Hey Everyone ~

The week is finally here and I am so excited to celebrate my 23rd birthday this Thursday! Not gonna lie, not exactly how I thought I’d be spending my 23rd birthday in NYC but hey we will roll with the punches and make the best out of this situation. It is so weird to think that in only a day I will be 23 years old. Honestly, I feel like it hasn’t hit me quite yet, but I’m excited to see what’s going to happen during my 23rd year! The past few birthday blogs I’ve written, I’ve talked about what I have learned over the years, this year I thought I would switch it up and write a short “letter” to my younger self talking about things I wish I would have done or chances I should have taken over the years. So, here goes nothing!

1. Your thoughts manifest into something real

I cannot tell you the number of times that I have jinxed myself or have blessed myself by having a thought (good or bad) and watched it come to manifest in my life. If you have positive thoughts, then positive things will come to life!

2. Accept the things you can’t change 

I know it can be hard to let things go and move on from past events, but you can’t change the past, so you just have to move forward and continue to live your life.

3. Don’t settle

Not for people and not for any circumstance. It took me a long time to figure this out, so I hope if you are reading this, then please just remember to not settle for anything less than what you deserve.

4. Stop caring about what everyone thinks of you 

It’s not worth your time, so find comfort in knowing that you are amazing as you are!

5. Your vibe determines those who surround you 

If you want to be happy, then surround yourself with happy/positive people! Don’t let negative people suck out your light.

6. Listen to your body 

If your body is telling you to take a break, then listen to your body and don’t push it

7. Saying “NO” is not a bad thing

If you don’t want to do something then you don’t need to agree to it regardless of

8. Never go to bed angry 

Something I have learned since being with Nick is the importance of not going to sleep upset because it can only lead to more problems the next morning.

9. Grudges can be draining 

The amount of times I have held a grudge towards someone or about a situation is way too many to count. It can be exhausting holding onto something, so my advice is to take a breath and move on because it’s not worth your time!

10. Your love language speaks volumes about you

Learning about your “love language” can really help determine how you receive and give love, which can be a really big help in any relationship.

11. Don’t take your friendships for granted 

Ever since we’ve moved, I’ve been really trying to make an effort to keep in touch with friends from home. Your friendships are important and I never want you to take those relationships for granted.

12. Live in the moment 

Need I say more? Just live for the present and enjoy the moments you are living now.

13. Don’t feel bad about taking “ME” time 

I used to always feel bad if I took time away from someone else to focus on my wellbeing, but what I needed to realize was that taking time for myself is OKAY! Don’t let yourself fall into the background just so you can take care of someone else’s needs.

14. Don’t be afraid to go against the flow 

March to the beat of your own drum!

15. Don’t be afraid of change 

I am still very resistant to big changes in my life. If I like how something is working, then I do my best to hold onto it with everything I have. I have made strides to not allow changes in my life to rock my whole world. You just have to take each day as it comes and just enjoy the changes that may come into your life. Who knows, these changes could change your life for the better!

16. Your dreams are not invalid, so chase them

If you have a dream that you want to reach, then no situation and no one should be able to stand in your way of reaching that dream.

17. Less is MORE 

Especially now that we are living close to the city, downsizing was a MUST! Not just downsizing in belongings, this phrase can be used in any situation that you may come across in life.

18. Appreciate everything 

Appreciate all the little things, big things, family, friendships, relationships, life, etc. The list could go on and on!

19. You are loved, so love yourself 

This took me a long time to grasp. You have so many people who love you for who you are, so you need to love yourself for exactly who you are.

20. Trust in a power higher than yourself

I believe that there is a plan and a reason for everything that happens in my life, so I choose to trust that plan and go forth in life knowing that someone is guiding my path.

21. Work hard for what you want 

Plain and simple. If you want something, then work hard to make the means to get it for yourself.

22. If you’re stressed, take a break 

I know myself and I know that I can sometimes work myself into a frenzy and I forget to take a second to breathe and take a break for myself. So if you feel stressed, then take a break to focus on yourself!

23. Listen to your heart 

If your heart is not fully invested into something, then you need to listen to it and be willing to make a change wherever you think it’s necessary. Whatever you do, just go into it with your whole heart.

I know that some of these lines can sound cheesy or maybe even a little boring to read, but if there was anything I wish I would have known when I was younger, it would be these little bits of advice I have learned over the years. I know I am still young and I still have a lot that I will be learning every day after this birthday. I hope you all are remaining safe and healthy out there. We are just taking things day by day at the moment, but I am remaining hopeful that we will come out on the other side of this stronger than ever. I will talk to you guys again real soon!

XX,

Hannah Rose