In honor of turning the very-big-adult-age of 24 next week, I have been doing a lot of reflecting about getting older. To be quite honest, I feel like I aged a lot in my 23rd year. And, maybe I had some aging to catch up on. It was not the easiest year of my life, but it was also a year that I’m grateful I lived — to step outside of self a bit, to unpack my brain and its never-ending motion, and to just…release myself into the world.
So, this may be cheesy, and no one has to read it, but here are 23 lessons I learned this year, to celebrate a year where I learned more than ever before who Linnea is and also how to manage the person I once believed her to be. These are lessons that I’ve had to force myself to learn, lessons that others have taught me, and very difficult lessons that I learned from experience.
- Aging is a privilege.
- Sensitivity is your superpower.
- Hurt people hurt people. It’s easier to love those around you when you love yourself.
- You can only appreciate life’s beauty when you have had it taken away from you.
- Wisdom is life’s greatest gift. Listen to those who have done it before.
- Your work and what you accomplish in a day does not define your worth.
- Listen to what your body has to say.
- Healthcare matters.
- Surround yourself with people who wish for your happiness.
- You do not have to be the best at everything you do or try.
- You are not a mindreader. Until something is communicated to you, you are not responsible for guessing what other people may need.
- To be stubborn is to be close-minded.
- You do not have to be afraid of honesty.
- Work in small increments. You do not need to rush into the big picture.
- Breathe.
- The truth always reveals itself.
- It’s okay to say no.
- It’s okay to say yes.
- Don’t try to work against anxiety. Hold its hand.
- Growth is not linear. Neither is healing.
- Doing things little-by-little, day-by-day, helps you find your routine and balance.
- You are not alone.
- You are driving the car.
Love,
Linnea
Fly On The Wall 