July 22, 2023

    The blog is late but this time for good reason. It's my date of birth today, making this my 21st time around the sun!!! Sometimes I feel like I've lived 5 separate lives already, currently on the 6th, especially as a child who was always called “mature,” but at least on this plane of reality I am 21.  Anyways, I thought it would be cute to do 21 lessons I've learned in my 21 years because I always enjoy reading them. These are lessons I had to learn the hard way, so if it sounds like I'm projecting, I am.

    1.    Don't buy shoes that are pretty that aren't your size just because they're the only ones they have. You will wear them once and they will make your feet bleed
    2.    I truly believe you are the average of the 5 closest people to you. If you are around negative people, your mindset will become negative too.
    3.    Ask people about themselves - especially if you get anxious everyone lovessssss to talk about themselves
    4.    If something bothers you, vocalize it to the other person - and it doesn't have to be accusatory but just to make them know how you feel. Most people will respond better than you think.
    5.    Boys are literally dumb and haven't developed their pre frontal cortex. Why would you care what they think of you? (unless ur reading this then ur cool)
    6.    Never ever ever ever EVER put a guy above a close friendship. The guy will inevitably be shitty and you will miss your friend.
    7.    Gloss over lipstick always
    8.    Two braids save a bad hair day
    9.    If you have a compliment for a stranger, give it to them.
    10.    Wear things that don't really go together - they're kinda always the best outfits
    11.    Your phone makes you sad. Try to get off it as much as possible.
    12.    It's ok to think you look pretty without shame attached to it.
    13.    Don't let other people tell you what's realistic. They are just trying to protect you from their own disappointments and failures, but you're not them.
    14.    Notice patterns in your life, in other people, patterns tell you a lot about what is changing and what you still need to work on
    15.    Throw a vegetable in every meal cuz why not they're yummy and make your skin glow
    16.    It's so lame to save an experience or an outfit for when you think you'll be skinny enough. You can do it all now without the self hatred.
    17.    Nothing is unfixable - there is always a solution if you pivot instead of dwelling on the mistake
    18.    Share your art and follow your passions. You will find a way to make money at it.
    19.    You're not unlovable just because you haven't been in a relationship. My mom once told me when I was sad It takes one day for what hasn't happened in a lifetime and I thought that was really cute.
    20.    Be silly. It's more fun anyways.
    21.    Practice gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for even when you feel like dog shit.

This year has been the best of my life so far, and a lot of that has to do with you if You're reading this. Thank you and I can't wait to make 21 even better.

I love you,
Grace