else will start your day off better.
- Take that selfie. Heck, take those 20 selfies. Don't let people make you feel bad for taking photos of your beautiful face and feeling confident. You do you.
- Buy yourself flowers once a month (or twice, or every week). It's amazing what a difference a beautiful bouquet does.
- Spend your time and energy creating great memories! Clothes and knick knacks are fun, but going out to eat with your loved ones, seeing your favorite band live, and going on a mini getaway are far more important.
- Getting intimate with someone does not make you (or anyone) a bad person. Don't slut shame, don't harass, and don't worry about someone else and their sex lives. It doesn't concern you.
- Navy is always first choice.
- Learn how to cook three of your favorite meals. You'll free great about yourself and feel great about eating something other thank boxed mac and cheese.
- Plant flowers. Recycle. Walk where you can. Compost. Take shorter showers. Do what you can to preserve the earth and take care of it. It's doing everything it can for you.
- Don't underestimate the power of winged liner and a high pony (my favorite).
- Take baths. Read, watch Netflix, or chat on the phone, but take baths. Use that time to treat yourself to a body scrub and relax. You deserve it.
- Stop putting people into boxes. Try to break away from gender roles, stereotypes, and judging others based on their race/sexual orientation/religious views/gender/ability. Be kind to everyone.
- Break out of your comfort zone into your growth zone. Take small steps and do something new every week. Go to an exhibit, take a walk in a new (and safe) area, take a class (cooking, painting, ceramics, pole dancing), visit a gym, go to the farmer's market. It will feel great.
Thank you so much everyone for reading this! These are thoughts that I experience daily and use as comfort when I'm feeling especially lost, stressed, or confused. Share with me what you remind yourself - maybe we're thinking that same thing.
Cheers!
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