It feels as though it was just yesterday I was penning my 21 Things I've Learned in 21 Years post. But it has, in fact, been four years. Oh, how time flies!
As I get older is does feel as though the years blend into one. But now that I have reached that elusive quarter of a century mark and should look old enough now to not get ID'd, I thought I should re-visit my list from three years ago and see if I've learned anything new.
Turns out I have. Here's to many more years of wisdom and the next quarter that lies before me.
1. Listen to your gut. It's an art form, but when you master it you'll learn how to dodge all the bullets (or at least be prepared for them).
2. If you think what you believe in is too radical, just remind yourself of what has has already changed within your own lifetime. Look at third wave feminism. Look at Scottish Independence. Look at the Labour party...
3. Make the effort. Even if it fails at least you can say you tried.
4. It's better to be single than settle...
5...but don't be afraid to love. If you've been hurt, you may need to be proactive in building up a high level of trust again. But it'll be worth it.
6. If a friendship falls to the side make sure it's because it wasn't meant to be, not due to a lack of effort. Friendships are an active process. Don't wait for them to call you.
7. It's easier to make friends while you're still in full-time education. So meet as many like-minded people at university/college/school as you can. But if you've already graduated new friendships can still flourish, it just takes a bit more effort.
8. The secret to a great relationship and great sex? Natural chemistry, respect, consent, knowing your own wants and needs and putting your cards on the table. And probably a lot of other complicated stuff. No one really truly has the answer to this one.
9. Enjoy what you enjoy. Relish in your passions. As long as it's not harmful don't listen to anyone who poo-poos your hobby.
10. Life is sometimes too much; don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Either from loved ones or a professional.
11. You know that Facebook feature that allows you to hide people from your newsfeed (but not de-friend)? Utilise it and stay off the Facebook/blog/twitter accounts of people you don't like.
12. It's helpful to know what you want to do straight out of high school and study accordingly. But it's not the end of the world if you change your mind or don't have a clue.
13. The only relationship in your life which is guaranteed forever is the one you have with yourself. Make it a good one.
14. Success and happiness really is the best revenge. But don't run yourself into the ground chasing goals just to prove something to someone who hurt you.
15. Maintaining a good reputation and being an all round good person will be your saviour when you're the victim of someone else's slander.
16. If someone is dramatic with other people, they'll eventually be dramatic with you too.
17. If you're networking as an introvert sometimes if your face is just seen enough times at events it will help.
18. And networking can also be known as 'knowing a lot of people'. Expand your social circle in general.
19. You can't control who you meet but you can control the person you are when you meet them.
20. Define success on your own terms. If you want to be the CEO of law firm: go for it! If you're quite content with a 'boring' office job: revel in doing what you know is right for you.
21. As long you can make ends meet and live within your means, it's no ones business what you spend your disposable income on. Spend your Christmas bonus on a new sofa or a Batman lego set and tell everyone else to 'eff off.
22. Learn to forgive. Not because someone deserves it, but because you deserve to let go of anger.
23. Private landlords are better than letting agents.
24. Prioritise your health. Go for your six month dentist check-up, find out where your happy place is and visit regularly, find an a form exercise that doesn't make you want to throw things at a wall, eat your daily apple, get tested for STDs and practice good hygiene.
25. Maturity and wisdom is a gradual process. I may look back at this list at 30 and think 'Morag, shut your face' but I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
A small note: Admittedly, this birthday will be a weird one. I wasn't planning to do an announcement as to why it's been quiet round here but alas I'll drop it in right now and let people know I'm not dead. I was made redundant recently and Friday was my last day. Right now I'm job searching and attending interviews so blogging - along with all my other hobbies - has taken a backseat (this post was pre-written ages ago). I'll hopefully be back into the swing of things soon aka once I'm employed again. But for now I'm away out to 13th Note with my parents for some vegan nosh (and attending an interview...on my birthday).
Love you all.
14. Success and happiness really is the best revenge. But don't run yourself into the ground chasing goals just to prove something to someone who hurt you.
15. Maintaining a good reputation and being an all round good person will be your saviour when you're the victim of someone else's slander.
16. If someone is dramatic with other people, they'll eventually be dramatic with you too.
17. If you're networking as an introvert sometimes if your face is just seen enough times at events it will help.
18. And networking can also be known as 'knowing a lot of people'. Expand your social circle in general.
19. You can't control who you meet but you can control the person you are when you meet them.
20. Define success on your own terms. If you want to be the CEO of law firm: go for it! If you're quite content with a 'boring' office job: revel in doing what you know is right for you.
21. As long you can make ends meet and live within your means, it's no ones business what you spend your disposable income on. Spend your Christmas bonus on a new sofa or a Batman lego set and tell everyone else to 'eff off.
22. Learn to forgive. Not because someone deserves it, but because you deserve to let go of anger.
23. Private landlords are better than letting agents.
24. Prioritise your health. Go for your six month dentist check-up, find out where your happy place is and visit regularly, find an a form exercise that doesn't make you want to throw things at a wall, eat your daily apple, get tested for STDs and practice good hygiene.
25. Maturity and wisdom is a gradual process. I may look back at this list at 30 and think 'Morag, shut your face' but I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
A small note: Admittedly, this birthday will be a weird one. I wasn't planning to do an announcement as to why it's been quiet round here but alas I'll drop it in right now and let people know I'm not dead. I was made redundant recently and Friday was my last day. Right now I'm job searching and attending interviews so blogging - along with all my other hobbies - has taken a backseat (this post was pre-written ages ago). I'll hopefully be back into the swing of things soon aka once I'm employed again. But for now I'm away out to 13th Note with my parents for some vegan nosh (and attending an interview...on my birthday).
Love you all.
