Dear beloved readers,

There’s something about this time of the year that just makes me feel…well, it makes me feel kinda sad. 

Let me explain, in exactly one week, yes, seven days, it will be well, my birthday. I am the kind of person that loves their birthday. But the days that lead up to it, the misery of the astral hell, while I literally don’t have the energy to do as much as marinate in my own existence…To put it shortly every thing hurts, I cry everyday, and, on top of that, I also get awfully nostalgic which as you know, sucks. 

I want to focus on the positives, for instance, on how I’m literally living my dream life right now. I mean it’s a Saturday and I just walked from my apartment that I just cleaned and finally finished furnishing – and no, no other bones were broken or sprained in the process –, where I showered and did a hair mask, and curled my golden locks, and put on my newest signature scent…Life is, quite literally, amazing. Like, pretty damn near perfect. And I know it’s just this time of the year, and I understand this will fade in exactly one week, but for now, I just have to say that it’s so bad I had a fight with Big because he beat me on Trivia last week! That’s how bad it is.

But, in trying to focus on the positive, I want to write a list of things I’ve learned in this past twenty-two years. Which may seem stupid but I’ve definitely had a life full of lessons. 

1. Put down the gun, you just need a sandwich. I read this in a poem one time, and it literally blew my mind. How many times was I about to have a total range meltdown and in reality I just needed a good amount of carbs in me to calm the fuck down?! Hint: A LOT! 
2. Life is too short to spend more than one hour doing something you hate. It was the wise Kim Cattrall who said such lovely message. So no, you don’t have to put up with anything you dread doing just for the sake of looking good and pleasing other. But everyone is going. Do you want to go? No? Pass.
3. Respect your boundaries. This is one that I struggle to this day. Saying “no” can be so hard sometimes, especially to people you like, but you got to stand your ground. If you can’t respect yourself, you can’t respect anybody else. 
4. Mind your business. Easy. Self-explanatory. 
5. Never overshare. This may seem ironic considering I tell you guys about my life in excruciating details, but I mean it. Know what to keep private, what to keep to yourself. 
6. Less is more. This one can be about friends, accessories, you choose! 
7. Being kind goes a long way. It takes absolutely nothing to be nice to other people, and trust me, they will remember that. 
8. Never pass a mirror without giving it a good look. Paris Hilton, I thank you everyday for this one. You never know if all your hairs are in the right place or if that mascara is a little smudged. 
9. Trust the process. But not so blindly that you don’t do anything, and not too eager that you don’t let it happen. 
10. Do not get a bellybutton piercing. Just, trust me with this one, okay?
11. There are more things in life than dieting. This one took me forever to fully understand. I feel like I’ve spent my whole life trying to lose “some weight”, always dieting, controlling everything that goes in my body, and you know what? Moderation is key, so just be balanced and be happy. 
12. There’s no such thing as too much pink. Again, just trust me. 
13. Nothing good happens after 2am. 
14. Always dress to impress. Even if the person you want to impress is yourself. Never underdress for fear of standing out. 
15. Mental health comes first. I’ve struggled with this one too, just listen to your body and head, when it feels like one of those days, just accept your fate and know better ones will come.
16. You won’t die of a broken heart. As much as it sometimes feels like so, I promise you won’t. 
17. You are not the reflection of those who don’t understand you. Not everyone is meant to understand you and your magnitude, so just know that it’s okay if you are too much for some. And never, ever be less for the sake of fitting in. 
18. Three drinks is the limit. Again, just trust. 
19. SPF EVERYDAY! I ain’t playing. 
20. Love is not a perfect equation. People have different ways of showing they love you, and sometimes, when they don’t follow your way of doing so, you feel unloved and that is just not true.
21. Never go for the cheaper vacuum cleaner. Again, learned the hard way. 

And finally…

22. Don’t give up on your dreams. 

A few years ago I was laying in my childhood bedroom, miles away from the person I knew I was destined to become, mourning a reality that felt unachievable, felt like wouldn’t ever exist. And now I am where I am meant to be. The path got rough more times than not but I never ever let go of my dream, and eventually, after many bumps in the road, I made it happen. And beloved readers, let me be the one to tell you, it is the best. Stay safe and out of trouble  but if you don’t – oh my god, tell me all about it. 

– Your Girl On The Go