24 things i’ve learned at 24
reflections on my 24th birthday
Birthdays have always felt bittersweet to me. I recognise that it’s a celebration of your life, your birth, the fact that you surpassed all the scientific odds and probabilities to be here, to be you. But it’s also a startling reminder of the passage of time, a marker of your ageing, the fact you are simply growing up.
On every birthday since I turned 20, I have simultaneously felt like I’m running out of time to do all the things I want to do, while also feeling comforted by the knowledge that I still have so many years ahead of me. It’s a paradox I quite simply can’t figure out.
As a virgo, by nature I don’t like being the centre of attention. I only had a couple of birthday parties as a child, because the thought of having a crowd of faces blinking back at me as I blew out my candles gave me anxiety butterflies. Even at the age of 24, I still haven’t figured out where you’re supposed to look when people are singing ‘happy birthday’ to you. If anyone knows the answer to this, please pass it on.
Nevertheless, I have spent another year on this earth and it is true what they say: with age comes wisdom. So here are 24 things / life lessons I’ve learned in my 24 years:
Appreciate the small moments even while they’re happening. Nostalgia will have you looking back and wishing you soaked it in more.
You have to be uncomfortable to grow.
Find a hobby that genuinely brings you joy so that you always have downtime from work.
Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, and that’s ok. You also don’t have to forgive everyone, not everyone deserves your forgiveness. Acceptance of the situation can be enough to move on.
Don’t keep thinking about what could’ve been. It will just make you miserable.
Jealously is an acceptable emotion to feel, but turning it into something productive is the sign of maturity.
Quality over quantity is a rule you should apply to most things in life.
Learning to enjoy your own company is a skill you need to hone. Independence is a must in your 20s.
Your love is not, and shouldn’t be, an infinite resource. Only spend your love and time on people who truly deserve it.
Make healthier choices for the benefit of future you - whatever that means.
Dance to your favourite songs in your room regularly.
Rejection is a part of life, and you need to learn to handle it with grace.
Say no and set boundaries, both in your personal and professional life.
Try not to immediately react on emotion, take time to think and rationalise first.
Don’t date just for the sake of dating, stick to your standards. Being single is better than being with the wrong person.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.
Sometimes your feelings aren’t hurt, it’s your ego.
Having an ‘everything’ shower and reading a good book in fresh sheets is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Don’t get too drunk at work parties.
You’re going to make friends and lose friends. Understand that different friends are suited for different situations.
Always carry lip balm with you.
You don’t need to have an opinion on everything, especially if you don’t have enough information on the topic.
Don’t be so modest all the time, your strengths and skills should be celebrated.
Hindsight is a humbling thing. You’ll look back at many situations with the realisation that you could’ve handled them better, but all you can do now is forgive yourself and move on.
Happy Birthday, girl!! I'm 64 and I'm still learning all the brilliant things on your list. You are wise.
To quell birthday anxiety, I do the same thing every year. Something I love that i KNOW makes me happy. Sometimes I go with one person, sometimes a handful of friends. It's a Yankee game. I love never having to worry or wonder what I'm going to do. I hope all your wishes come true . xxoxox
Happy Birthday Leah. I recently turned 32 and your list is still relatable. :)