25 Things I’ve Learned in 25 Years

Today is Friday, but I am taking a break from my Friday’s Favourites, because today is also my birthday. So in keeping with my tradition (started last year), I am going to share twenty five things I’ve learned now that I am 25. 

1. Don’t mistake who someone can be for who they are.
2. Sometimes you will feel lonely; but that doesn’t mean you are alone.
3. People can’t be there for you if you don’t ask them to be. And there is nothing weak about asking for help.
4. You cannot control your circumstances – but you can control what you make of them. And though some circumstances can’t be changed, you can choose whether or not you will let them change you.
5. No matter how badly you want to run away from community, run towards it instead.
6. Izzy Stevens was right: “Believing we survive is what makes us survive.”
7. People will say things to and about you – horrible things – but nobody has the authority to tell you who you are. 
8. The secret behind outstanding lipstick is lip primer.
9. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do it all – just do the best that you can, because that’s all anyone can do.
10. When it comes to bettering yourself or your situation, there is never a valid excuse to not at least try.
11. Recovery is hard, but contrary to what most people say, it is not the hardest thing. The hardest thing is life before you choose recovery.
12. If you are a writer, never stop writing – or you will slowly die inside.
13. Make no mistake about it – red lipstick is empowering.
14. Good writing = good editing.
15. Never stop reading; reading  helps us grow. And television has nothing on a good book.
16. Often we are much, much more than we think we are. 
17. You cannot control how people treat you, but you can control the amount of power their actions have over you.
18. To improve your writing instantly, eliminate the word “that.” 
19. There is always a reason to be sad, but there is also always a reason to be happy; choose wisely which you will focus on.
20. Exfoliate.
21. Splurge on your makeup brushes – application changes everything. (bonus: CLEAN the brushes, otherwise there was no point in splurging)
22. People can only get as close to you as you will let them. And being “known” is not the same as having community.
23. The wicked don’t always lose; sometimes they come out on top. Do the right thing, anyways.
24. Never allow yourself to get to the place where you can’t be happy for others.
25. Life is not a competition.