Happy June!
I hope you are all well and enjoying the start of summer.
To celebrate my 25th birthday in a few days I thought I would create a little series of posts surrounding the number 25. I thought it would be interesting to start with 25 things I have learnt in my 25 years. That being said, I am not 25 just yet. In fact, I am 24 for a couple more days. But I thought it was a perfect time to reflect on what I have learnt. Especially coming leaving the last of my early 20s. Fully ready to start my Mid-20s. (Well that’s a lie, not quite ready).
I am not sure whether I can say that I love my birthdays but I what I can say is I love using it as a reason to see and spend time with all the people I love. Also any excuse for a cake right.
However, as much as it’s really exciting to turn 25, I thought it was incredibly interesting to look back and reflect on the lessons learnt. So let’s dive in.
- People will come into your life as quickly as they leave
Some people come into your life as a lesson, a flicker of time spent with lessons learnt along the way. Others will come into your life for a longer period of time and bring nothing but joy and laughter. Hold on to those who love unconditionally and stick with you even when times are a little quiet.
2. Being alone doesn’t mean you are lonely:
There is nothing wrong with spending time alone, it doesn’t always mean you are lonely. One of the best things I have learnt is how to enjoy spending time on my own, with my own company. Even doing typical group activities on your own is just as important/can be just as rewarding.
3. Find the things that make you happy and run with them
For me, that’s books, writing, theatre and taking time to explore local areas and cities. Blame the tourism student in me. (Ex-tourism student).
4. Friendships come in many different shapes
I have been incredibly lucky to have been and be friends with some of the most incredible people. Some are still part of my life others, were just in it for a short period of time. But all of them I am incredibly grateful for each and everyone of them.
5. Grow your passions:
It is super important that you know the things that bring you joy. For me, it’s this writing, reading and finding time to be creative. For me getting the time to do the things I love. I love writing and All Things Gee became that escape.
6. Learn the importance of the little things:
With the day’s chaos and busy schedule, it is sometimes easy to forget about the little things in life. Such as your morning cup of tea in a little space of quiet. To see a butterfly fly around the garden. Sometimes we all just need a reminder to see the little things.
7. Take care of yourself first
One of my favourite people, Harry Styles, once said, “Follow your gut always, trust yourself, take care of yourself first, fill your own cup & let them fall in love with the overflow.” I have thought about this for months and something we need to incorporate into our daily lives.
8. Treat People With Kindness
You are not going to get on with everyone in life and that is okay. Smile wave and move on. Not everyone is going to like you and you are not going to like everyone. But that’s okay be yourself and a promise you a whole lot of people are going to love you. Those that don’t are not your people. Learn to be okay with this.
9. Learn to take Social Media breaks
That dream life your watching someone else live on Instagram/tik tok you name the social media site, isn’t as perfect as it may seem. Don’t get me wrong they are doing some amazing things but that’s it for the most part they are only posting the good moments. You are doing an amazing job and you need to take a break. Stop scrolling and make tea.
10. Learning never stops
When I was at school I couldn’t wait to leave. It is ridiculous how much I was ready to walk away from all things education. However, since I went to uni and completed my master’s, I constantly want to go and take another course. I haven’t yet but I have a list of things I want to learn more about.
11. Be okay with getting things wrong and making mistakes
Sometimes things are going to go wrong and you are going to make mistakes. That is okay. Sometimes things need to go wrong to go the correct path.
Take a deep breath, and try again.
12. 5 year plans are great but not everything
If you were to speak to anyone I went to school with I am sure they would tell you I had a very set 5-year plan. And whilst I still love to have a plan. Let’s be clear that the five-year plan got thrown out the window pretty quickly and that turned out to lead to an incredible journey and meeting some of my favourite people.
It is inevitable that there are some things given the opportunity I would change and do differently. But I have made peace with just embracing the path I a
13. Say ‘I Love You’ all the time
I am a firm believer of telling people you love them. Every time I hang up the phone or leave my friends and family I tell them I love them. Even if they won’t say it back. You just never know what will happen so. I feel the need to tell them I love them.
On this note, My nan was my favourite person to do this with. Because no matter how many times I would tell her I love her, she would refuse to say it back. Instead chuckling and saying I love me too, I know or you too. It used to really bug me but now it is one of my favourite I will hold close memories. Specifically because I know she would do it with a smile on her face and amused that it would be making me shake my head. Memories like this are what I would describe as priceless.
14. Boundaries are important
Listen this one we are still working on, but boundaries are so important. Learn yours and stick to them. If people are not happy with this, this is their problem. We have boundaries for a reason.
15. Life is short
Life is too short not to find the things you love, and start ticking off that bucket list (within reason). One of my old favourite people used to tell me that one of the best things is to dance like nobody’s watching whenever you get the chance. As life started getting busy and stressful, I have done this less and less. But its something I know makes me smile every time.
16. It’s ok to say no
No. Is a full sentence. You don’t always have to explain. No. Is a valid response. Learn to say no to things you do not want to do.
17. Nothing exciting ever comes from your comfort zone
Okay, listen we create our comfort zone for a reason and yes it keeps us exactly where we feel safe but sometimes we have to take a deep breath and jump into the unknown. The most incredible things come when you least expect it. Sometimes that requires stepping out of that little comfort zone.
18. It’s okay to ask for help
You know that little issue you have been annoying yourself over for months… Or the big thing that’s been on your mind for a while. It’s okay to lean on someone. Asking for help isn’t a bad thing.
19. Embrace Opportunities
Try something new, you might enjoy it.
20. Healing is a whole ass journey
Some days you will feel like you’ve made serious progress others it will be one step forward and two steps back.
But that is okay. You just have to keep pushing.
Everyone’s journey is different.
21. Trust your intuition
It’s there for a reason.
You just need to listen.
22. Take a moment to capture a memory
Photos, videos, and journals use them.
Journalling is my favourite way to capture a memory if I have forgotten to take a picture. And we all know I love to write.
23. Learn to let it go
I promise you, it will end up not matter to you in the long run.
You can’t change the past and the only person you’re hurting is yourself.
24. Gratitude is incredibly powerful
Take a moment to be thankful for the little things. One of my favourite things in the entire world and something me and my daisy do on a regular basis is to create a list of what we are grateful for.
25. You are the author of your own story
Not a fan of your current narrative… time to shake it up. Do something new. You can change your story… it’s your story to change. Take control and run with it. (It’s hard, but worth it).
Love Always,
Gee xoxo