This post was supposed to be a
quick post. But, it’s taking me like, triple, the time to type. I’m wearing
false nails and they’re really short but it got to the point where I had to ask
my twin sister to push my ankle boot on this morning. Both went flying. I’m
hoping I don’t get a wedgie.
Girls, how are you doing this on
a daily basis?
Anyway, here are fifteen things I
learnt during 2015.
1. People you love won’t be there forever, give
them a hug
This year I sadly lost my great
auntie, Irene. Throughout my childhood she was the strong woman with the long
hair who taught me how to French knit, absolutely kill a crossword, make orange
peel cookies and let me read out the lottery numbers. She passed and I hadn’t
seen her in a few years, something I’ll forever regret. There were stairs at
the bottom of her garden that you climbed and you’d reach an entrance to the
beach, I like to think she climbed the stairs!
Hug your loved ones, call them
up, and never leave things too late.
2. Though, you can’t make people stick around. Even
on your birthday.
Yes ladies and gents, this year I
got dumped two days before my birthday! But, it’s totally cool. Is there ever a
good time? This year I’ve learned not to worry about anybody who won’t even
take thirty seconds to ask how you’re doing. Maybe it’s better in the long term
for somebody not to stick around, who wants to live a lie? OH NOT IIIIIII!
3. But there’s always one person who you want to
stick around…
For me this year I learnt that
there’s no better person than my momma. 2015 wasn’t the greatest for me, but
was the year that my mum and I grew stronger. Thanks for holding my hand, leaving
mugs of tea on the windowsill, trying to rap along to the radio to break
silences, sharing your wisdom and telling me the truth. Forever my biggest
supporter.
I learnt that I am more like my
mum than I would have cared to admit, but it’s something to shout from the
rooftops whilst wearing leopard print boots.
4. Sometimes it just isn’t your time
In 2015 I took many chances,
well, I tried to seize them really. After four months of pure hard work and
determination, including the toughest interviews, pitches, presentations,
activities and tests I missed out on an internship I was desperate for. Because
of my age. However, I listen to Rachel Platten Fight Song and GET IT.
The world is your oyster, learn
from the experiences and you’ll get the pearl.
5. So, always be your own cheerleader
No matter how small your
achievement may seem to you, it’s still one. Whether it’s taking baby steps or
a giant leap, be your own cheerleader. Taking pride in yourself is a step in
itself, and it doesn’t mean you’re cocky. Confidence comes in different dose
sizes.
So here goes, this year I was
published in the Guardian, was recognised by Sony Music, won a national writing
award position and got invited to the Mercury Prize Awards – I’m proud..!
6. You’re never too old to be childish
Having completed my first full
year as a university student, I’ve realised that I’ll probably have Peter Pan
sensibilities. This year I visited Shrek’s Adventure, Legoland, saw One
Direction (my loves) twice and Little Mix, went to the circus, the farm, spent
an amazing amount of time with my nieces and nephews. I did some childish
things, essentially. I’m tired of being scared of embarrassing myself. 2015, you
bought out my inner child and I want to stick my nose in all of the ice cream.
Be silly.
7. Some people are really rude
I spent the past seven months
working as a waitress (not in a cocktail bar), during which I had the pleasure
of making the best friends, but also meeting the worst customers. Working in
customer service you’ll get your head bitten off, probably pick your skin by
your nails too short with fear, and resist the urge to hide in the walk in
fridge. There are some people who are just rude, and it’s best to dismiss it. You’ll
never see them again.
8. A little kind goes a long way
Following this, I learnt – never be
that customer. Don’t let customer service turn you bitter! Ask your server how
their day is, compliment that barista’s nails, give your bus pass to somebody
else for the day when you’ve finished with it, just smile. Karma does a circle.
You might even get an extra scoop
of gelato. I speak from experience.
9. Nobody can make you feel inferior, without
your permission
I swear a Disney tween star said
this. But I can’t think who. Whatever. It’s true. I used to cower from
department stores, never walk into fancy clothes shops and feel uncomfortable
in restaurants. I am human, staff are human – let’s be human and feel
comfortable around each other.
10. And, nobody can look after yourself as well
as you can
This year, and into the next I learnt
to stop relying on people for happiness. I can make it myself! You know what
your body and mind wants and needs, so make sure that it gets it. Look after
yourself, lil flowers. You’re still blossoming.
11. Make time to read
I’ve always been a bookworm, but
recently I let it slip and didn’t prioritise reading. It was wrong of me and I’ve
ended the year indulging in words and my mind has never felt as healthy.
12. Fads are fads, they rhyme with bad
I became obsessed with social
media and trends, constantly comparing myself to other people. To fabricated
online life! I have learnt to concentrate on my own, starting with checking
other’s minimally.
13. I don’t have to live by a diary
I’m possibly the most organised
person, ever. Somebody actually said ‘how are you so organised, but not
together?!’ it’s true. Though 2015 bought spontaneous gigs, dates, holidays to
Tunisia and trips. Seize the moment, and find William Thacker’s house in
Notting Hill!
14. Family isn’t always your blood
I’ve become closer than ever to
my step family this year, and it’s something I am so grateful for. They push me
to ride rollercoasters, can embarrass me to death, tire me out at adventure
plays and do nothing for my diet – we always eat out. Though my extended family
are extremely precious, and I would never swap them.
This goes for my absolute bestie
too, coming up to eight years of sleepovers, slut dropping, binge eating and
talking absolute rubbish and I will never tire of it.
15. And finally, I like burritos
Yes, it took me to December to do
it. But I tried a burrito, and I liked it.
Happy New Year to all! xx
Happy New Year to all! xx
