18 Things I've Learned in 18 Years

I can't believe I am finally 18 years old and now I am basically an adult! I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating my birthday with my family yesterday, and I'm looking forward to further celebrations this weekend with more of my family and all my friends.

I have seen this idea floating around loads of blogs and youtube channels, and so I decided it was a lovely way to make a special birthday blog post this year. As I've been gracing this earth for 18 years now I think I have learnt a fair few things, and therefore in this post I am going to share with you 18 things that I have learned at 18 (as well as a few photos from my 18 years...)

1. Eat healthily

It is super important to eat healthily and to pick good options when eating at home or when you are eating out in a restaurant - unless profiteroles are on the menu because they are just too good not to order!! Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is so important for your health and wellbeing.

2. Be positive

During stressful events or periods in your life (e.g. exams, relationships, friendships etc) it is always best to try and stay positive. It may be hard at times, but if you smile it will make any situation 10x better!

3. Appreciate the small things

Appreciate the small gestures made by other people, and little moments in your life that you might take for granted. The little texts from your grandparents, the conversations you have with your friends and your dad's amazing roast potatoes!

4. Go for it!

Is there one thing that you've been meaning to do for days, months or even years? Instead of putting it off or worrying about how it will work out, in the words of Nike - Just Do It!

'In The End We Only Regret The Chances We Didn't Take'

5. Don't worry about what other people think about you

I am still coming to terms with this but it is so important in order to be happy! Once you realise that it doesn't matter what other people or strangers think of you, then you will realise who your true friends and family are - and you will learn to love yourself!

6. Don't compare yourself to others

This is another very important fact that will contribute to your happiness. Everyone has a different journey in life, so don't worry if yours is different or at a different stage to others - just live your life with positivity. In a physical sense, don't compare your appearance to others - everyone is beautiful in their own unique way!

7. Try new things and be open to new opportunities!

Don't be the person who turns down opportunities or events - carpe diem! Grab opportunities and be open to trying new things. Be spontaneous, create memories and have fun!

8. You are not alone

There are ALWAYS people you can turn to and talk to. There is ALWAYS someone, somewhere else in the world, going through the exact same feelings or problems as you.

9. Believe in yourself

Don't put yourself down. If you are dedicated and motivated then you can achieve almost anything. The first step in achieving anything (small or big) is believing that you can do it!

10. Change isn't easy

Life can have lots of twists and turns, and change can be hard to accept. I believe that you just have to go with the flow. Just think...without change life would become repetitive and boring...

11. Surround yourself with motivational, positive and supportive people

I am so grateful for my amazing friends and family, and I believe that surrounding yourself with people who are proud of you and believe in your talents will help you to be the best person you can be! There are so many friends I have made through blogging too who have supported me on my blogging journey (much love).

12. Listen and talk to others

You should never bottle up emotions or problems. Try to become more comfortable in expressing your feelings or worries about things to others who are almost always more than happy to listen and give advice. Also be the person who is always happy to listen and give advice to others in return.

13. Drugstore makeup alternatives are fab!

Seriously I know the Chanel foundation is amazing quality and feels amazing on your skin, but you don't have to spend so much money on high end makeup. Drugstore dupes are just as good for everyday makeup wear!

14. Smile at others more

I believe that everyone should make it their goal this year to smile at strangers more, and also to pay more compliments to others. The world is full of too many moody people...

15. Make small achievable goals and aims

There may be a big end goal that you are aiming for, and my advice would be to split that goal into smaller achievable aims to make steps towards your final success!

16. Work hard!

If you have an ambition or a goal - work for it and make it happen!

17. If you absolutely love it - buy it!

I love shopping, and if I've learnt anything from my 18 years of retail therapy (yes I was shopping at the age of 1...) it is that if you see an item or product when out and about, and you say to yourself 'I love it but shall I get it now or wait until next week or I don't know what it will go with or where will it wear it to or I will buy it when it goes in the sale' you should 9 times out of 10 just buy the item there and then! There have been so many times when I've gone back to buy a dress or top and it's been sold out - completely gutted!

18. Be grateful

I'm so grateful for everything I have in my life. My health, friends, family, opportunities, jobs, all the support and friends I've received through blogging, and I am grateful for everything to come in the next few years of my life!

I hope you enjoyed reading through my 18 things I've learned in 18 years, and I just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely birthday messages I received yesterday! I love you all. Please look forward to some more birthday-themed posts coming this week...

x