23 things I’ve learnt in 23 years

Today is my birthday and although I still look around 17 on a good day, I am a whopping 23! On this day of joy, I thought why not spread some straight shooting facts and rules that I am trying to live my life by.  

1. You will not be liked by everyone. This is sad but honestly the truth. In all honesty if everyone liked me, it would probably worry me.
2. People can be arseholes- that's not your fault and don't allow them to make you think it is.
3. Your first instincts are normally correct. Learn to trust yourself.
4. Don't change for people, be true to yourself. You still invariably won’t measure up, so what’s the point?
5. Don't allow people to make you feel less than you are.
6. Walk away from a situation if you don’t feel you can cope or if you feel it will quickly escalate even further. It doesn’t make you a coward!
7. Always remove your makeup- even after a night out. I know it’s a ball-ache but honestly your skin will thank you in the long run.
8. Have ibuprofen and water before you go to sleep after copious amounts or even just a little bit of alcohol. Potentially this is a placebo effect but I have noticed a massive difference in hangovers.
9. Don't go on your phone too much before bed- allow your mind to rest. Even better read a book.
10. If you feel like shit, do some exercise it'll make you much feel better even if you can't be bothered.
11. Lie on your stomach during your period- the pressure of your agonised body will help to relieve some of the pain.
12. Say yes to things more than you say no. You often regret not doing something more than you regret doing it. FOMOs a bitch.
13. Find a friend that knows your angles. Don't trust the friend that takes one shot and says it looks good when it really doesn't. Find a new friend.
14. *Deep breath* Your mum and dad normally know best. They are older and wiser.
15. Sometimes it's worth believing the hype. I would like to think that I am original in thought and action and often spurn popular shows or movies, but there is a reason people love them. There is nothing wrong with being a basic bitch
16. Use moisturiser with an SPF- your skin will thank you in the summer time.
17. Drink hot lemon water in the morning. It’ll kick start your metabolism and adds a lovely glow to your skin.
18. Don’t trust people who don’t like dogs. Who doesn’t like puppies?
19. Stop apologising so much. Being nice is nice but often this can be read as weakness and you are not weak.   
20. Make sure you listen to people- you can learn a lot.
21. In the same vein, don’t offload on friends the whole time. Make sure it is an adequate split of venting or sharing- you may end up pushing them away if it isn’t.
22. Cut people out or have time away from them if you need to. Unless you miss them or feel some sort of a hole in your life at their absence, then don’t allow them access again. You don’t need other people’s negativity.
23. Don’t forget to live life fully and truly. Enjoy yourself in the moment and don’t get too caught up in scrolling and comparing. There is more to life.

Lent

Lent is upon us, the perfect time to cement good practices and positive reflections. Canonically, lent is a religious observation to allow penance and repentance to take place. Religion is now not always the reason for partaking in the 40 day event but it is still very much a part of today’s customs. 

So what would the devil offer me? Probably chocolate, crisps and carbonated drinks, you know if Luther was having a good day and had done his research. My main focus will be health and working on my gut. I am currently awaiting results following years of ongoing IBD symptoms and a recommended item to cut out or at least limit is fizzy drinks from the limited research I have done on the subject. If you know me you will realise that this will be hard because I love Dr Pepper, but I’m going to try this for my health and see if it makes any difference. Perhaps I can reintroduce it once a week as a treat further down the line. 

As well as renouncing certain foods, I also want to focus on the reflective aspect of the celebration. Lacking positivity is a big thing for me, mainly I think because I’m a realist but hopefully focusing on circumventing any negativity will allow me to find light moments in often trying or just generally average days.