23

Hold your head up

See the daylight

Hold your head up

Because your future's looking bright

23 wasn't an easy age.

But it wasn't the worst age.

I think I learned more this year, than I ever have in a single year!

Here are the most important things I never want to forget.

I thank each and every person who made my heart swell or break this year.

You're shaping an almost 24 year old woman!

1. When someone says you're pretty. Believe them.

2. If you really want something you can do anything if you put your mind to it. (I wanted to go to Ireland...so I did!)

3. Stand up for yourself. Just because you're nice doesn't mean you can't have a backbone. Stand your ground...it'll get you further in life.

4. Even though your parents want what's best for you, and want to guide you..it's okay to explore and create your own path. This is your life.

5. Never EVER put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you try not to, lower all of your hopes.

6. Never let anyone dismiss a friendship or a bond you created with someone on your own. They don't know what you once shared with someone.

7. Just because someone might be painted as an awful person by others, doesn't mean they're really an awful person. Believe them when they say you meant something to them.

8. Take time for yourself. Don't lose your values. Remember what you want and who you're striving to be.

9. Kiss slowly. Love with all your heart...even if the person you're loving doesn't love you back. Life is too short for wasted love. Love who you want, walk on.

10. Don't forget that Ireland has your back. So does England. (But always remember where you were born and raised.)

11. Follow your dreams. Be patient.

12. You make things so much worse in your head than what they really are.

13. Pay attention to politics even if it makes you want to rip your hair out.

14. If you can, listen to your dreams at night. Dissect them. They might be trying to tell you something.

15. Stand up for yourself. Do what you want to do. You'll be happy you did.

16. Instead of having a pity party for yourself, put yourself in someone else's shoes. Life could be far worse.

17. Though you crave skin and love you don't need a man to be happy.

18. Laugh at your Dad's jokes. They're actually really funny.

19. Having a good sleeping pattern will work WONDERS.

20. Choose your battles wisely.

21. You are fire girl. FIRE. If any man chooses to ignore you, screw him. It's his loss.  NEVER wallow in sadness thinking there is something wrong with you.

22. Make friends with older people. Befriend writers. It's a whole new world. A world where you'll be understood.

23. Don't lose your faith. Don't pitch your wings and free spirit. You're a fighter and you ought to solider on.

 

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Lorry]

Beautifully put... My own favourite is number sixteen, but that may just be jealousy that at four dozen year old, my list isn't anywhere near as impressive as yours.
It must have been fate that brought this piece to me, because just before I read it, I was thinking I need to breathe fresh air, and was contemplating a visit to my place, just a little piece of calm I found up North that always leaves me feeling recharged. Packing my bag as we speak, so thanks for the nudge :)

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This are worlds to live by not just for woman but for every human. Sounds like you found yourself and thanks for sharing it with the world. N.