twenty-three

23 things i learned at 23

when i was a teenager, 23 seemed like such a big age for me. i viewed everyone who surpassed twenty as paragons of adulthood who seemed to have their lives in order. to know exactly what they’re going for in life—in perfect clarity. perhaps my naive self was heavily overestimating their certainties because i don’t seem to check all the boxes.

anyways….. i know better now. i’ve learned a lot this year, and I’m just grateful to be here, truly living. here are 23 lessons I’ve gathered at 23:

1. my parents’ wisdom is always right

2. contrary to popular belief, living in the town you grew up in is better than being away in a busy city

3. if being scared stands in your way of doing something, do it scared

4. privacy is of the utmost importance

5. the fear of being perceived is both liberating and damaging

6. delays are fine

7. let go of people who don’t initiate/reciprocate the efforts you make

8. some people aren’t going to accept or admit their faults so just save your energy and let them live in their delusions

9. horror movies aren’t that scary anymore, psychological thrillers are

10. home cooked food is always better than eating outside

11. going for a swim once a week is the best routine one could ever have

12. don’t show kindness to cruel people—they don’t deserve it, nor will they be moved by our kindness

13. accept your past mistakes and be better

14. love is supposed to be cringe sometimes and that’s alright

15. clean makeup look is superior. lip gloss and balm > lip mattes

16. if you got on the wrong train, get off it as soon as you can because it gets more expensive the longer you wait

17. fear and guilt are sisters

18. money does bring one happiness, but materialism and overconsumption are where we draw the line

19. when things get too loud in your head, write or sleep

20. you don’t have to jump on the bandwagon every time a new trend pops up—fomo is a disease

21. social media is an illusion—not everyone is who they truly are as portrayed by their social media

22. count your blessings because someone out there is praying for the kind of life you’re living

23. pursue whatever makes you happy and content, not others

here’s to new beginnings,

sarah