Teenage years are great.
A whirlwind of emotions, jam packed with memories and life lessons, saying goodbye is harder than you may think.
As I sit here, listening to my "Easy 80's" playlist... Yes, it's one of those nights, I can't help but think of all I have learned over the past 20 years of my life.
Up's, downs and everything in between, I would not be where I am today without everything I have learned along the way.
Goodbye sweet teenage years... Hello twenties.
1. Life is S H O R T
We all know the saying... Time flies when you're having fun.
Embrace every last minute, nobody knows what's around the corner.
2. It's OK not to be OK
Life's a journey, no matter where you go, there will bumps along the road.
Don't let that stop you, use it as motivation to push on and come out on the other end a better version of yourself.
Never be afraid to ask for help, sometimes a chat and a cuppa might be all you need.
3. There's no place like home
Home is where the heart is.
Living away from home for the past 2 years has made me realise just how much home means to me. The comfort of my own bed, Mammy's dinners and arguing with my brother, it's the small things.
Lucky enough to be going to college close to home, I look forward to every weekend with my family. I have no idea how I'm going to cope for 6 months on Erasmus.
4. Value friendship
Your friends are your second family. Never take them for granted, they will stand by you through thick and thin. Love them with all your heart, no matter how much you fall in and out.
If life has taught me anything, it is the true value of friendship and surrounding yourself with amazing people.
You know who you are x
5. Laughter is the key to happiness
Learn to laugh and laugh often.
Don't take life too seriously... Have fun and enjoy yourself.
6. Food is love
If you didn't already know, I love food just as much as the rest of you.
Having switched over to clean eating, I now live by "everything in moderation."
Most days I will chose spinach or apples but when a craving hits, why torture myself?
For me, I eat really well 6 days a week and give myself 1 day off.
There is nothing wrong with allowing yourself a treat, you deserve it.
Healthy or unhealthy, food is there to be enjoyed, don't starve yourself of it.
7. Find your passion
Music, writing, sport, sleeping... Whatever it is, find it and love every last minute. No matter how obscure you may think it is, give it time and allow your passion to shine through.
You do you!
8. Be open to new experiences
If I have learned one thing over the course of my existence, never step back from new and sometimes scary experiences. They might turn out to be memories made to last a lifetime. Jump on that rollercoaster, climb that mountain, try a new vegetable... What's there to lose?
9. Music is magic
I touched on this in my last post but as I've grown older, I've opened myself up to the world of music around me. The power to make you feel things you never thought you could, music truly is a gift. We all have our favourites but if you take one thing from this post, I would love for you to open yourself up to new or maybe even old music. I promise you won't regret it.
10. Forgive and forget
Hold your head up high, shake hands and hug it out.
11. Learn to love yourself
Cringe, I know but there's only one you and you deserve to be loved.
Forget about what other people think. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I only wish it took me less than 20 years to learn that.
12. Exercise can be fun
Before you all sigh, I promise you this is possible, you've just got to find something that doesn't make you want to pull your eyelashes out one by one...
I recently fell in love with the gym and lifting weights. I am by no means a powerlifter but as the weeks go on and I begin to see improvements and grow stronger, it's hard not to become addicted.
Not for you? Why not try Zumba or pick up a new sport? Even walking 10,000 steps a day is great for both your mental and physical health.
Don't knock it until you try it.
13. Confidence is key
Confidence is the key to happiness.
Years of being shy and known as the quiet girl, I have finally decided enough is enough.
Since starting co-op, I have opened myself up to a whole new world of people and self assurance.
Why hide in the shadows? Put yourself out there and have fun doing so. You never know what might come of it.
14. Trust your gut
There is no stronger feeling than your gut feeling.
If you believe in something and are not sure what to do, I say go with your gut, it's never wrong.
At least in my experience anyway...
15. Heartbreak sucks
Yeah, pretty self explanatory...
It's okay, cry into that tub of Ben and Jerry's but don't let heartbreak overcome you.
Wipe those tears, there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored. Don't put your life on hold because of some guy or girl, let it be the excuse or kick in the arse you need to turn yourself into the best version of you.
You go Glen Coco!
16. Drink water
What can't water do?
For those of you who ask how I keep my skin so clear... 2 litres of water every day. Simple.
Cool, refreshing and packed with health benefits, I can't recommend it enough.
17. Shop vintage
Almost every statement piece of clothing I own is vintage.
One of a kind and unique, I love nothing more than finding an absolute steal when trawling through my favourite vintage shops. I've been shopping vintage for years now, from my very first piece to the latest, vintage has and always will be a love of mine. You should definitely give it a try.
I am only dying for it to be winter again so I can pull out my faux fur leopard print coat.
18. Be nice
Personality will get you places. Be kind to people and they will return the favour. Who doesn't love a friendly face? It's nice to be nice.
19. Be spontaneous
Sometimes the most unplanned adventures turn out to be the best. Now, I'm not saying to drop everything and run but should an unexpected opportunity come your way, don't be afraid to act on it. Open your eyes to what's going on around you, strike while the iron's hot.
20. Memories last a lifetime
Take photos, write in your diary, post on Instagram, whatever you decide, make those memories and keep them close to your heart. Looking back and laughing at time gone by with the people you love most, those are the days we should treasure.
As I said at the top, life is short.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, hold onto the good times, have fun and live life to the very best you can.
Katie x
