Today is my 21st birthday, I’m in Oropesa Del Mar, Spain, just off of Benicassim with a 180 degree view of mountains, the sea and gorgeous period Spanish homes fully knowing something I’m passionate about has got me to this moment, having a truly bodacious holiday with not only my boyfriend but he’s also my best friend.
I’m about to Skype home to the family to tell them how much I love them and later this evening I get to watch my favourite band Florence And The Machine, life is looking pretty good right?
It seems to get to this perfect moment of finding the equal balance in life has taken but a grand 21 years and a whole lotta hard work.
As people, our experiences make us knowledgable and wise, and although the road of life may be rocky and full of bumps it’s how we deal with those situations that make us our current being.
My life has never been fully perfect like anyone elses, and this post isn’t me gloating at how fantastic living in the fab lane is. I wanted to write this because it’s important to me to stop and be mindful of what is happening at this exact point in the universe.
I live by the famous 80s cult Ferris Bueller quote “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” which is a lot wiser than just a catchy phrase in one of the best teen movies.
So amongst everything you do learn to be mindful and appreciate the small things.
I said I would never grow up but over the past year I’ve felt myself grow into a lovely young lady with a mature head on my shoulders, I’ll always be the same old Stephi that’s clumsy, with a quirky sense of humor but from now onwards more confident, happy, creative and aspirational. Life’s got so many exciting adventures at the gates to a whole new world of adulthood and to achieve everything I’ve done in my life I give myself a massive pat on the back.
21 TRUTHS
FRIENDS COME AND GO BUT REAL FRIENDS WAIT FOR YOU
You know they’ve always got your back, whether you don’t speak for months on end or everyday, one phone call will help you remember they love you like they always did, and both your lives are twirling in separate spirals as long as they entwine once in a while that’s all you need.
OFFICIALLY BEING AN ADULT DOENS’T GIVE YOU SUPERHUMAN POWERS, BUT YOU DO FEEL LIKE YOU’VE LEVELLED UP!
I woke up this morning expecting a booster pad and a pair of wings but instead a fresh creative mind full of wonderful ideas!
IT’S OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES BUT IT’S HOW YOU DEAL WITH THEM THAT MAKES YOU STRONGER
Life’s one big learning curve and by facing fears, taking risks and trying you succeed at making a conscious effort to try something new, but things don’t always work so re-strategise and try again!
SAVING COINS AT THE END OF EACH WEEKS REEKS REWARDS WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST
I tip my purse into a jar and collect together my spends to put towards greater causes and days at the end of the month where a little ‘me’ treats are in order!
SPEND IT ON EXPERIENCES INSTEAD OF MATERIALISTIC THINGS
Memories stay with you for life and experiences speak louder than possessive items, yes we all enjoy having nice homes but you have the rest of your life to make a house a home.
EXPLORING THE WORLD AT A YOUNG AGE BROADENS YOUR MIND
Different cultures, languages, food and music are all waiting at your fingertips, so by saving it will give you experiences like no other, and a fresh sense of perspective on your own life to make good decisions and not limit yourself to living in your home country.
RELATIONSHIPS WORK AT DIFFERENT PACES
Looking to other people your age and their relationship status should have no reflection on your decisions. As someone who enjoys stability, no drama or controversy and head over heels with a partner I found love at a young age, but others find it much older, so don’t feel pressured to find someone early or stay single because that’s the ‘thing’ to do. Equally as much getting rid of time wasters and none committers will see a soar in quality of life.
COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING
From previous relationships, friendships and blogging I’ve learnt that you cannot expect others to read your mind and inside input is necessary in expressing your thoughts. Being truthful about your feelings can not only benefit you, but others around you who may not think highly of themselves.
TRYING NEW THINGS BUILDS CHARACTER
You never know what you love until you try it. For me seafood has been my new discovery that’s opened up a universe of taste. But not just food, a bungee jump might be your cup of tea but unless you find out for yourself you’ll never know what you were missing
LEARNING TO BE INDEPENDENT IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER UNLEARN
Being comfortable in your own company, and going to a restaurant on your own is a mark of independence. Some people feed off others as social conformity but without them you were still you so enjoy being alone and celebrate yourself for everything fabulous that you are!
SINGING THE LITTLE MERMAID IN THE BATH IS STILL A THING
Never forget the little things that make you special. I can’t sing but that will never stop that nostalgic 4 year old part of me that loved being young and belting out Under The Sea
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
Moderation is everything now. Alcohol is calorific and your body is a temple for everything you throw in. Treat it like a car that needs fuel to run.
CALL HOME MORE OFTEN – YOUR PARENTS WERE 21 ONCE
They got you to this point in your life and now you’re an adult they can look to you for a few lessons to be learnt and whilst a quick phone call can help you configure a washing machine, they’re ageing too and appreciate a heart to heart as much as you may need one.
SMILING AT PEOPLE IN THE STREET COULD MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY
We all have crummy days of feeling like total poo and a smile or compliment could be everything, I’m sure you’d want one too right?
DON’T CHANGE YOUR MORALS AND ETHICS FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Be loved for the person you are and not someone who sees you as under construction.
RESPECT YOUR LIMITS
There’s only 24 hours in one day so make it count but don’t overdo it.
SET YOURSELF GOALS
Keeping yourself on your toes keeps productivity ticking and the spark of a dream alive.
NEVER TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUS
A fun personality warms a crowd and deep down we’re not all 100% serious about everything we do and a good giggle is important once in a while.
MAKE YOUR OWN JOURNEY
Lead a rich fulfilling life knowing you made every bit of it happen.
FIRST JOBS ARE NEVER THE BEST JOBS
Entry level jobs and things that get by aren’t the snazziest, but things will always get better if you persist and work for it.
BE A FLAMINGO IN A FLOCK OF PIGEONS
Don’t conform to what society expects you to be and be unique in whatever way you want, who’s to judge but yourself?
I’ve learnt so much from what seems a short 21 years and I hope I continue to build more amazing relationships with people, grow as a person, explore the world and everything it has to offer so I can achieve the best dream of all, being happy
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