I just turned 23-years-old last week, sometime between Thursday, February 28th and Friday, March 1st. I wanted to share some of the important things/lessons I learned during the challenging year that was my 22nd. There are some I am still working on perfecting. Acknowledging them as something worth capturing is the first step!

We are constantly growing and learning, so I thought it would be useful to highlight some of the useful insight I gained in the past year. I will say, adversities and all, it was a great one.

I used to be scared of growing older. Well, I am still somewhat scared. After turning 22, I learned that every year brings something beautiful and that every year that passes I grow more in touch with myself.

Without further ado, here is what I learned:

1. Family is everything.  I came face to face with my mother’s mortality as she battled breast cancer. I am a firm believer that we are never given more than we can handle. Although it was tough, it brought us closer together. My mom is fine and I now value her and my family so much more.
2. Everyone handles things different. I cannot expect everyone to do things how I would do it. I often find myself hurt when others do not treat me as I would treat them in a given situation. I have learned that although it hurts, others are not I. They were not raised the same way and well, everyone is their own person.
3. It is perfectly okay to be emotional; it is not a weakness! Crying and loving fully are signs of strength.
4. I do not always have to apologize. Yes, there are times I should swallow my pride and say I’m sorry. That being said, I should not be sorry for existing. As a woman, I find myself apologizing for things I should not have to.
5. F*** Timelines! They suck. There is not an age for anything. I do not have to accomplish something by a certain age. I do not have to be married by a certain age. I do not have to have children by a certain age.
6. Believe in myself and in my handwork. Love myself no matter what.
7. Trust in myself and in my choices. Insecurities and doubt are demonic.
8. Say I love you to the people I love everyday. They need to hear it and I need to say it.
9. Go outside everyday. Let nature’s beauty heal and help me. Be appreciative of Miami’s beautiful days, as rain can come at any moment.
10. Walk away when I am not happy. Let go and move on – life is too short.
11. Pleasure read everyday. A book before bed is better than TV. (*Side note: re-reading Harry Potter is always a good idea).
12. Sleepovers are magical! Know when it is best not to sleep alone and when I’m having one of those nights, go to my sister’s.
13. Be decisive! This one is hard for me. I have learned that I feel less stressed when I woman-up, make a choice and stick with it.
14. STOP telling myself I am bad at math! While I’m at it, stop telling myself I am bad at anything.
15. Goals and to-do-lists are not everything. Another hard one for me. I have learned that it is okay if I do not get it all done. Sometimes, there are more important things (like spending time with a loved one who needs me).
16. Do not freak out when things do not go as planned – life is unpredictable! I am a bit of a control freak and there are times I have had to learn to go with the flow.
17. Treat myself every once in a while! There are times when splurging is okay. With all the hard work I put into everything I do, I deserve to be treated with kindness.
18. Whenever I get paid, pay off my credit card!
19. Acne still happens when you’re in your 20s and it is okay. It will go away. I cannot let it stop me from living my best life. (*Side note: essential oils are the bomb; peppermint oil and tea tree oil are my favorites thus far!).
20. Stop comparing myself to girls on Instagram. It’s toxic and not a healthy use of my time. Stop comparing myself in general! Acceptance and self-love, baby.
21. CREATIVE OUTLETS! No matter how busy I am, I need creative projects. I am at my healthiest and happiest when I am being creative. I started my YouTube channel last year, along with writing more; it has been great for my wellbeing. Life is all about balance. At the end of the day, I have to do what makes me happy. Time is not an excuse.
22. Let myself have dairy sometimes. The world will not end.

I recently started practicing yoga/meditation again and documenting it in a wellness journal. Honestly, best idea I have had in a bit. I already feel happier with myself and with life in general. Recently something happened in my life that made me realize an unhealthy pattern. I found that I tend to stand in my own way and that I am my own worst enemy.

I vow to longer stand in the way of my hard word and success. I deserve to be happy and to essentially accomplish everything I want to accomplish. I choose to love myself whole-heartedly, no matter what.

VLOG post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyD9K_3DoDY&t=4s

I hope these lessons are valuable as you are navigating through this messy world and learning more about yourself.

XO,

Caylin