Hey, you.
Can you believe how far we’ve come?
I remember 17 like it was yesterday.
This year has been… different. A year of quiet shifts, if I’m being poetic about it. The kind where you wake up one morning and realize you think differently now. I’ve grown in ways I didn’t even know I needed to. I think more clearly now. I feel more grounded. I’ve learned how to put me first. Not in a selfish way, but in a “my peace is premium” way.
To actually take care of myself — not just in the “face mask and journaling” way (though those are non-negotiables, thank you very much), but in the real, deep sense. Resting without guilt, setting boundaries, buying that dress because I want to, keeping my word to myself. Growth looks good on me, I can’t lie.
I’ve become that girl who enjoys her own company. Who lights a candle, plays her Lana Del Rey playlist, and actually enjoys the silence. Solo dates, random walks and playlists that make me feel like the main character.
But I’ve also grown to love my people harder. My circle is minuscule but elite. My friends saw me go through some insane things in H1 and somehow, they never got tired of me talking and crying about it. Instead, they held my hand through it all, poured life into me with their words, and made me smile even when I didn't want to. They reminded me who I am. They hype me up, pray for me, drag me lovingly when I’m slacking, and make life feel like a safe space. I’ve learned that you can bask in solitude and still belong to something bigger than yourself.
And somewhere between all that chaos, I picked myself up from the dust. Slowly, gently, but surely. I’m so glad I did because the difference is clear. I’m lighter. I’m happier.
This year, I ticked off things I used to think about a lot. Those kind of things I’d whisper to myself like, “One day…” Well, one day came, and I showed up. I worked, I cried, I laughed, I did it. And I’m proud, quietly proud in a way that makes me want to hug myself and say, “See? I told you that you’d eventually do this.”
Now I’m walking into the next chapter of my life with open arms. I want BIGGER, BETTER opportunities (Involve me!!!!!). I want joy that feels effortless. I’m looking forward to the kind of experiences that challenge me, grow me, and pay me well while at it (extremely important). I want to have the time of my life, to laugh more, love louder, travel, rest, dance, say yes to new experiences — but also work like a bee because, let’s be honest, my life depends on me 😭.
There’s still that tiny voice of anxiety about getting older (mainly when my back starts to ache for no reason or when my knees make suspicious noises). But most of the time, I’m excited because if this is what growing up feels like; becoming more sure of who I am, what I want, who and how I love, more at peace, more me — then I’ll take it.
So here’s to getting older, finer, wiser, and still a little chaotic.
To quiet growth, loud laughter, and the confidence that comes with knowing yourself a little better.
We might be too old for Leonardo DiCaprio, but baby, we’re just getting started. 💕
Reflections, realizations, and a midlife crisis I somehow survived. This is your sign to keep growing, even when it’s messy.
Comments
Post a Comment