OKAY so technically speaking I've been 26 for a month already, but everyone knows it's way cooler to be fashionably late to the party... right?
26 might not be a huge milestone but I've always been more about celebrating the little things anyway. So here are a few things I've learned along the way as I head into my 26th year:
- You absolutely don't have to have it all figured out already. In fact, the next few years are going to be far more fun/interesting and better for your growth if you haven't figured it all out. Uh huh.
- Most things can be fixed with a cup of hot chocolate and a 9hr sleep.
- It's almost always worth paying more for: hazelnut milk, lingerie, ankle boots, espresso martinis, dark chocolate, hoop earrings, coats, olive oil.
- It's definitely NOT worth paying more for: candles, trend pieces you can get a dupe of on eBay, fancy mascara, manicures, extra phone data, tiny hipster coffees, vegan protein powder.
- There's no better feeling in the world than fresh bed sheets.
- You're not going to meet the love of your life at a bar when he sends champagne to your table, and any guy that does this is most likely actually a massive creep. The love of your life is going to be in a bit more of an unexpected place and probably won't even reveal himself until you've had too much tequila one night. But despite the awkward hangover, that night will also end up being the best decision you've ever made.
- You don't have to say yes to everyone. And the friends that expect you to do this aren't your real friends.
- Overnight success does not exist. Success takes YEARS of hard work and drive.
- You will probably forever long for a meal cooked by your mum.
- You'll also forever long for another hug from your mum.
- Eating under 1000 calories a day isn't going to make you happy, and eating soup for dinner every night is not a diet – it's starvation.
- Eating over 1500 calories a day is not going to make you fat. Nothing is going to make you happier than a guilt-free three-course meal in a nice restaurant every now and then.
- Keep asking questions, always. You'll learn so much more if you're always asking why and challenging norms.
- Some of your opinions and views will be wrong. Allow them to be challenged.
- The first time you cook for your boyfriend in the flat you share together will be the most romantic meal you've ever eaten together.
- Travel. You've got your whole life to pay your credit card off, but you probably don't have the same chance to see the world.
- Read. And keep reading. It's the escape from reality you need.
- NOTHING will make you feel as powerful as having strong back muscles. Being able to lift heavy things and explore your body's potential is a true gift – use it as much as you can.
- Be kind always. It's always better to be the one who smiled than the one who didn't smile back.
- Always carry the following spares in your handbag: a tampon, a pair of socks, a charger, and hand cream.
- Have one signature dish mastered for the times someone's coming over / you CBA with creative cooking. Looking at you, prawn, cashew and coconut curry...
- Admit when you're wrong. Apologise too.
- Great wine, good gin and the occasional glass of champagne are three indulgences you need in your life.
- Your body will change, sometimes daily. It's okay. Roll with it.
- People will almost always have an opinion on what you're doing and how you're living. Ignore them and carry on mixing protein powder in your yogurt.
- You are enough.
