Turning 31

Today is my 31st birthday, can you believe it, I’m in my sort of mid thirties now. Cray cray.

Every year as the pumpkin spiced lattes come out to play, I find myself reflecting on memories from the numerical age I’m about to say farewell to, and anticipating what the next year will hold.

The past year has been somewhat frustrating and challenging, more so with being made redundant twice, my endometriosis operation and a bunch of other unexpected stuff, however, this year also holds so many special memories that I cherish with loved ones. I turned the big 3-0, celebrating in style at Dirty Martini with close friends and family followed by a family meal the next day. It was joyous. Then came Christmas festivities and than bam, 2020 truly fucked us over.

However, I am hopeful that turning 31 is going to be a special year. Maybe just maybe, I’ll get my dream home and maybe I’ll get lucky with finding a new job. And maybe, just maybe things will fall into place later on in the year after my reversal of the stoma. I’m looking at turning 31 with optimism.

Any who, today I thought I would share some life lessons, thirty one life lessons to be exact. I always find myself looking back on these when I’m having a rather shit day. And, remember life isn’t so bad and there’s lots to look forward to.

Here’s to be being thirty one! And, on that note here’s thirty one life lessons:

1. Your health is important. Take care of yourself.

If there’s anything to take away from the past couple of years is that being unwell truly sucks the life out of you. Seriously take care of yourself.

2. Life is too short, do what you love!

It’s so important to be doing the things you love, career wise. I’m not hinting ‘go and quit your job’, but it’s important to chose a career that you love with your whole heart. After all, you’ll be working 9-5, five days a week!

3. It’s the little things in life.

A cuppa tea, fish ‘n’ chips and company with those you love. There’s nothing more important than embracing those little things in life.

4. Travel as much as you can.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel to lots of different countries, I feel incredibly lucky to have done so. Keep on exploring different cultures, there’s so much more to see in the world.

5. If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok.

Don’t beat yourself up about it.

6. Happiness is the key.

If there’s one thing to take away from my life lessons, happiness should always come first and is the key.

7. You are the only person who can change and improve yourself.

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut with yourself, change things. Only YOU can help and improve your financial situation and your happiness.

8. Be nice to everyone you meet.

You have no idea what that person could be battling with, so it’s important to be nice to EVERYONE. And, a smile never hurt nobody!

9. Always save a pot of money for yourself.

For treats, holidays and for your mortgage. You never know what may happen with your job or marriage.

10. Your twenties are the best years of your life, make the most of them! Your thirties are pretty damn sweet as well.

I loved my twenties, not so much the early 20’s but I definitely grew as a person and found out what I liked and disliked. Pretty excited for my mid and late thirties.

11. Don’t settle down, unless you’re ready!

If you want to be single, that’s fine! If you want to be in a relationship that’s also fine. But make sure you’re ready.

12. Love is about compromise, respect and trust.

Can’t sweat it enough. Relationships are effortless when you compromise, respect and trust one another.

13. Music can instantly make you feel better, especially a bit of John Mayer, yes please.

There’s nothing better than putting in your airpods and listening to your favourite tunes.

14. It’s ok to say ‘no’ every now and again.

I used to be a YES person, I said YES to everything and it broke me as a person. It’s ok to say no every now and again.

15. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

You shouldn’t beat yourself up or be too hard on yourself, you’re only human after all.

16. ‘Hating’ is a wasted emotion.

I’ve got no time for hate. Why can’t everyone just be nice and get along with each other. Not asking for too much am I?

17. Don’t allow yourself to get engrossed in any BS.

Who needs BS, not me thank you!

18. See your friends and family as much as you can.

You never know what’s going to happen in the future, as morbid as it sounds, family members and friends aren’t going to be around forever, so make the most of seeing them while you can.

19. Getting married will be the BEST day of your life.

Seriously, it will be! I remember mine like it was yesterday, everything was perfect.

20. Take photographs of everything, treasure your memories and share them!

I think it’s so great we live in this Digital age where we can share everything with anyone. And, it’s nice to look back on memories.

21. Invest in a designer handbag, it will last you years!

I invested in a GUCCI bag for my 30th birthday and love it! I’m also going to treat myself to a YSL tote bag this year for my birthday.

22. Throw any negativity out of your life and focus on the good.

Who needs negativity?! Not me!

23. Comparison is the thief of joy.

STOP comparing yourself to strangers who ‘have’ this amazing life on social media. It’s NOT real!

24. Get on the property ladder as soon as you can. Even if you’re putting down 5% deposit.

I wish Joe and I put down money on a property sooner, we rented for ages and we were paying for someone else’s mortgage! Absolute madness when you think about it.

25. It’s ok to have expensive taste, you only live once!

If you want to go out for nice fancy meals, that’s ok! If you want a designer hand bag that’s also ok. Want to book a five star hotel? Also absolutely fine. It’s ok to have expensive taste.

26. However, saying that, being materialistic is never a good thing lol. (Contradicting myself I know, I know).

I try my upmost to not be ‘materialistic’, however I do enjoy the expensive things in life. But I also love a bargain! It’s all about balance.

27. Minimalism is fantastic!

If you ever get the opportunity, de-clutter your life and become a minimalist, it will change your life.

28. Give to charities when you can.

I’m all for giving to charities close to my heart, like Endometriosis, Dog’s Trust and Battersea dogs and cats home. Give what you can, it doesn’t have to be a huge amount.

29. Be happy for your friends and family’s successes!

There’s nothing greater than seeing my friends and family succeed. I love celebrating their successes!

30. Love with your whole heart.

If you love someone, tell them! Leave them little notes around the house to show your appreciation.

31. It’s ok to have shit days, you’re only human after all.

Nobody’s perfect. That’s life. Except that you’re going to have a bad day every now and again, or maybe you’ll have a few shit weeks, allow yourself that time and know that it’s going to be ok.

So there’s thirty one life lessons. What lessons have you learnt in life?

I’m going to go have a cuppa and a slice of cake now. Thanks for reading and have a fab day!

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