24 Things I've "learned" in 24 years.

Birthday's are weird.

Birthdays as adults don’t feel quite like when we were kids (I think I’m stating the obvious here). The last few birthdays I’ve had… particularly embodied this feeling. I used to feel excitement, anticipation, and overflowing joy when my birthday rolled around… maybe I just liked receiving gifts. But as years pass for me, I’ve found my birthday to be incredibly overwhelming and more often than not a period of grief…

23 was a really weird age for me. I’ve never felt more successful, and defeated at the same time. I was surrounded by what seemed like an endless amount of people who loved me, yet at times still felt entirely alone. I felt broken, but whole. I was ticking off every goal I had set for myself and even then something still felt completely wrong. So this morning, at 6am (by the way I never wake up this early so this is shocking within itself), I decided to write a list. A list of 24 things that I’ve “learned”, and a list of everything I want to accomplish when I’m 24. The only thing I’m choosing to grieve today, is myself at age 23.

The list is as follows:

1. It’s cool to care. It’s actually the coolest thing in the world. About people, places, moments, things; everything.

2. You are what you think. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have.

3. You’ll never be upset about giving TOO much effort.

4. Comparison is truly the thief of joy.

5. A good outfit makes everything better.

6. Emotions are a gift, treat them as such.

7. People are in your life for a reason. Sometimes that reason isn’t clear, but there is one.

8. Happiness is a choice, actively choose it.

9. Re-direction is not the same as quitting.

10. There are few things more important than being present.

11. You’re going to be 10x happier when you save money… (sorry it took me so long to figure this one out, Mom).

12. It’s alright if you fail, all you have to do is try again.

13. The sun always comes up.

14. Participate in life. Get excited, get curious. Go get everything you want. It’s much more fun this way.

15. Staying stagnant is scarier than growing.

16. Tell people you love them every opportunity you get.

17. Confidence is one of the greatest skills you’ll ever learn.

18. Learning how to soften is one of the strongest things you’ll ever do.

19. Nature heals. Get outside.

20. Everyone is just trying their best.

21. Being open will never backfire on you, it will only enhance.

22. Lean on the people you trust, that’s what they’re there for.

23. Hold grace for people… not everybody thinks the way you do.

24. Trust your fucking gut. Trust your intuition. Listen to your feelings.

Birthday’s are weird. Life is even weirder. Thank you for giving me the space to share my thoughts…

With love,

Chloe