Hello Twenty-Two

Twenty-one was a big year for me as far as personal growth goes. There were a lot of obstacles that came in my path. I haven't overcome all of them but I'm working on it. I think that I'm the happiest I've been in my life. 

Twenty-one was a lifeboat for me. I felt like I was drowning and twenty-one saved me. I learned so much. I'd like to share some things I learned. So here are twenty-one things I learned while being twenty-one.

1. Sex is not passive, it is very powerful.

2. Family is the most important thing, always. 

3. You are never too old to dance in the rain.

4. If you let people walk over you, they will.

5. Being a woman doesn't mean you can't use power tools.

6. Loving yourself first is most important.

7. Sing loud and sing proud.

8. Never let anyone make you small.

9. Compromise makes everyone happier in the long run.

10. Feeling hurt is better than not feeling at all.

11. A little bit of dark chocolate helps a migraine.

12. Hug more.

13. There is time; don't rush to get where you want to be, trust the process.

14. You will break down and you will build yourself back up.

15. Asking for help is not weak.

16. Crying is not weak.

17. Some people are temporary in your life and that is okay.

18. Being happy is a choice.

19. Take time to pamper yourself; look good, feel good.

20. Never apologize for feeling what you feel and never let anyone invalidate your feelings.

21. Laughing always helps.

I can't wait to see what twenty-two has to offer.

50. Lessons Learned This Year | 52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

This year has been so jam packed with change and new adventures. I really believe that I've grown up immensely with in the past year, from moving away to finding my passion in school and everything in between. I have learned some very valuable lessons within the past 50 weeks that I want to share with you all today.

1. Shame is a wasted emotion: at the end of the day feeling ashamed of yourself or what you love or anything else is such a waste. Be apologetically and authentically yourself always. People will judge no matter what but if you keep on doing what you love you take away their power. 

2. You will break down and you will build yourself back up: I've always been one to hold back my emotions and act as though I've got it all together when in reality I'm falling apart. I've learned that it's okay to call your mom in tears sometimes and it's okay to fall apart. The important thing is that you always put yourself back together. Don't stay down too long.

3. Family is always number one: whomever you consider your family, blood or otherwise, are the people that should always be your top priority. It's important to keep close ties with your family. I've learned the importance of having a great bond with family members.

4. Self love is never selfish: don't let anyone tell you that you are conceited or selfish for loving who you are. You are the most important person you will ever love.

5. Don't let people change you: it's easy to fall into the trap of social cliques. You become who you surround yourself with. Have enough faith in who you are and know every inch of yourself so you can remain steadfast to who you are. Always.

I hope you enjoyed reading through the lessons that I've learned this year. I feel like they are all lessons that everyone needs to learn and eventually do learn. They sound cliche, but that's because they're true!

If there are any valuable lessons you've learned please do share them in a comment!

Thanks for reading & check back again to see what KatieDidd, xo

20 Things I Learned Being 20 | Personal

So I turned twenty one two days ago. I'm officially legal drinking age across the entire globe... every birthday after this now is just aging haha. I had such a wonderful birthday! Relaxing, surrounded by the people I love. Yesterday my cousin invited me to go snow machining with him and his girlfriend and her dad on the trails around our city. During the four hours we were out sledding I had some time to really think and reflect on what being twenty taught me. I grew up a lot this past year with moving away and living on my own. I put together a list of the best lessons I've learned this past year; twenty things I learned whilst being twenty.

1. The healthy option is always the better option

2. You can never go wrong by humbling yourself

3. Overdressed isn't a real thing

4. Cooking isn't just a life skill

5. Loving yourself is more important than others loving you

6. Family is number one

7. Nothing beats speaking face to face

8. It's okay to break down

9. Self love is not selfish

10. Free is fabulous

11. Taking time for things you love is necessary

12. Mental health is everything

13. Planning your future isn't crazy

14. There is no such thing as "cool"

15. Live life with an open heart

16. People can surprise you if you let them

17. Be patient and stay the course

18. Your faith will be tested; remain steadfast in your beliefs

19. When you compare yourself to others you always lose

20. Life is beautiful

I'm so grateful to have learned these lessons over this year. I'm excited to see what this next year has in store for me! What is the greatest lesson you've ever learned? Please do let me know in a comment!

Thanks for reading & check back to see what KatieDidd, xo