23 things I learned in 23 years

I have seen a few varieties of this concept, and they always strike me as intimately individual yet still so relatable. I walk away having learned a whole list of new things about the world and the person who wrote about them, and it inspired me to give it a try this year for my 23rd birthday. This year has been incredibly transformational for me, and I am in the midst of the biggest transition of my life- from home to my own. New York. This list includes things I learned long before this past year, but have become top of mind to me in this year especially. I wrote them in under 10 minutes, so there is no order, organization, or theme but I suppose that's life for you. I loved writing it. 

1. Wear sunscreen everyday.
2. Take multivitamins & probiotics.
3. A bottle of water, a banana, and a nap solve most problems.
4. Dairy hurts you, but sometimes it's worth it #balance.
5. Buy it if you love it.
6. Don't buy it if you question it.
7. It doesn't cost a thing to pay someone a compliment.
8. Making your bed is the easiest way to start the day with intention and calm.
9. You really don't need to wash your hair everyday.
10. The world looks brighter after taking a walk outside.
11. Take zinc to ward off a cold!!
12. Smiling at strangers is almost always a good idea, Mom was right.
13. Always carry a bandaid, Excendrin, and a tampon with you.
14. Beer really isn't so bad...
15. A perfectly crafted playlist makes all the difference.
16. 'Home' must haves: cookbooks, candles, living plants & people.
17. Watching Forrest Gump must be an annual tradition.
18. Listening to 'every teardrop is a waterfall' will always make you feel better.
19. Singing will calm you down when you're nervous.
20. You need at least 7 hours of sleep to function properly.
21. There is no shame in saying 'no, thank you' if you don't want to- 'lame' be damned!
22. Planning is everything- with money, friends, & grocery shopping but it isn't the be all, end all. 
23. Not knowing something is not a sign of weakness, it is a chance to prove you care enough to learn.

With love and candles, 

Sarah Belle