The Year of 22

Picture found on: observando.net

"Don’t wish me happiness. I don’t expect to be happy all the time… It’s gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humour. I will need them all." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Today I officially turn 22 years of age. A decent amount of time to be spent on this Earth, but painfully embarrassing to admit that I haven't accumulated an amount of knowledge over the years to show for it. Today wasn't particularly noteworthy, unfortunately. My mum and I went shopping, however I didn't end up buying anything (shock!); Lunch at a Chinese restaurant wasn't as good as I expected; and I spent the afternoon reviewing my exam notes(!). Pitiful behaviour, I admit. But I digress. I didn't particularly organise anything for celebrations, but having exams tends to limit the kinds of festivities one can throw during this period. However, I did have time to reflect on how my life could be better spent on letting go of unwanted memories and relationships. So I have compiled some short thoughts on what has enlightened me this year.

1. Take risks. The courageous are successful for a reason.
2. Save up and travel more. It truly broadens the mind.
3. Money worked for is valuable than money given for free (although it doesn't hurt...). 
4. Letting go is harder than people on TV/books/quotes make it out to be. 
5. Yoga is the new black... leggings. 
6. Change is good. Change is important.
7. Leaving things to fate is frightening, but excitement doesn't come to those who plan meticulously. 
8. Defeat isn't always the most cheer-inducing event one can go through, but it's not the worst. 
9. The best way to appreciate something is to be without it for awhile. 
10. One can't start the next chapter of life if one keeps re-reading the last. 
11. Food is comforting. And dangerous if taken carelessly. Use with caution. 
12. Sad thoughts can creep up at unsuspecting moments. Don't fight it. It'll pass.
13. Music is the cure to most things. The rest can be taken care by chocolate. 
14. Reading literary fiction does wonders to our soul. 
15. People can never be anything but themselves. Don't expect too much.
16. Hard work is always rewarded... even if takes more time than expected to be recognised. 
17. Comparing one's life to another is like comparing apples to oranges. I must keep in mind that I didn't have the same opportunities as those I envy.
18. The ability to understand one another is a skill worth cultivating.  
19. Like attracts like. 
20. Happiness is unattainable if one continues to search for it in the wrong places. 
21. Life's a bitch, and then you kick its ass. 
22. Re-evaluating it starts here.