I've officially been on this Earth for a little over 20.5 years - 7,553 days. I've had my fair share of experiences, good and bad. I have friends who love and care about me in ways I don't always recognize. I have parents who would sacrifice the world for my happiness and well-being. I've been feeling lots of gratitude for my experiences and the lessons they've taught me. So, today's blog post is a list of twenty things I've learned from those times when I didn't think I'd make it through the day.
Invest in your space. It's important to come home after a long day to a space you enjoy. I made a simple habit of making my bed every morning, so when I came home after a long day, a messy space wasn't something I'd have to deal with.
Social media is a great way to stay connected to others, but not everything on social media is real. People's lives don't only revolve around the positive things they choose to share. I guarantee you that there are others in the world who struggle with body image, but that's not usually portrayed on social media.
If they wanted to, they would - stop going back. You'll only end up more hurt in the end than you were already.
Everyone does things at different paces. You shouldn't feel like you're failing just because others are ahead. You are right where you need to be.
Saying no is 100% okay! Friends, employers, and even family(!) can wait until you are ready.
Invest in experiences, not materials. Memories come from basketball games, vacations, board games, and interaction, not iPads, new shoes, or that fancy gadget you've always wanted.
Don't let your free time be interpreted as availability. We are not meant to work and interact with others 24/7. Sick days and personal leave are okay. I'm still working on this one :)
Start each day on a bright note. Open the book or journal, grab a good cup of cider, cocoa, or coffee, and take some time for yourself in the morning before interacting with others.
Work out and fuel your body with healthy foods. It doesn't have to be intense, just hop on a short walk for a half hour with some good music. Find some healthy foods that you really enjoy! I've found a love for fruits and veggies that make me feel refreshed.
Just be kind. It's not rocket science, but some people still can't figure this one out. You don't have to agree with everyone, but you don't have to be mean.
Do things outside of your comfort zone! The world has so much more to it than you think - AND learning happens in discomfort.
Not everyone is your friend - there will be those who come and go and those who stay and support what's best for you; make sure you know the difference. I learned this the hard way :)
Private is good! You can talk about your problems, just try to withhold certain details and never share too much. I'm an oversharing kind of person, so this is a standard I try to hold myself to as much as possible. Again, not everyone is your friend.
Heal before moving on, you are allowed to take as much time as you need. The last thing anyone would want is to be hurt because you haven't healed yet - and I know you wouldn't want to hurt someone because you are still hurting.
Self-care is your biggest friend! Taking care of yourself should always be your first priority. Skin care, hair care, mental health days - anything physical and mental should be #1.
Forgive and forget - you can't always get the closure you need. Never waste more time on someone than they deserve. You'll always have more questions and you'll always wonder. Don't let it continue to soak up your time - we all have a limited number of days on this Earth.
Invest in clothes, perfumes, and shoes - when you look good, you do good :)
Take up a fun hobby! Instead of wasting time watching tv or binge-eating food, start knitting, take up reading, and learn a new craft! Find something that brings you joy in your free time.
Learn at least a recipe from your mom or grandma. Recipes are a piece of family history too. I just spent a weekend in January at my grandma's house learning how she makes her homemade jelly. Quality time is good with your loved ones!
Regrets come in many forms - don't feel discouraged by things you should've done. Go do them now!
I encourage you to make your list of 20 things you've learned so far in your life. Save it, look back on it, and rewrite it in a few years. Sometimes we get caught up in the day-to-day and we forget about the continuous things life shows us. Take five minutes before bed every day to think about one thing you've learned today. You'd be surprised at what the universe shows you.
Love always,
Kenzie <3
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