Reflecting On A Quarter Of A Century
Last week I turned 25, and I really freaked out about it.
But you know what, it’s not so bad. I won’t lie, the blow was softened by the bouncer who ID’d me on my birthday night because he thought I was 16 – yah had to sneak that in. So I’m 25 and I haven’t yet taken up bingo and my hair is only voluntarily grey. I’ve been on this earth a grand old quarter of a century and as much as I still feel internally 19 I’m ready to embrace the next stage of my 20’s.
I’d like to think I’ve learnt a few life lessons which have led me to this stage, some important some not-so (like learning that co-op vegan friendly donuts freeze really well) but nethertheless still handy. So I thought I’d share with ya’ll what this 25 year old has learnt in her first quarter of life…
1. Experiences Are More Valuable Than Things
This one took me quite a while to appreciate, I was very much a designer bag addict in my late teens and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing but I am saying that these don’t make me happy anymore. I used to feel such a buzz from spending money and having a splurge in Selfridges but now I get more of a buzz from saving my $ and spending it on trips and experiences. 18 year old me would be, like, soo disgusted by that.
*but if anyone wants to treat me to a Stella McCartney Falabella box bag plz feel free.
2. Saving Money Is Important
Being young, wild & reckless was fun BUT I do wish I had started saving more money at a much younger age than erm 24. In my defence I was a uni student but I really didn’t need 37 variations of crop top from Topshop. I guess that one is just a part of growing up, but I could really do with that cash sitting in my bank rather than under my bed right now because house deposits do NOT come cheap.
3. Some Of Your Biggest Mistakes Shape Your Life
We don’t grow if we don’t mistakes. I’ve made mistakes, we all have and I am now thankful for those. Dropping out of my first University wasn’t my finest moment but it all worked out in the end and I still bagged my degree. Even though these resulted in major lows and frustration, my life would never have turned out how it is now if I hadn’t of made those. So for that I am grateful.
4. Failure Isn’t Always Negative
Speaking of my University experience, this is a big one. I’ve never dealt well with failure and have always strived to do my very best in whatever I take on (ugh cringe) but sometimes a failure is needed to teach you, and mold you as a person. When I dropped out of my first uni I felt like I may as well as come home with failure written on my forehead but it was the best decision I ever made. I didn’t enjoy living so far away from home and I was just not cut out for the student lifestyle. Plus if I hadn’t of dropped out I would never have started this blog so there you go!
6. Not To Care What Others Think
I admit, I used to care what other people thought of me. What they thought of my clothes, and what they thought of me as a person. Now I literally couldn’t care less, of course I don’t want to be seen as a nasty person (trust me – I’m not, unless hungry) but I don’t care if someone doesn’t like my trousers or thinks I’m a massive narcissist. Yes, putting yourself out there as a blogger can result in a little negative attention and people assuming you must 100% love yourself but we all know that’s not what blogging is about. When I first pressed publish on this blog I was petrified, and kept it secret for a long time in fear I would have the piss taken out of me. Now I proudly share my content and collabs – plus who doesn’t have a blog these days?!
7. Putting Yourself Out Of Your Comfort Zone Is Important
We’ve all seen the quote on Pinterest but life really does start at the end of your comfort zone. Putting yourself out there can be scary as hell but it generally pays off in the long run. Waking up for my first day as a fashion intern in London was hands down one of the scariest mornings of my life. I thought I was getting myself into the Devil Wears Prada, and whilst it was crazy it was also an invaluable experience and taught me a hell of a lot as naive first year uni student.
8. Going Vegan Will Change Your Life
Soz but I had to mention it! Last year I went vegan and I can’t tell you how much this has changed my whole outlook on life. I’ve always been veggie, but taking time to learn about the dairy industry and general everyday exploitation of animals made me stop and reevaluate all of my life choices. This has meant adapting my diet, cutting out leather and switching to ethical beauty products but it’s actually way easier than I imagined and I feel like it’s made me a better person. I’ve also never eaten so well and I actually enjoy cooking rather than dreading it! We don’t need to use animal products in modern day cooking, there are so many healthier, more environmentally friendly options out there.
9. Spontaneity Keeps Life Interesting
I’ve always been a fairly spontaneous person. I’ll make snap decisions and usually they turn out pretty ok. At the end of last year Charlie and I were discussing how much we would love to go on a US road trip. The following weekend we were on our usual mooch about Cambridge and wandered past STA Travel. Half an hour later and we’d booked a campver-van and flights to San Fransisco. We leave in June and we’re both SO excited. It’s always important to have something to look forward to and this definitely kept me going through the winter months!
10. Your Mum Is Your BFF
I’m not a soppy kinda gal so I’ll just end on that point – yes mum, you’re welcome.
