Life is not perfect, it's all about growth..

I’m only six months in to my 21^st year on this wonderful and weird earth but I truly feel I’ve been taught so many new lessons. I’ve been reflecting on the past few months, which seem to be an absolute whirlwind! A lot has been going on with family, weddings, completing second year with a first, University stress, trying to find a job and leaving a toxic relationship.

I thought I’d share 21 things I have learned so far whilst being 21, I’ve come to realise growing up is a scary and daunting thing in this ever changing world but we’ve just gotta suck it up and give it our best shot! You only get one go at it better make it a good one.

•     One of the biggest lesson I’ve learnt so far is your body will change, you will learn to embrace it. Stretch marks, weight gain, weight loss, growing boobs! It’s all part of becoming a woman learn to love the skin you live in :)
•    Some friends will leave your life, trust me hold that door wide open – who needs toxic friends? Not me boo. Some people bring nothing to a friendship and don’t want to see you succeed. Let them go, you won’t miss them as much as you think.
•    The person you think you’re in love with and scared to let go of but know you need to, ‘tell em boy bye’. It may seem daunting at first but trust me there are plenty more fish in the sea and you are stronger than needing to rely on somebody. Happiness is an internal job, don’t designate that power to ANYBODY else!
•    Times are tough, but the support around you is always there for you trust me, somebody loves you! You may think you’ve reached rock bottom, but it’s never really the end. I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason and to make you stronger.
•   Moving away from your home town really test friendships and relationships. The amount of friends I lost contact with when I stopped making one sided effort was shocking, but you deal with it and move on.
•     You will feel like you’ve not got your shit together and maybe a little bit like Britney in 2007, but truly does anyone ever really have their shit together? Trust me it’s okay not to be okay – if you need help reach out to someone, anyone, a problem shared is a problem halved.
•    Make effort with your family, you only get one and they are the core to your happiness. They will always be there for you.
•    Your mum is your best friend and will NEVER let you down, I have put my mum through hell and back recently and she was by my side the whole journey. As much as I hate to admit it she truly knows what’s best for me.
•    Make your own happiness and put yourself first, its okay to be selfish at times, its your life, live it the way you wish to! Find comfort in those who look out for your best interests and still love you at your worst.
•     There will be a point where you feel so stressed and if there is no way out, Lord knows I felt this many times this academic year! Take time for your mental health and to do something nice for yourself every day – relax, be kind and stop being so hard on yourself. Make realistic expectations.
•    Trust your gut if you feel it, you’re probably right. Your mind can make you think you’re paranoid, your heart can be blind but the gut is always right. Stick to your intuitions and do what’s best for you.
•      Debating whether to go out with friends or stay in alone to do work. Pick going out most of the time, it’ll make you feel so much better and you never know who you might meet or the unforgettable memories you’ll make on that one night.
•      Sometimes as hard as it is to suck it up and walk away, it is the best option. This can apply to many situations – friendships, relationships, arguments. If it’s causing you unnecessary stress leave it be, squash it, dead it and aim for higher things!
•     Change your style up, step out your comfort zone whether that be hair, make up, clothing or even wearing a pair of heels for a change. Go out and be someone you usually aren’t for a night and trust me the difference you will feel in yourself, a new found confidence and sexiness is unreal.
•    Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, you are you and you’re fine just the way you are. Everyone has something different about them and that’s what makes us all unique, don’t try to be someone you’re not.
•     Never stop taking chances and risks you only get one chance to write your story so why make it a boring one. Do a sky dive, book a spontaneous holiday, go out for a drink with a guy, apply for the job you’ve always wanted, travel the word but, always be safe.
•    Don’t chase after anyone, if they’re not reciprocating the effort you have been putting in step back you are not a mug! There will always be someone who appreciates you just as much as you appreciate them you’ve just got to be willing to take the time to find them.
•     Accept your emotions they are a part of you. I am a real emotional person I love deeply, cry easily and laugh hard but I wouldn’t change it. If you feel it show it, going through the emotions you need to feel at that moment in time is okay and no one is to tell you different.
•     Your friends may have good intentions in life but don’t let them control you, if you wanna give the guy you’ve been with his 100^th chance you do that it’s your life. Accept their advice and the fact they’re keeping your best interests at heart but ultimately it’s your life and you need to make mistakes to experience things.
•    Enjoy life, every second of it and live in the moment. Worrying about your future won’t help you, sit back and enjoy the journey ahead of you.
•    Finally the most important lesson, I have learned and you can learn through yourself is self-love. Understand that you are or will be someone’s everything at some point in your life even if you have not reached it yet. On the days you can’t see how beautiful and amazing you are, I promise you someone else can. There are over 7 billion people on this planet and not one of them is you, so love yourself first. Be proud of who you are and not ashamed of how someone else may see you.

Thank you for reading, 

Maisie x