Turning 25
Every year since 21 I have a freak out before my birthday. I hate to admit it but I am that person. By my 24th, I was freaking out a month in advance. Daily life crises, agonising over life choices, deconstructing my life to anyone who would listen (sorry friends).
So naturally I was expecting 25 to be a real shit show.
Weirdly, I'm pretty calm. Probably because I've ran through all the emotions every year leading up to 25 and now I'm here, it's not so bad. I have all my fingers and toes and head is still on head.
In true birthday blog fashion, here are 25 things I know to be true:
Don't leave a situation/conversation feeling out of integrity. Don't let digs slide. Stand your ground. Don’t just nod and smile politely because the person is 'important'. Say how you feel in the moment. Call people out if they are bullshitting. Especially that guy Joe at work.
Keep trusting and staying open even if it gets you into trouble because the alternative is living a joyless life.
Dance. It keeps your heart light.
There's a line between working hard to make something happen and letting something happen organically. Still trying to figure out that line. I'll keep you posted.
A sleep, a cry and an episode of Friends will fix most things.
Adaptability directly correlates to happiness. The quicker you get on board with the New Situation the better.
Gratefulness is magic.
There is being authentic and there is being vulnerable. Don't mix the two. Vulnerability is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience from you. Be selective about who you share it with.
The effortless look is a lie. Be effort-ful. It's okay to care.
It's really annoying but parents do know what they are talking about.
In contrast though, they are also humans prone to mistakes and can get it catastrophically wrong.
So really its 50/50 when to take their advice.
Pay attention to what life is trying to tell you. Follow it. The longer you ignore it, the bigger the calamity. We want to try and avoid learning the lesson the hard way.
Before you snap at someone check to see if you are hungry, tired or cold. If none of these, snap away.
Don't skip spf
Saying no to other people to take care of yourself is the best form of self care. Don't feel guilty.
You are allowed to change your mind as much as you need.
My-life-is-over-moments don't last forever and you just gotta power through with Nutella.
Find a happy place where you live and make it a point to go regularly.
Let feelings run their course. The harder you try to manipulate/shorten them, the harder they come back to haunt you.
Podcasts have changed the game and will change your life.
Find your tribe.
Stop watching the news.
Be kind to your parents.
Smile often.
Love always,
Anfel xo
