Today is my birthday and as usual I’m feeling a little down. This is nothing new for me. I have always hated birthdays. Like most people I don’t particularly enjoy the idea of getting older and I find myself thinking about all the things I should have done and accomplished by this stage of my life. It has, however, just occurred to me that perhaps there are some things that I have achieved and that I have learned so I’m using this as an exercise to publish my life lessons.
- Getting older is a good thing. The alternative is not being here for your next birthday.
- Regrets are a waste of time.
- Sometimes there is nothing better in life than sitting on a couch watching TV.
- Apostrophes matter, use them with care and kindness.
- Friendship is about quality over quantity.
- Always remove your make-up before you go to sleep.
- Love happens when you least expect it, often with the person you least expected.
- Try to be friendly with your siblings; they are the only people that truly understand your foundation.
- It is ok to be a nerd; we rule the world.
- Put down the damn camera / phone and enjoy a moment with your own eyes.
- Learn to listen; it is the hardest thing to do properly.
- Get involved with politics and pick a side.
- Look after your mental health.
- Don’t over-pluck your eyebrows. You will regret it and you will look silly.
- It is ok to have feelings.
- Love with all your heart.
- Cake is good.
- Only one pet in your life will outlive you. Unfortunately the rest will cause you heartache, but they are worth it.
- Happiness doesn’t just happen, it takes work.
- You can change your life but sometimes it takes time, so get a hobby.
- Gluten is evil. It presents itself in all of the nicest foods and torments the poor intolerant sufferer.
- Look after your heart. Believe me, you don’t want to spend a lifetime on medication.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Educate yourself. It will be your most powerful tool.
- Be nice to people.
- Go for a walk, it will do you a world of good.
- Don’t mess too much with your hair. By the time you’re in your late twenties it will look like straw.
- Talk to the older people in your life. Learn about their lives before it is too late. You’ll be amazed by their stories and adventures.
- Oranges are the most disgusting smelling substance in the world.
- Make mistakes. There is no better method of learning.
- Do what you want to do and don’t worry about looking stupid. We all look stupid in the eyes of someone else anyway.
- Events that seem insignificant can become your most cherished memories.
- It is perfectly acceptable to love a dog more than a human.
- Singing in the shower will make you a happier person.
- Don’t engage in online dress shopping when feeling depressed. You will bankrupt yourself and probably make bad choices.
- Volunteer and donate to charity. Help the homeless.
- Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you. You never know how your words will brighten their day.
- People that are incapable of indicating / can’t use a one way system properly deserve your rage.
- Always follow your gut instinct.
- Trends are absolute nonsense.
- Take on tasks that scare and challenge you.
- Love is the only thing that will last forever.
- Brush your teeth.
- People come and go. Sometimes relationships will fall apart despite your best efforts.
- Tea and chocolate can aid all sorts of ailments and woes.
So there you have it, the musings of a birthday girl.
