25 life lessons I’ve learnt in 25 years

I cannot believe I’m turning 25 on the 12th of April. Is it time for a quarter of a century life crisis? Nope, I’m good. My 25th year is actually a really exciting one. If it all goes smoothly, we will be in our first home later in the year, I’ll pass my driving test (big anxiety goal buster there) and I’ll spend the rest of the year nesting and nursing my house into a sweet, little, colourful home.

But, lets turn our attention to the last 25 years, I actually feel quite proud over who I’ve become, especially in the last six years. I think, that period of going to uni, moving to a new city, starting an actual career has been really pivotal in me actually becoming a version of myself that I’m happy with.

So what I thought would be a fun post, would be to really look at life lessons I’ve learnt over the last 25 years. I actually kept little diaries on and off growing up, so I’ve rooted through them to reflect and remind myself what I’ve learnt growing up.

1) Life is toooo short to be anything other than unapologetically yourself

I learnt this in my late teens, I used to try and either hold back or manipulate my myself into acting a little different in an attempt to fit in or appear more of what I thought was best. nope, Not anymore. I am who I am and have learnt love my personality and how I look. You are the best version of yourself when you are authentically yourself.

2) Reading is good for the soul

When I was younger, I was such a bookworm and would always find time to read. My all time favourite book is Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. (Look it up, its a series and is soooo good!). I fell out of this habit in my early 20’s. So I set myself a goal to read more this year, and finding time to read has been such a blessing.

3) Time alone is time well spent

I like my own company. And its really important to be comfortable enough with yourself to be alone and enjoy it.

4) Start saving, like now. Cause money doesn’t grow on trees.

I wish I could go back in time and have told myself this in college, so I wouldn’t have been such a broke bitch in Uni. (spending it on absolute crap).

5) Disfuntional families, are more common than you think & its not your fault.

Ugh. I have struggled with this since I was little girl. I come from a single parent family. Raised by my mum. But my dad has always been around, just never really that interested in myself or my three brothers. It’s always felt really weird to me, as it’s kind like he rejected being a family with us or having a proper relationship with his kids. He occasionally tries, to talk to us but its got to a point where it affected me mentally. So I’ve learnt that it’s not my fault – sometimes this is just how families have to be.

6) There’s nothing wrong with sticking up for yourself & knowing what you want

There’s no point staying quiet if someone is attacking something you may disagree with. Even if its not an argument, I truly feel it’s important to stay true to yourself and be vocal about your feelings.

7) Unsupportive friends aren’t your friends.

My god. I learnt this one the hard way. I talk all about it in this post. Leaving toxic friendships is hard but cutting off people who aren’t supportive, may honestly be one of the best things I’ve EVER done. AND NOW, I’m so careful about who I spend my time with and who I allow myself to care for – because life is too short for selfish friends.

8) Kindness os rare, so spread it when you can

For me, this relates to small gestures, if there’s an opportunity to be kind or just make someones day like 1% better – I’ve learnt it is so much better to be that person, over ignoring it. Be it a friend or stranger.

9) I don’t need to pay attention what everyone else is doing. Just “You do You.”

This life lesson for me, strongly relates to my time at uni and in the blogging community. i started blogging because I had ideas for myself back in 2012 BUT i got bogged down thinking I should be talking and making this look a certain way. But that doesn’t make you happy? So I now know to stay true to myself and just do me.

10) Cleaning calms my mind.

Probably an unpopular life lesson for some. I realised I cant handle mess or a messy environment (hello uni days + sharing with 4 other people) – I don’t know why but it puts my mood waaaaay down. So now I live with just my boyfriend, I’m more in control of how our home looks and let me tell you its clean and cosy. Plus it puts my mind at rest.

11) You don’t have to do it all at once – and you probably shouldn’t.

I am guilty of setting myself way too much so nothing gets done – only half done with half the effort. No more, I don’t need that in my life. It’s better to grow slow.

12) I cant be productive unless I plan it.

I love planning + crossing everything off once I achieve it. It’s like a mental round of applause for myself and I’ve finally found a planner that fits around my personality which will help me get stuff done.

13) There is literally no cure for Migraines.

Yep. I am one of those migraine suffers. It sucks. But cool pads and my bed are the best cure.

14) Just because something bad happens, doesn’t mean its the end of the world

Basically I’ve learnt not to be such a big drama Queen.

15) Caring for your skin is a wonderful thing.

I have grown to love skincare, it’s literally something I now love to do every morning and evening. Taking care of my skin is essentially just taking care of myself. It makes me feel good and feel confident.

16) Health is more important than looks

This a new life lesson for me. I’ve been learning on how to properly take care of my body. I think improving and maintaining your pyshical health also helps improve your mental health.

17) You have to stop and be grateful for what you have

Like a lot of people I’m busy, I have a busy life. BUT i’ve learnt to stop and really be grateful for what I’ve worked for and for what has also been given to me by others.

18) Putting yourself first isn’t selfish

I think this is still slightly taboo and I’ve learnt from really lovely and supportive friends that this is quite the opposite.

19) Don’t wanna do it? You can say no – thats totally okay.

I have literally learnt to say no to so many things, that I actually really don’t want to. So going forward I can do things that I want and will actually enjoy.

20) Social Media is a beautiful tool if used well.

I know theres a lot of negative chat around social media and in my job (social media manager) thats sometimes stressful. So going through that, I’ve learnt to detach my emotions from social media and just appreciate the creativity of it.

21) Tea, is perfect for any situation

I mean, just look at my instagram – I think I reference a good cup of tea every other caption.

22) My mother is and will always be my best friend

I know every girl (and maybe every guy idk) goes through that icky phase with their parents. Trust me – that gets old and I love my mum more than anything – I’m so grateful to have her in my life supporting and loving me.

23) Time does wonders for everything

In any situation, time does wonders for reflection. Looking at things in hindsight, really helps you detach hardcore feelings from everything.

24) If it doesn’t “spark joy” totally get rid of it – who needs clutter?

I have performed the big clear out many times in my life. Now we’re moving house, I’m adopting that method again. I do not want to continue with dusty corners in a new house with objects I no longer love. I recently got rid of half my wardrobe and my mindset feels so much lighter for it. Marie Kondo just got it right.

25) I’ll never stop learning

I mean who really does? I’m excited to see what the next five, ten years will bring me!

Looks like 25 Things is actually a lot…

Well I really hope that wasn’t too deep or even too long for you! I’ve really enjoyed thinking about everything I’ve learnt so far. I’m even more excited to see what the nest 25 may bring me. I feel like this year is my first proper big birthday milestone to celebrate.

Whats the most interesting thing you’ve learnt throughout the years?