23 Things I've Learned At 23
It’s my 23rd birthday. Woot woot.
Turning 23 feels lukewarm. It’s not exciting like being able to drink, there's no Taylor Swift song at 23, and I’m not yet at my quarter-life crisis. But turning 23 does make me want to grab my hair and scream “HOLY F*CK, I’M GETTING OLD!”
I wish I could freeze time like I freeze chicken thighs, but until then, I can only take time to reflect. Reflect on how far I’ve come and what I want to do next.
My ultimate goal is to be 100 years old and completely self-actualized. I have a looong way to go. But I'm proud at how far I've come. I've worked hard to rewire my brain; to change how I think, see the world and universe at large.
NO part of my journey has been easy. I have these voices in my head, and they sound a lot like my Asian parents’ voice scolding me saying "mental health? that's not real work", but oh how these voices LIE!!!
So in full betrayal of these voices, telling me I shouldn't put myself out there, here's 23 things I've learned, 23 fuck you's to my self-doubt! 23 nuggets of wisdom I want to cement into the Internet and keep me accountable for years to come as I chase my dream.
23 things learned at 23:
If meditation doesn't work for you, just take a Goddamn nap, you know you need it
Three deeps breaths go a long way to calm the nerves bubbling up
Money is hard to make, but shit is hard to eat
Airports are just adventure portals
Life’s too short to eat like a Victoria’s Secret model and not get paid like one
Everyone has been through some shit, therefore, be kind
The funniest people usually have gone through the most shit
An angry woman is a free woman
If you're scared, don't let your body language show it
Therapy is always a good investment, it's either you free yourself from your trauma, or you let it subconsciously drive your decisions. You choose.
It's biologically impossible to not care what people think of you, ignore anyone who says otherwise
Power posing actually works, search it up.
Fashion is not frivolous, anyone who looks down on it, tell them to go naked
If you can't convince your parents you’re an entrepreneur, how on earth can you convince anyone else?
Anybody showing you their true colours is a gift, even if it breaks your heart.
Your heart will always rebuild itself, always.
Growing up means finally understanding that your parents are only human
Speaking of parents, if they’ve hurt you, it’s never your fault
Hurt people, hurt people
If someone pisses you off, write a letter to them, don't hold anything back, and don't send it. There, don't you feel better?
Love yourself because if you don't, when you're left alone, you'll be in terrible company
Even gangsters cry sometimes, so cry please. It's good for your health.
Your instinct always knows what's good for you, don't go against it because it'll only harm you in the long run.
Anyways, that’s all. I'm going to go stroll around the streets of London and soak in my birthday 🥰
Stay beautiful xx.
Love,
Liya