What I learnt in 2015

Now that 2015 is well and truly over – and I’ve gotten over the shock of things going back to normal – I thought it was a good time to reflect on what I learnt that year. It’d been pretty jam-packed: I started learning to drive (which I’ve been putting off since 2008), bought my first car – my dream car actually, started saving money (another first), truly enjoyed my job, met a bunch of wonderful new people who are now some of my best friends, tried a new food every week and enjoyed the changing dynamic between me and my little sister – who is now a little bit grown-up. So, I thought I’d better share some of the things I’ve learnt in this year of firsts.

Knowledge is power, people.

• Trying new things can open doors you never even knew existed. Find new places, eat new things, meet new people. 
• When faced with a tricky decision, go with your gut. This is advice my friend gave me earlier in the year and I’ve decided it leads to 65% less regret than other decision-making methods.
• Just be nice. Especially to yourself. Nothing bad ever comes from being nice.
• When it comes to doing stuff you should do but don’t really want to – I’m talking about you,  exercise and driving lessons- just do it. Don’t bargain, don’t plan. Just do it. I see why Nike use it as their tagline now. 
• It’s okay to be super fussy – eventually you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. This sounds like boy advice, but I’m actually talking about my car. 

• If you’re trying to work out if someone likes you by piecing together a series of cryptic clues and hints, they probably don’t (that is boy advice). But that’s okay, because someone else will – and they’ll let you know. 
• Find a hobby that allows you to be completely chill. 
• Helping others is an excellent use of your time, but always remember to make time for yourself – or you’ll burn out and be of use to no-one. 
• Read! You might learn a new word. 
• If you go to Paris, eat your own weight in cheese, ham and general patisserie.   

• Find a lipstick that makes you feel amazing and wear it often. This might just be one for the ladies (but hey, if you find a lipstick that makes you feel amazing, go for it guys).
• It’s fully possible to fall for the idea of someone instead of the actual person. And it’s always a crappy idea. 
• Be happy in your own skin and don’t try and be anyone else. 
• Don’t choose a haircut solely from Pinterest. It’s how you end up with a sh*t lob. However, choose your decorations entirely from Pinterest because they will rock. 

• Find a job you enjoy. You spend (probably) 8 hours a day there – enjoying it and feeling like you make a difference is a necessity. 
• Don’t feel guilty about doing what you enjoy. Even if that thing is sitting in a blanket and watching Netflix. 
• You have more choice in your life than you think. Don’t go along with stale relationships, crappy friends and boring jobs just because it’s easy.
• Remember that you’re great. Don’t let anyone treat you or make you feel otherwise.