19 Things I've Learnt in 19 Years

Ok, so this is quite a special post! Yesterday marked 1 month since I started the blog. Thanks to everyone (anyone?!) who is reading it, I hope you're enjoying it because I'm loving writing.  A special thanks to Roxy who was so encouraging when I said I wanted to do some writing again, who reads every post pretty much as soon as I upload them and does all the proof reading (sorry about my inability to spell!). This is also a special post because its my birthday tomorrow.  So I thought I'd do a list of 19 things I've learnt in 19 years, everything from the trivial to the most important lessons I've learnt.

1. Don't panic.
This is a big one for me, if you know me at all then you'll probably know that I can get easily freaked out and overwhelmed. But life's too short sometimes, and you just have too keep things in perspective.

2. It's the little things.
Whether its having a cup of tea in your favorite mug or the paving slab you always trip on being fixed, learn to love the little things in life, they are what bring you happiness on a day to day basis.

3.Push yourself.
It's really important to get out of your comfort zone because it makes you grow as a person. This doesn't have to be bunjee jumping off a cliff in Australia, it can be something as small as talking in front of your class at school or chatting to some people you don't know.

4.Sleep.
As much as possible, in the afternoon, at night, wherever, whenever. Sleep is vital and always make sure you're getting enough.

5.There is no such thing as looking perfect.
Everyone is different and looks different. Embrace the fact that you are unique because that in itself is amazing.

6.Make time for your family.
I'm lucky that I see my parents a lot, but I know that one day son that will change. So, when Josh is home and we're all together we make sure we spend time together. They may be a pain in the ass sometimes but family will always be there so make sure you spend time together.

7.Failing is ok as long as you learn from your mistakes.
I really like to be right and sometimes give myself a really hard time if things don't go as well as I would have liked. But we all make mistakes and as long as you learn from them and make them into something positive then whats the harm really?

8.Chocolate usually helps.
Mmmmmm chocolate

9.Always leave an extra 5 mins to be on time
I get really stressed about being late for things, so leave 5 mins early and then if you are early you can be relaxed and take your time.

10.Why should you birthday have to last just for one day?
This is a trick my mum has perfected. Making your birthday last just makes it all more fun. When I told her I went out to lunch to celebrate the start of my birthday week she said 'Why stop at just a week?'

11.The oldest friends are the best ones
Don't get me wrong, new friends are great too and you can't get to the old friends bit without having the new friends bit first. But I have a bunch of friends who know me better than I know myself, I know that I will be there for them and they will be there for me no matter what.

12.You're never going to get along with everyone, and that's ok.
People are different, and sometimes they might not like you. You don't need to please everyone as long as you are happy and doing what you think is the right thing.

13.Act with kindness first.
I think kindness is such an underrated trait. I remember one of my music teachers saying the thing she loves most about her husband, the reason she fell in love with him, was because he was so kind. Kindness lasts, a little goes a long way and you never know what someone else is going through.

14.The planet deserves our respect.
It should be properly acknowledged that we are incredibly lucky to live in the environment that we do and the fact that we are slowly destroying the it is massively ironic. So try and make some little changes to your life to reduce the effect you have.

15.If you get the chance, cuddle a furry animal.
I genuinely believe this helps, its proven that being with animals reduces stress and improves relaxation. I honestly don't know what I would do without Smudge and Treacle making my life better.

16.People can have more strength than you could ever imagine.
You don't ever really know what people are going through. I have the privilege to know some really properly amazing people but this past year especially has shown me how amazing and strong some of them are. I'm so proud be friends with the people that I am.

17.You don't know until you try.
Being brave and taking a risk is never the easy option but it will pay back ten times more.

18.Find a sport you love and exercise won't feel nearly as terrible.
I really love rowing. And because I do, I go and do it of my own accord because I enjoy it. exercise is part of a balanced life, so find a way of incorporating it into your lifestyle that you actually like!!

19.The best is yet to come.
I can't wait to see what the next few years of my life hold. With change comes new challenges and different sources of happiness.

Thanks so much for reading. This is year has been one of the best and also one of the most difficult in so many ways. Here's to 19!!!!

Image taken from Carlos Pujols on Behance