Today is my 26th birthday.
I’m still a bit nervous about it, because it means I’m four years closer to being thirty (!!!). About a month ago, I posted my first thirteen pieces of “things I’ve learned” – aka Part I. So check it out if you like, then let’s get started with Part II!
14. Do something that you consider fun every day, no matter how small and/or seemingly silly. Some days, it’s indulging in a chocolate bar from Trader Joe’s. Other days, it’s just dressing cute and admiring how I look in the mirror. To make every day a bit more fun, I like to incorporate small things that bring me joy.
15. In order to be more content, it’s better to live and let live. I find that I am much happier when I focus on bettering myself instead of worrying about who someone else is or what s/he is doing. Other people are gonna be who they are, and that’s their right. It’s also your right to be who you are. Embrace the differences, and continue being your amazing self.
16. If you’re wanting to do something but are apprehensive… It’s best to just start. I’ve been equally intimidated by and enamored with blogging for years. And there are a million reasons as to why I shouldn’t do it. But there are also a million reasons as to why I should. I have found that simply just doing it helps out a lot. It’s much easier to get into a good blogging routine when I just do the damn thing instead of freaking out over all the ridiculous details.
17. Sometimes, adult life is just plain weird. Actually, life in general is weird. But adult life is especially weird. It’s aight. Embrace the weirdness. Prime example: you may one day find yourself drunk in a grocery store, arguing with the guy you’re dating that you just need fancy-ass glass Pyrex tupperware [and that’s kinda weird, is it not?]. Not that I’d know that from experience or anything…
18. Learn to forgive yourself and let go. If you gained five pounds, it’s not the end of the world (seriously!). If you accidentally on purpose drank an entire bottle of wine, it’s okay. We’ve all been there. Learn from your perceived mistakes, try to figure out how to prevent them from happening next time, and keep going. It really is okay; don’t beat yourself up.
19. Just because someone is a nice/cute/”cool” person does not mean that they are the “right” person for you. I have dated a few guys; and for the most part, they are nice and decent dudes. But I have learned the hard way that they are not right for me. That can be unfortunate – sometimes amicable breakups are worse than messy ones. In the end, however, it’s for the best; it means that you are that much closer to finding someone who is more right for you.
20. There is almost always a way [or usually multiple ways!] to solve just about any problem. If one method for solving a problem – whether it’s at work or in a relationship or any kind of personal issue – isn’t working, there’s usually an alternative route. Most problems can be solved, even if it takes a lot of hard work, thinking, and painful discussions. I try to keep this in mind to reduce my anxiety levels and stay positive about life.
21. If you want something bad enough, you’ll keep tryin’. Or, conversely, if you don’t want something bad enough, you’ll probably find excuses. Think long and hard about why you want something, and keep going.
22. In general, your mid-to-late twenties are going to be a lot better than your early twenties. I will always miss certain aspects and memories of my early 20s. Sometimes it’s fun to reminisce about my undergrad days. I have a lot of really entertaining [some more embarrassing than others] stories. But would I ever go back to the ages of 20-24? Not a chance. I am much more secure in who I am and happier with where I’m at now. So if you are in your early 20s and are struggling, keep going. Things do get a little easier as you grow into who you’re meant to be.
23. Keep pursuing your passions unabashedly, and shake it off [whoops, TSwift reference] when others tease you about your obsessions. A lot of people tease me for being so obsessed with baking and crafts and all that “artsy fartsy” stuff. Some people think it’s goofy. But guess who has delicious baked goods? Not them [unless I share, of course]. Other people may not understand your passions, but guess what? It doesn’t matter. Keep doing what you love, even if you don’t receive recognition and approval from others.
24. I read this somewhere awhile back, but I wholeheartedly believe that it’s true: “When the answer is ‘no,’ trust that a better answer is ahead.” It’s super easy to take rejection personally. Whether it be rejections related to dating, school, or work… Let’s be honest: it stings. A lot. It really helps me to keep things in perspective – that when one person or organization tells me, “No, I don’t want you.” – there will be something better {read: more suitable for ME!} coming along in the near future. It may take weeks, months, or years… But in time, things do fall together how they’re supposed to; it’s just one of those weird mysteries of life in which you gotta have a little faith.
25. Cut other people some slack. Most of the time, people are doing the best they can, in the best way that they know how. You never know what demons a person is battling. Of course, this does not excuse crappy behavior. However, it’s sometimes just not worth our time and energy to get on people for being, well, human [read: imperfect].
26. Being four years away from age thirty is not all that bad. Actually, I kind of like it. I know I’ve barely been 26, but I think it’s growing on me already. Why? Because the beauty of getting older is that every year, you’re wiser, you’ve grown more as a person, and you’ve accomplished more. Every day, I’m getting closer to accomplishing my goals, and learning to love myself for who I am. I think twenty-six-year-old Darcie is a pretty cool chick. And I’m looking forward to enjoying the latter half of my 20s!
What have you learned over the years? I think it’s a good idea to reflect back on how much we grow and learn each year. It is especially helpful when I’m feeling stupid/inadequate/like a failure in general; it reminds me of how much progress I make as a human being every year.
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