This past Friday, February 15th was my birthday, which makes me 23 years old. Twenty-three... it honestly hasn't quite settled in. I am now closer to 25 than 20, does that mean I am supposed to be closer to having all my s*** together?.
Despite the the turbulence of my 22nd year of life it was overall an important and life-changing year for me. I graduated from college and moved to Chicago, a city that I never really thought I would even visit let alone live in while growing up in Georgia. I found confidence within myself to begin posting my most personal thoughts online on this blog. I celebrated my first anniversary with my boyfriend, Sean and we celebrated our dogs second birthday together. I experienced so much at 22- every single emotion on the spectrum; the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.
In an attempt to share whatever wisdom I believe I have gained during my 23 years on this planet, I compiled a list of 23 things I have learned so far/wish I had known!
1.
You can't control everything, stop trying. If it is something you can't control then don't stress about it, you just have to let it go.
2.
When things don't go your way take a deep breath and remember everything happens for a reason.
3.
It is NEVER too late to reconnect with someone, send that text or Facebook message. What's the worst thing that can happen?
4.
Never stop learning!
5.
Experiences are way more valuable than tangible objects.
6.
Traveling is important to do while you're young and can make the time for it because exploring other cultures and getting out of your comfort zone helps you grow immensely.
7.
There is nothing wrong with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
8.
You are always growing and changing, if you don't like who you are today think about how you can improve yourself for tomorrow.
9.
Don't let others define who you are.
10.
Just because you went to the gym that day doesn't mean you have an excuse to eat an entire pizza, ice cream, and soda... I'm still working on this one.
11.
But.... also eat that entire pizza, ice cream, and soda if you want to! Just make sure it is a nice treat for you every once in a while.
12.
Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and motivate you everyday to follow your dreams and be your best self.
13.
If you feel drained after hanging out with a friend or they constantly make you feel insecure then it is okay to reevaluate that relationship and potentially distance yourself.
14.
Take risks while your young, be daring!
15.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you prefer to be a homebody, even on a Friday or Saturday night.
16.
Don't waste your money on expensive make up, there is always a dupe that it just as good!
17.
You won't be happy if you're pretending to be someone you're not.
18.
Sometimes friendships/relationships aren't meant to last forever, don't dwell on them instead realize they taught you a lesson and be appreciative of the good memories you have with that individual.
19.
Waking up before 6AM makes you so much more productive and happy.
20.
Don't hold onto grudges, all they'll do is bring you down in the end and make you unhappy.
21.
Make keeping in touch with long distance friends and family a priority.
22.
Don't speak to yourself any differently than you would a friend.
23.
Follow your dreams no matter how big or small. You will never regret trying.
I am excited to see where 23 takes me. I really intend to work my butt off this year in order to begin creating the roots of the life I have always wanted. I look forward to continuing to grow and learn this next year, and to taking you all along on this journey with me!
xoxo,
Rachel
Don't forget you can ask me your questions anonymously below!
https://www.rachel-devin.com/ask-rachel