32 Things I’ve Learned Before 32

Capturing my birthday here on my blog has long been one of my favourite things to do. This year, I thought I’d approach the milestone differently, and share 32 things I’ve learned as I step into my 32nd year. (I can safely say I did not think I’d still be writing and sharing here, aged 30+!) Through plenty of self-growth, self-love and therapy, I feel like I’m striding confidently into the future.

I’m so grateful to constantly feel happy, loved, balanced and grateful, and it’s all a culmination of practicing gratitude daily, embracing a slower pace of life and leaning on my loved ones whenever I need to. So, before I zoom off to Rome tomorrow morning to celebrate turning 32, here are the 32 things I’ve learned and would love to share with you…

  1. Always prioritise your health. Listen to your body and what it’s telling you; often, this is just what it needs. Nourish yourself with good food, good exercise and good thoughts. Book appointments where it’s needed and always follow up on even the smallest concerns.
  2. Trying (and trying again) does not always mean failure. The path to success is rarely linear, even if social media makes it look like it is.
  3. Keep your circle small.
  4. Having a handful of delicious recipes in your back pocket is key. I have go-to meals for WFH lunches, impromptu hosting and – perhaps most importantly – the ultimate comfort meal for days that felt tricker than usual.
  5. Stay curious.
  6. It’s okay to say that you don’t know what to say. As a writer, this is especially difficult to stomach. Sometimes, you won’t have advice to give to a friend or the right response immediately – often just being there is already more than enough.
  7. The ‘right’ love will feel impossibly easy and natural – just like breathing.
  8. Friends are your chosen family, but even then you may outgrow them, just like any relationship. Like Taylor Swift said: “You may leave behind friendships along the way, but you’ll always keep the memories.”
  9. Be bravely staunch in setting and maintaining personal boundaries.
  10. You should always embrace being completely and utterly enthusiastic about the things, people and hobbies you love.
  11. Sharing stories is what binds us all together.
  12. Getting outdoors will always be a good idea. Leave your headphones at home, put your phone in your pocket and just walk.
  13. Animal Crossing will forever be my ultimate comfort game.
  14. Societal standards are ever-changing: it’s futile chasing them.
  15. Go with your gut.
  16. Being soft-hearted and a dreamer and a romantic isn’t bad.
  17. Positive self-talk goes a long, long way. Many of us are taught to be modest, which is a good thing, but sometimes you should let yourself believe just how magical you really are.
  18. In an age of TikTok and Instagram Reels and social media trends changing quicker than British weather, it’s important to maintain your attention span. Pick up books, switch on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode on your phone, go for long walks.
  19. Stop saving that dress for a special occasion, that notebook for a fresh chapter or that expensive candle… That time is right now.
  20. Life is a classroom. Hard times are just that: a hard time, but it’ll pass and you’ll learn from it.
  21. Solitude is the greatest treat in a world that is increasingly busy and switched-on.
  22. A little introversion and retrospection is good for everybody, be it journalling, meditation or just taking five minutes in the day to reflect and process your thoughts. Try it sometime.
  23. It’s perfectly fine not to have a personal brand. Normal, even.
  24. There’s not much better than fresh bedsheets on a Sunday.
  25. Get a handle on your finances, even if it takes you several years to knuckle down on what good budgeting looks like for you. It’s never too late to get started.
  26. Stop and smell the roses every day. That is, take time every single day to slow down and appreciate that particular moment in time. The smallest things bring the biggest joys over time.
  27. Drink water and wear SPF – it’ll take you miles.
  28. Pasta portioning is truly a myth. Measure that stuff with your heart.
  29. Never underestimate the effects of a well-timed surprise.
  30. 30.Give experiences and time, rather than things.
  31. You don’t have to keep up with the Internet’s supposedly relatable memes and trends. Sometimes it’s good to go against the grain: normalise enjoying mornings, workouts, not being lazy sometimes and being your own person.
  32. Step into the daylight and let it go.

Here’s to 32 – may you be the best year yet.

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