20 Things That I've Learnt in 20 Years | Blogmas

Hey guys,

So as you have probably guessed, today is my birthday. And I'm super excited, even though I am no longer a teenager and now old. *sob*

Therefore, I thought that I would do a little post about 20 things that I have learnt over the past 20 years, as I love reading these kinds of posts. Even though I probably don't carry a lot of wisdom, so the majority of these may be daft. Sorry...

1. People change. I don't really know how else to say this without going into detail, but yeah, they change, and it can be for the better or the worse. You've just got to find the people who are going to be there for you no matter what, and I am so grateful for the people that I have in my life.

2. Family is one of the most important things in the world. I love my family, and love how close we all are, even if we are a tad dysfunctional (but isn't every family?)

3. School is hard. I don't think I have met a single person who has had an easy time at school (yes, that does include those popular people who seem like they have their lives together), so don't worry, you're not alone.

4. Be nice. Pretty obvious, but it's just nice to be nice. Like, why unnecessarily put someone down? Just giving someone a compliment or smile could brighten someone's day!

5. Food is good. I am glad that I was graced with not being a fussy eater, as I love food. Probably more than I should.

6. Sleep is also good. As a kid, I hated going to sleep at 'bed time', and genuinely thought I was the coolest person ever if I stayed up past 9:30 (definitely one of the cool kids), yet if I go to bed at 9:30 now, it is a miracle.

7. Anxiety is a bitch. It just is, like why shouldn't I go outside, brain, why? Yet there is just always something going 'Don't do it! Danger', even if it's something as small as leaving my room to go and get food. Like, why restrict me from food?? In all seriousness though, it is a daily struggle to do even the little things, and I have so much respect for anyone who suffers with it.

8. Alcohol isn't all it's cracked up to be. Yes, I'm a student, and yes, I go out on night's out. But I honestly hate drinking if there is not purpose to it, like I will only drink for a night out. And yes, I am that person who goes to the pub and orders a lemonade, but I don't care, because it's refreshing.

9. Everything takes time. They say that good things take time (yes, that was a quote that I sang in my head from Hannah Montana), but they honestly do. I met my boyfriend in year 7, and I'm pretty sure he hated me for about 4 years. But then we became good friends, and it all went from there. However, essays take time, and they are not good. So Hannah Montana is not quite accurate there.

10. Always try to take the high road. I have had my fair share of crap from some people, but I just always try to stay calm and be nice, cause that's all I can do. There's no point in retaliation, cause people who treat others like this normally turn it back around on you. So, my advice is to just be nice. And vent to your mum.

11. Learn a musical instrument. Honestly, learning to play the piano is one of the best things that I have ever done. Just sitting there and being able to plonk around, just gets you out of everything for a while, and it's such a good stress relief.

12. Don't leave essays until the last minute. Lol, I still haven't learnt from this. My dissertation is going to be fun.

13. University is hard. Much like the point about school, uni is so hard. Everyone is thrown in together, and everyone seems like they're loving it. I honestly had a very hard first semester and it was shit, I was doing a course that I really hated and I didn't really get on well with my flat. However, I managed to switch course, and I made friends with other people in my block, so it was all good. It just took a while to adjust, so don't worry, people may seem like they're loving it, but everyone finds it hard.

14. Travel. This was my housemates pick (shout out to Courtney), and it's very true. Travel as much as you can, regardless of how close or far away it is to home. Whether it's a day trip to a beach you've never visited, or its a trip to Australia, try and visit as many places as you can.

15. Surround yourself with kind people. I know from experience that this is hard to do, as sometimes you feel as if you're stuck. However, you will meet people who are kind and actually want to spend time with you, and not make you feel insecure and down. I promise, it is hard, but it will happen.

16. Get work experience early. As a university student, I know that the aim is to look early for jobs and apply for graduate schemes and jobs ASAP. However, basically every single one asks for 30 years worth of experience. So yeah, try and get some in before uni, even if it's volunteering in a charity shop or having a blog (obviously depends on the line of work that you want to go into), but every little helps. (lol, Tesco reference.)

17. Don't let other people put you down. Another that is easier said than done, but just try to not let the shit that comes out of people's mouths get to you. I know that it's hard, as I unfortunately let what I was told at school get to me, and I have an extreme lack of self confidence, but I just blag it. Fake confidence, and you will get there. Fake it until you make it. And listen to Beyoncé.

18. There is no such thing as normal. Be weird, it's the best way to be.

19. You can never have enough make up. Sorry, but I just really love make up, and had to have it in here somewhere. If I have had a crap week, going online shopping is the way to go. Or online window shopping, as who can afford the spending life (lol, not me) #studentproblems. Or sometimes, you've just gotta TREAT YO' SELF.

20. Just focus on being happy. Just do whatever you want to do, and be happy. Honestly, regardless of whether it's trying something now or sticking to the good ol' routine, just do what makes you happy and roll with it. #YOLO (yes, I did just say that and I am sat here loathing myself for it)

So there you go guys, 20 things that I have learnt in 20 years. They are a bit random, and I think that we can all conclude that I didn't like school, I am lazy when it comes to anything work related and I like food. Pretty much sums me up. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow with a more festive post!

Much love,

Grace