On My 28th Birthday: 28 Things I Know To Be True

As you may have guessed, 27 July 2018 is my 28^th birthday.

I’m now officially, undeniably in my late 20s! I mean, when I was 27, I could kind of get away with still riding that mid-20s wave, but now… sheesh.

But along with the weird, grey hairs that seem to spring out of my ponytail on occasion (seriously though, is this normal??) I like to think I’ve gained a little more wisdom too. My 27^th year was one of loss and heartache, but also of success, of achievement, of love. And I’m so proud of the girl – woman – who came out the other side.

You guys know I loooooove a good listicle – so why not a birthday-themed one? Yes, it’s super cheesy, but I had so much fun writing it. And honestly, it was a little cathartic too. Some of these items are cliché, some deep, some frivolous – but all true.

Or at least, 28-year-old me believes them to be.

Here goes.

My mom is always right.
K. Rowling usually is too.
The idea that choosing a career you love means ‘you’ll never work a day in your life’ is absolute bullsh*t.
On that note, choosing a career that I loved over a career that made me money was somehow the best and worst decision of my life. I don’t regret it one bit.
Chocolate is, in moderation, good for you. Particularly after Dementor attacks.
Climbing into an unmade bed is always awful.
You should exercise for the health of your mind just as much as the health of your body.
If he acts like he’s just not that into you, he isn’t. (And if he isn’t, he’s not really worth it now, is he?)
A good book and a cup of tea can cure almost anything.
Never pass up an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
But never tell someone you love them if you don’t.
Wear sunscreen!
Pain demands to be felt. The only way out is through.
Yeah, medical aid is a rip-off. But if you don’t have it, you’re going to regret it. Same as car insurance.
‘Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.’ – Bill Nye
Staying in touch with your ex is always, always a terrible idea.
Skinny ≠ beautiful. It also ≠ happy.
The only cure for writer’s block is to write. Just start, even if the first few sentences, pages are awful – the right words will come.
The first pancake will never be good.
You can’t ‘fix’ someone. Trust me, if you try you’ll end up hurting them, but yourself most of all.
Never go to sleep with your make-up on. You’re asking for trouble.
You cannot take responsibility for someone else’s happiness. Just like you can’t depend on someone else for yours.
Nothing will change you like travel does.
Never go shopping on an empty stomach.
The best princesses rescue themselves.
Your sister is the worst, best friend you’ll ever have.
If you’re not sure about going ahead with something, ask yourself how you’ll feel when you wake up in the morning if you do. There’s your answer.
You’re enough.