On your birthday, everyone always asks you, “Do you feel different?” This year, I did.
From relationships, to style, to becoming a better woman, here are the biggest things I’ve realized in my first month of being 21:
- Hold On to What Makes You Feel Happiest
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Whether it’s a person or an activity, everyone deserves to be happy. Keep those things close to your heart.
- Hold On to What Makes You Feel Most Beautiful
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We all deserve to feel beautiful, too. Recognize when you feel most yourself, and never let it go.
- Have Fun With Your Style!
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Your 20’s are about experimenting with your style!
Let your clothes reflect who you are on the inside. And this doesn’t always mean going with the trends!
- It’s Okay to Say “No”
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I’ve struggled with this for years, saying “yes” even if I truly want to say “no.” This is the year for protecting my peace and if that means having to say “no” sometimes, that’s okay!
- But Also, Say Yes!
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Of course, don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but put on that dress. Go out. Have fun.
Saying “yes” often leads to lifelong memories.
- Everything Happens For a Reason
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This has been my mantra since day one! I am truly a believer that whatever is meant to be in your life will be. It is all another stepping stone on the path to becoming who you are meant to be.
- Change Is Good
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Change can be hard, but again, everything happens for a reason! Let yourself feel all the emotions, but realize change is good.
- Being Single Is a Superpower
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This was a tough one to realize, but being 21 and single is powerful.
Focus on you. The right person will come eventually.
- You Are Not Behind
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It may seem like everyone is in relationships, or getting jobs, or graduating early, but you are right where you are supposed to be. Everyone’s timelines are different.
- Everyone Is In The Same Boat
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Even though everyone is moving at different paces, everyone here at college is probably feeling similar feelings as you. Give yourself and everyone else grace, always.
- Comparison Does No Good
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Comparing yourself to others physically, academically, or socially can be self-destructive. Everyone is different, and that is an amazing thing!
- Friendship And Girlhood is Beautiful
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At midnight on my 21st birthday, my best girls surprised me with a cake and candles and made me feel so loved. Seeing girls come together for another girl is something so special.
- Money Will Come Back
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Money is a big stressor in many people’s lives. Of course, budgeting in college is important, but it’s important to treat yourself too.
- Cooking Can Be Fun
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This is the first year I really started cooking for myself, and it’s actually pretty fun. Serving yourself good food is a form of self-care.
- Exercise Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
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I’ve realized that exercise shouldn’t be a punishment, but another form of self-care. Finding fun group workout classes has been such a joy for me this month.
- Stay Away From Toxicity
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If it doesn’t serve you, let it go. Sometimes it’s hard to stay out of drama, but do your best to stay positive and that same energy will be reciprocated to you.
- A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
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Even just holding the door open for someone can completely flip their day around. Kindness is free!
- Make The First Move
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Why not? The worst they can say is “no.”
- School Is Important, But So Is Rest
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Burnout is real. Get your work done, but make sure you make time to take care of yourself, too.
- Lean On Your Family
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Whether that be your biological family or your chosen family, they are forever. Lean on them when you need it.
- It’s The Little Things
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The sun on your face, the smell of coffee, or seeing a cute dog on the street. Life is beautiful, and I am so excited to see where the rest of 21 takes me.
Even though I’m only a month in, 21 has been a beautiful year. Each birthday is a chance to grow and become more of the person you are meant to be!
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