For those of you who don’t know me, (and for those that do but didn’t know this), I was born in 2000, meaning this year I turned 21. Birthdays always make me feel a little melancholy, even more so this year as I looked back on the past year and all the plans I had to cancel because of the pandemic.
However, the more I thought about this past year, the more I realised how much time I spent learning a hell a lot about myself and how to survive life as it tries its very hardest to absolutely crush you. Because, let’s be honest, the last few years have really felt like a horror game rather than a life sim.
Therefore, I have decided to make a list of 21 things I’ve learnt in 21 years that can serve as a memento and a way of passing on all the ‘wisdom’ I have collected. Some of these things may be obvious to you, others may not, but I really enjoyed writing this list and hope it inspires you to write a list of your own to look back on when you feel a bit lost in life.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, I present to you my list:
- Dressing yourself as you would a video game character (with passion and without fear) is a game changer.
- Recipes are not suggestions. If you actually follow the instructions, the food will taste better than if you guesstimate how much vanilla extract you need.
- Gender is a social construct and doesn’t have to mean anything to you if that’s how you feel.
- Don’t wait until your head hurts to drink water, by then it is too late.
- Potted plants = serotonin (only if kept alive).
- Always start the assignment when you get it. Your current self will hate you, but your future self will love you.
- You are allowed to eat when you are hungry regardless of whether you have just eaten. Listen to your own body.
- It is okay to take pain medication when you are in pain.
- Swimming in the sea is incredibly cathartic.
- No matter what you do, you will be a villain in someone else’s story so just be yourself and try your best.
- You are hot! Let no one tell you otherwise.
- The sun is also hot, so remember to wear sun cream unless you want to look like a sun-dried tomato.
- Rewatching tv shows/movies you liked as a kid is always a good idea.
- Take up space and be yourself.
- Stop eating things you are allergic to even if they taste good.
- Coming out doesn’t have to be a big deal if you don’t want it to be. You also don’t have to come out.
- Trust your instincts.
- If you want to do something, just do it. Who is stopping you? No one.
- Stop dating boring people (even if they are hot) and stop hanging out with people that make you feel bad.
- Only do things that bring you joy, unless you have chores to do in which case go do them!
- Social media is cursed, so spend less time on it, you won’t miss anything I promise!