Today, I turned 27. I guess this means I can no longer class myself as mid-twenties, right? I'm inching ever closer to the big 3-0, but unlike some, I'm really not scared of hitting that milestone age. I'm looking forward to the brain chemistry change; to hopefully chilling out and settling down a little! But for now, I'll enjoy still being in my 20's, and tell you the 27 most important life lessons I have learned in my 27 years on this planet!
1. Self-care isn't selfish. It took me a really long time to learn this. Putting myself first just did not come naturally to me, and I would run myself ragged for everyone else before I cared for myself. But self-care is so important, and not remotely selfish, so please; look after yourself!
2. Never be ashamed of who you are. Our uniqueness is what makes each of us great. Whether you're big or small, tall or short, a bookworm or sport; embrace who you are, love yourself and never, ever be ashamed.
3. Start building up your savings from a young age. I wish I'd started putting a little bit aside every month as soon as I turned 16 and got my first job. So many emergencies that have given me sleepless nights as I wonder how on earth I can pay, could have been solved easily if I'd just had some savings behind me!
4. Don't date the bad boys. You can't change them, and they'll only make you miserable. Found this out the hard way. Learn from my mistakes!
5. Eat whatever you want. Life is too short for rabbit food and restricted calories. Eat the food you love and live your best life!
6. Exercise regularly. That being said, unless you want to end up the size of a house or have an extremely fast metabolism; exercise often. Even when you really, really don't feel like hitting the gym? Force yourself. You'll feel better for it in the long-run. And that endorphin rush after you workout? That's a real mood booster!
7. Take skincare seriously. Unless you want to look like a wrinkly leather bag when you're older, take skincare seriously. Develop a daily skincare routine using good quality products and remember...
8. Skincare doesn't have to be expensive. Lush have a great range of skincare that won't break the bank. There are lots of budget friendly brands available in Boots, Superdrug etc!
9. Don't buy into hype. I used to buy into the hype for everything. Books, movies, clothing. If someone was raving about it, I was buying it. And usually with disappointing results. Don't buy into the hype. Which leads me onto...
10. Spend your money wisely. I'm not going to tell you not to treat yo' self. We've all got to treat ourselves, from time to time. But make sure you're spending your money on experiences, or purchases that will last. Don't throw money at stuff you're going to throw away in six months time.
11. Experiences make better memories. Items don't last, but experiences help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
12. Take all the photographs. This is something of a controversial point, because some people think that it's better to live in the moment than to take photos. But I firmly believe you can do both. Photographs are forever memories, and you'll be glad of them when you're entertaining your grandkids one day!
13. Print out your photos. We're all so reliant on tech, but have you ever stopped to think about what might happen if the cloud, and all our social media accounts, suddenly disappeared? Print out your most cherished photographs and put them in an album, or a box under the bed.
14. Keep a memory box. I have an old shoebox full of love letters between my fiancé and I, cards that have meant a lot to me, and other little mementos of a life well lived. I love pulling out the shoebox and looking through everything on a rainy afternoon. It's an instant mood booster!
15. Get a pet. Okay, not against your other half's/parent's/roommate's/landlord's permission, but if you can, get a pet. They are great company, and teach you an important lesson about responsibility. Nothing beats coming home to head butts from a purring cat, or loving licks from an eager puppy.
16. Brush your teeth every damn day. I actually have it on good authority from a dentist, that once a day is sufficient. Which is good, because it's all I've ever done. But don't ever leave the house without brushing your teeth. I mean, this one just makes good sense, right? You don't want to be breathing your stinky morning breath all over your colleagues at the morning meeting, do you?!
17. Read more. If you have an hour before bed and the choice of losing yourself in a TV show or getting lost in a good book? Always choose the book. Books open up your world in more ways than a TV show ever could, and are a much better use of your time. That being said...
18. Binge watch your favourite shows. Ain't nothing wrong with a good old binge watching session. Make time for your favourite shows; they are one of life's little pleasures!
19. Spend time with family. Always make time for your family. They are so important, and they won't be around forever!
20. Make time for friends. It's so easy to let friendships slide when life gets busy. But your friends will always be there for you; so make sure you are too. Arrange regular dinner dates, nights out and catch-ups over coffee. Friends are for life!
21. Cut toxic people out of your life. Life is too short to spend it with people who make you feel like shit. Ditch them, so you can spend valuable time with the people that really matter.
22. Don't waste time on Pretty Little Liars. I wasted hours of my life watching the show, only for it to end like that?! No spoilers here, but comment if you know exactly what I'm talking about!
23. Don't put off going to the dentist, or doctor. I get it, we're all busy. No one has time for a dentist or doctor's appointment anymore. But don't overlook your physical health. Make an appointment as soon as possible, and don't wait until things get too bad.
24. Be grateful for the NHS. I know we all moan about the state of the NHS, but we are so lucky to have it. And we might not have it forever, if the Conservative party have anything to do with it. And I know so many of us who will struggle to pay for healthcare if/when the NHS disappears. So let's be grateful for it while we still have it, okay?
25. Don't be a cheap-skate. I'm all for buying on a budget. But there are some things you really shouldn't skimp on. Buy a decent laptop, phone, mattress, duvet and pillows. You won't regret it!
26. Do stupid things. Maybe not all the time. But some of the time. Take risks, live life, be silly, and do stupid things. It is only by making mistakes that we learn. So make them.
27. Be happy. Life is too short to spend it miserable. Surround yourself with good food, good people and good work for a happy life!
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
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