Things I’ve Learnt in 35 Years

It’s my birthday on Halloween and I’m reaching the mid-thirties mark.

I’m having a throwback moment today writing about ‘the things I’ve learnt as I’ve gotten older’. I’ve written a few of these over the years, more so when I was approaching my thirties.

My thirties so far have been up and down, I’ve made a lot of changes (for the better), but I truly believe the 35th year is going to be the best year. I’m super excited for what’s to come and I know I’m being quite cryptic. However, it’s been quite nice keeping a few things to myself at the moment and I will talk about them when I can.

So, moving swiftly on…

The things I’ve learnt… I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve changed a lot. I’m not the same person I was in my twenties that’s for sure. I have developed and blossomed.
Sometimes I struggle with defining or describing myself, but I like to think I’m relatively humble, relatively quiet but loud to those who know me well, likes to look on the positive side despite waves and mountains to climb and likes being a home body. I am super introverted and I come alive when I’m being creative in some form.

One thing I’ve learnt and has stuck by me is to travel as much as you possibly can, especially when you’re younger. Life changes so rapidly when you’re in your thirties whether it’s being able to take the time off work to travel, money expenses or having other big commitments. I try to have three holidays a year, sometimes shorter breaks on top of this too! Traveling helps soothe my mind and soul.

Forgive. I used to be the queen of holding a grudge but I’ve learnt to let go and forgive. Nobody is perfect, everyone is trying their best and life is simply too short. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and vice versa but letting go and forgiving is such a lovely feeling.

Life is what you make it. You can either go in with a positive outlook or negative outlook but you make the choices to have the life you want and desire. Sometimes we have absolute no control of shitty situations or how people behave, but it’s good to reflect, try to see the positives and see how you can overcome said shitty situations.

Exercise is the most mood-enhancing activity! I’ve loved running this year and going to the gym regularly. 9/10 I feel better every time I go for a run or to the gym. Also yoga does wonders for me!

Slow down. I used to be OVERLY productive and insanely busy but it had a huge impact on my health and I suffered a lot because of it. My schedule used to be non-stop until the early hours almost every day and it’s been weird but actually really lovely to slow down and listen to my body more in recent years. It has been hard to change these habits because I do like being busy, I like doing stuff and I like knowing that I’ve done a good job. However, unfortunately my stress levels get the better of me every-single-time, so I do take a lot of relaxation time for myself these days. And, I try not to have a rigid schedule. If something doesn’t get done, it can wait.

You can’t please everybody. Sometimes we have to let people down, we can’t always be that people-pleaser that we were brought up to be.

It’s ok to ask for help every now and again. I’m used to doing everything myself, I rarely ask for help for anything but when I feel like I need support or a little bit of help I reach out. It doesn’t come naturally to me to ask for support but I’m super grateful when people can spare a bit of time to help.

There are tons of other things I’ve learnt over the years, but I’m trying to keep this post fairly short and sweet.

I’m very much excited for my thirty fifth year on this planet! And the years to follow approaching my forties!