Today is my 24th birthday! It feels like it’s taken me so long to get here and this past year has just been the longest. For a “birthday blog” I wanted to do something a little different than a typical fashion blog.
If you’ve been following this blog for a bit you’ll see that I mainly focus on cosplay blogs so this is rare that I’m actually wearing “normal” clothes for a change- I wanted to take this chance to do a type of yearly reflection. Featuring my birthday shoot photographed by Jasemine Denise Photography, here is 24 Things I’ve Learned in 24 Years:
1. Its ok to say NO
You’re not required to say yes to anything you don’t want to – no matter what anyone says- the decision is yours. Don’t be pressured into doing anything you don’t feel good about.
2. Pursue what you’re passionate about.
Don’t make excuses for not trying something you’ve really wanted to get into. Want to dance? Want to draw? Wish you were better at makeup? Practice and make it happen!
3. You CANNOT control what happens to you but you CAN control how you respond to it.
I still struggle with this but I try not to act impulsively. Just breathe and weigh your options when crisis hits.
4. surround yourself with people that make YOU better.
Choose your influences wisely. Don’t let people drain your energy. Surround yourself with people that inspire you.
5. Trust people.
I’ve always struggled with this but I’ve found that isolating myself has kept me from making meaningful connections and has let to be having less of a networking group.
6. Admit defeat.
Not everyone can do everything- be patient with yourself.
7. Not everyone will like you-
and that’s ok- don’t change who you are to be liked.
8. Save your damn money.
Seriously. Do it.
9. It’s ok not to be ok.
Always put your health first.
10. You can learn something from everyone
Everyone you meet knows something that you don’t.
11. No one is thinking about you nearly as much as you think they are.
12. Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish yours.
Try not to compare yourself. Not everything is a competition. Your success is still valid no matter how “small” the accomplishment.
13. Always aim to be better.
Don’t settle. Don’t halt living your life. There’s always room for improvement.
14. Speak Up
Just say what you mean. No one is a mind-reader.
15. Know when to Shut Up.
Choose your battles.
16. Treat Yo Self
Sometimes you need it. Take time for yourself.
17. Don’t be afraid to be you.
For the longest time I struggled with coming to terms with myself and my appearance. Especially when it comes to gender and being non- binary I struggled with trying to put myself into a box of how to “be” gender non-conforming” even though I can express my gender in any way I want to – what even is a gender – am I right? *cue agender laughter*
18. Success is not a straight line.
Take your time. Stay focused on your goals but there is more than one path to achieving your dreams.
19. Take lots of pictures.
Journal. Blog. Remember shit damnit!
20. Don’t waste time complaining-
Just find a solution.
21. No one can read your mind.
Say what you need.
22. Experiences mean more than material things.
It’s taken me awhile to really get into this one but honestly I love going to concerts and events and I feel like I have much better memories of conventions and festivals than of outfits I’ve bought or just more junk. Using the KonMarie method to start cleaning my apartment has really helped me to stop holding onto unnecessary material things.
23. Be honest
I’m actually sometimes honest to a fault because I’m really blunt but just don’t keep things from people. If something is bothering you speak up or it will never get addressed.
24. No one has all the answers to life.
Don’t stress the small stuff. Take it easy. There’s definitely more lessons I’ve gotten out of life so far and more that I’m too stubborn to learn (where my Aquarius’s at?) Just keep on keepin’ on 🙂
Huge shout-out to my boyfriend Angelo for helping me with this shoot. Sorry you couldn’t see out of your back window of your car with these big ass balloons, my bad.
Outfit Breakdown:
Dress: Akira
Coat: Akira
Harness: SKG Designs
Cosplay Sass 
I pinned this but I had to come back and comment on the fact that so many of these are lessons I’m still learning at 27. Success is not a straight line. Like, damn. <333 I can't wait to see what else you do this year! You're amazing!
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Hi, Very Good Article. I really appreciate it. Well researched article. Now you got one regular visitor to your website for new topics. Keep up the Good Work Thanks for always sharing. Nicole Graham
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I’m still working on saying “No”.
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