24

24 Things I've Learned Upon Turning 24

1. Last year when making this list I said something along the lines of, "it's okay if you haven't figured out who you are yet." And it is. But this year I've learned that who I am changes all the time. And it's going to keep changing for the rest of my life. And that's okay. And maybe it's terrifying, but it's also necessary.

2. I spend a lot of time wishing for yesterday or being terrified of tomorrow, when what I should really be doing is living for today.

3. "Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go." -Herman Hesse

4. Turns out paying someone to listen to you talk about yourself for an hour every two weeks can really make you feel just a little bit better about life.

5. Strapless bras are actually really great when they fit and drastic haircuts can do wonders for the self-esteem.

6. Don't bother making an effort for people who never bother making one for you. It's a waste of your time and theirs.

7. Medication isn't right for everybody, but it doesn't hurt to try. And sometimes it really can help.

8. I've spent a lot of time the latter half of this year being mad at the world for one reason or another, and sometimes this anger is a good thing, but only if I use it to push me forward instead of allowing it to hold me back. Other times the anger can end up only hurting me instead of helping me. When this happens it's time to find an outlet and let it go.

9. So podcasts are great.

10. Turns out I have control issues. Everything makes so much more sense now, but the older I get, the less fucks I give. I'd like to believe that's progress.

11. This year I set out to read 23 books. I ended up reading a total of 71 instead. Next year I'm aiming for 100. Turns out having fun truly isn't hard when you've got a library card.

12. Sometimes crazy shit happens that makes you question everything you thought you knew and all you can do is try to rise above. Remember that love will always trump hate.

13.Asking for help is only part of it. Accepting help is the other.

14. Don't let the decisions of others affect how you live your own life. Don't let the judgments of others affect how you see yourself.  

15. Never feel guilty for saying no.

16. Bookstagram is a beautiful place full of beautiful, book-loving people.

17. The things and people that make your heart rise up inside your chest with happiness, those are the things and people you should always surround yourself with. 

18. Love your sisters and love yourself.

19. There is so much more to me than anxiety might have me believe.

20. Stand up for people. If you see something you know is wrong, say something. And don't forget to stand up for yourself too.

21. "Stay sexy. Don't get murdered." If you know where this is from, you're my kinda person.

22. Take care of your skin. Don't forget to moisturize. Never over pluck your eyebrows.

23. One of the best things to come out of this year is how deeply I fell back in love with reading. It feels like I've come home.

24. Sometimes the biggest thing standing in your way is you, and life is all about learning to overcome the things you can't change and changing the things you can. Don't be your own worst enemy. Be your own biggest cheerleader. Speak to yourself the way you would someone you love. Give yourself a break every once in a while, but hold yourself accountable. This is your life and you're the only one who gets to decide how you live it. Choose to live it well.