23 things by 23

I recently turned 23 (quarter life crisis on its way) and I really struggled to be excited for my birthday this year. For me, it felt as if I was exactly where I was this time last year. With a few minor changes but nothing had significantly changed in my life. I felt as if I had been frozen in time watching everyone else’s life move on around me. I was watching my friends excel in different aspects and as genuinely happy as I am for them, it is hard not to wonder when I’ll get to experience the same thing. I didn’t want to even think about the fact that a year had gone by and I didn’t really have much to show for it. 

I truly resonated with the song ‘right where you left me’ by Taylor Swift because I felt as if I was right where I’d been left a year ago. This year has been a tough one – I’ve had many personal and family setbacks and it definitely didn’t turn out to be the year I had planned in my head. But I’ve learnt to appreciate where I am. I’m not where I want to be but I am a lot further from where I was (at least I keep telling myself I am).

23 things by 23

In the spirit of last year, I am going to do 23 things I have learnt just in the last year. Some deep, others not so much.

1. Life is too short to care about what people think of you. Post what you want, take photos in public, wear what you want.
2. Nothing goes according to plan. Like ever.
3. I buy way too much activewear than I’ll ever need.
4. Long distance friendships are horrible.
5. Music really does make the world a better place.
6. I’ve learnt to accept that if I stop putting in all the effort, some friendships fizzle out. Which is okay – some chapters are meant to end.
7. Walking is my favourite form of exercise.
8. The world doesn’t stop spinning if I put on a little bit of weight.
9. I am a little too dependent on Marvel to provide me with happiness in the form of series or movies.
10. I still cry when I watch the last episode of The Vampire Diaries.
11. The Percy Jackson series is probably still my favourite book series to date.
12. Social media really is just a highlight reel of people’s lives. Not much of it is real.
13. Taylor Swift could release an album at any given point with no prior warning.
14. It helps to open up to my friends and lean on them during difficult times – I don’t always have to go through things alone.
15. I am way too codependent on my dogs.
16. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends.
17. Holding grudges is too much effort.
18. Pinterest is the best social media app.
19. Life’s too short not to tell people how you feel about them – in any aspect.
20. Totally okay to cry. A lot.
21. A good sunset really is a good form of therapy.
22. Making playlists is also a good form of therapy.
23. Life is too short.

I have decided to embrace 23. To welcome it with open arms. To hope that 23 will be the beginning of something big. To live it to the fullest I can and try to tell myself that I am not behind all the other 23 year olds. I am on *my* track. It may look a little different and take a little longer but it doesn’t mean my train isn’t moving. At the very least, I can be grateful Taylor released a song 100% relatable with the bonus of having the age 23 in it for me to sing for the rest of the year. I also got 2 new albums from her since my last birthday – so what do I really have to complain about? 

Here’s to 23 – apparently no one likes you when you’re 23 but nevertheless, still looking forward to it. 

All the love, Jay.