It’s my birthday! Grateful for another year ups and downs because in the end, it was all growth. As I look back on the past year, I have a lot to be proud of. I started this blog that I’ve wanted to start for 3 years. I traveled to Spain, the UK, and Colombia. I got two promotions at my job. And most importantly I’ve tried to be a better version of myself each and everyday.

In true #cancer form, I wrote 27 lessons I’ve learned by 27. A bit sappy, I know but it’s #CANCERSZN and I’ll cry if we want to (I probably will).

1. Nothing is what it seems like on social media. You should see what some people do/ put up with for a photo.
2. Be selfish sometimes. Stop putting other people’s happiness before yours.
3. Expectation only leads to disappointment. Don’t expect others to think and do as you do.
4. Stay humble. When you are going through a rough time, try to always remember the times when you prayed or wished for wanting what you have now.
5. You don’t need a new outfit every time there’s an event. You’re not Kim K, boo.
6. Game nights in are better than going to bars.
7. No one will believe you if you don’t believe it yourself.
8. That extra 10 pounds you are carrying on and going crazy over is happiness. It’s late night pizza with your partner, it’s your grandmas favorite recipe, it’s birthday cake and every last pound is worth your happiness.
9. We weren’t meant to live simply our ancestors dreams. Our parents or grandparents probably chose where we are living and we’ve been there ever since, sometimes due to being complacent or guilty for leaving. If you don’t like where you are living, move.
10. Dollar pizza doesn’t hit the same when your sober.
11. We all have similar issues but are all afraid to talk about them. Try to find the courage to share your story.
12. Wineries are actually the most magical places on earth. Sorry, Disney fans.
13. Don’t allow other people to project their fears on you. I almost didn’t go to Colombia because of fears which weren’t even my own.
14. The solution to most problems is a nap and some chocolate. If you’re still upset after that you got a problem, problem.
15. No is a complete sentence. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. If someone doesn’t understand the reasoning behind your actions, you do not have to justify them. It’s your business, and yours alone.
16. There’s almost never a need to spend $8.00 on a coffee.
17. Friendships are a lot harder to maintain the older you get. Don’t expect it will as easy as when you were in high school or college, we are all busy with our own lives. If you want to maintain the relationship, put in the work.
18. Take the time to feel emotion, both good and bad. We are not simply kept to keep going and not let out a good cry.
19. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.
20. Your worth is so much more than your productivity.
21. Everyone over the age of 23 has stomach problems.
22. Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
23. Women are the most powerful beings in the whole wide world.
24. There’s probably food at home.
25. Self care is more than bubble baths and a yoga class. Journal, reflect, go to therapy. Do things that nourish your soul.
26. If a good opportunity approaches, take it and figure the rest out afterwards. No one is ever ready for anything, we just adapt.
27. None of us have any of this figured out. We are just learning as we go.

I’ve learned all of these things but I’m working on them! I know I don’t need to be spending $8.00 on coffee, but sometimes I still do! 😉

 

xoxo

Finding Francesca