23 lessons for 23-year-old me.

I turned 23 yesterday. 

This birthday was the most unusual because for the first time in my small life so far I have postponed my birthday celebration. This week I was swamped with deadlines, and my friends were still buzzing with Valentine's day celebrations (disadvantages of having a birthday right after the lovers' holiday). So we mutually agreed that we would party on the weekend instead. So I had a very intimate family dinner and went back to my desk after eating the cake. 

However, this is not the point of this blog. Yesterday made me think "man! I have grown up!" because as a teenager I would spiral into sadness at this fact. I love birthday parties as much as I love reading. So not having all my favourite people around me and having a good time isn't how I envision my birthday. 

That being said, I accepted the fact that I am older. I never imagined myself being 23, let alone any age other than retirement age. Again I'm touching on topics that are too deeply rooted in my psychology to explain just yet. 

So for my 23-year-old self, and you, my dear reader, I present 23 lessons I have learned in life. I want to carry them in my life and add them to the list as I grow older, heater, and wrinkled. 

Here are 23 lessons for 23-year-old me:

1. Always be kind. No matter what. 
2. Your kindness does not mean people will automatically be kinder to you.
3. Before speaking, take a deep breath. (to gather your thought, or think twice before speaking) 
4. Things take time. Life doesn't flip overnight. Have patience. Especially Good things take longer
5. Progress in the short term is invisible.
6. People have place in this world that would sometimes overlap with your space. Learning to cooperate is key to living 
7. Your family is only your siblings and parents. That's the opinion that matters. 
8. Sometimes people will say things they don't mean, and do not take things to heart.
9. Do not hesitate from posting a nice comment. 
10. Live all your days like your birthday.
11. Go for a walk always
12. If it is comfortable for the short term, it may not be good for you in the long term. 
13. Hug, pat on the back or forehead kiss always help
14. Change is the only constant
15. Hit and try is better than saying no. Not sure how you'll do that? still take the job, cuz you will learn along the way. This is the only way to beat imposter syndrome
16. Healing you is your responsibility.
17. Everyone is too busy focusing on their insecurity to focus on your.
18. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try walking 123 steps. 
19. Skills and knowledge are of no use if they can't help others. 
20. Never make big decisions at night. 
21. Nobody cares.
22. Always trust your instincts
23. Only ask for opportunities.