Hello!
So last month was my birthday, but I forgot to post anything due to the festivities. This is going to be my post-birthday post; here are fifteen things I've learned in fifteen years:
1. Learn to go with the flow. Many things are not going to go your way. You can try to plan out everything in your life, but don't expect everything and everyone to go with your schedule.
2. Give yourself time to relax. I often overwork myself and try to do too much in a short amount of time. Slowly, I have taught myself when to work and when to sit and do nothing. Relaxing seems pointless, but you need time for your mind to repair itself rather than explode from stress.
3. Know when to get out of toxic friendships. One of my friends recently stopped talking to me. This would seem like a loss, but it was actually a gain because we weren't in a very good friendship. She's doing better and I'm doing great, so the disconnection was the best decision for both of us.
4. Slow down and appreciate life. This kind of goes in with #2, but I wanted to make it a whole separate point. We don't often see all the blessings around us because we're too preoccupied with assignments and work. So take some time, sit down, call your parents or your grandparents, call a friend, and really look over all the great things you have in life.
5. Pray. This is essential. Prayer solves everything, and if prayer doesn't solve something, just know that your need is in God's hands. Simple as that. (You can skip this one if you're not religious.)
6. Do more of what you love. My saxophone used to be seriously neglected until recently when I realized that I need to stop writing so many essays and take time to play music. I also have started reading more, too.
7. Get out of toxic relationships. I recently got out of a relationship. I wouldn't go as far to say that it was toxic, but it was definitely not what I wanted or would want for myself in the future. If you want to break up with your significant other, but you're afraid of being alone or your partner's reaction, just do it. Do it for you.
8. Say what's on your mind. If you love someone, tell them. If you don't agree with something your partner says, tell them. If your parents say something to you in a joking way but it still offends or belittles you, tell them. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
9. Don't be afraid to tell someone how you feel about them. This ties in to #8, but again, this deserves its own point. This year I've made some new friends, and I never hesitate to tell them how great they are or how much I appreciate them in my life (even if I tell them so much that it becomes annoying).
10. Be passionate. Whatever you do, do it with passion. If you want a friendship to work out or you want a good grade on a project, be passionate about it and put in effort. (If you want some inspiration, watch any of Isabel Allende's speeches. She's an amazing and passionate woman.)
11. Stop caring about others' opinions. No one really cares if your socks don't match your belt. And if they do care, then that's their problem. You do you. :')
12. Take risks. The few risks that I have taken in my life have really shaped me for the better. Even if what happens in the end is not favorable, you'll have gained knowledge and experience.
13. Prove others wrong. Many people assume that I'm a snobby, straight-A student who thinks so much of herself. Here's the truth: I try really hard and I don't think I'm better than you. However, if you tell me that I can't do something, get ready to be proved wrong.
14. Read good books and listen to new music. Some good books I just finished:
(a) Binge by Tyler Oakley
(b) A Work In Progress by Connor Franta
(c) Anthem by Ayn Rand
Some of my favorite songs to listen to:
(a) She's Electric - Oasis
(b) The Beach - Thieves
(c) Work Song - Hozier
(d) Rivers and Roads - The Head And The Heart
(e) any song by Troye Sivan
15. Binge. If you don't know, Tyler Oakley published his book Binge this year. So that's what has inspired me to binge on things I love: baking, reading, playing music, anything really. Sit down and watch an entire season of your favorite show. (This is my permission to do so.)
I hope you at least follow one of these things or apply one of these to your life. I also hope you enjoyed this post. Did you? Leave a comment below!
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY TO ME! :)
much love
-h.m.
