This past Friday, I gained another year of life. Yes, I turned 24 years old. I’m really starting to understand why it’s not fun to celebrate your birthday as you get older. I mean, I’m Peter Pan at heart. As I was getting content ready to post on my birthday, I really didn’t know what I wanted to write about. Maybe I could share my top 24 holy grail pieces that always come in clutch for me? Perhaps I could get a little more serious and share 24 facts about myself? Nothing was really sticking for me, and I couldn’t figure out a suitable post idea.
Since I was a bit distracted from some life events happening early in the week, and I was kind of out of it. My head was elsewhere, I was working, and inspiration was non-existent. Although, it lead me to a much more relatable post idea. After some decompressing and lots of sleep, I had it! Today, I’m sharing the biggest lesson I’ve learned while being a human of 23 years old.
Also Read: For The Girl Whose Life Plan Is A Hot Mess
As some of you may know, I am a relatively, recent graduate from Kent State University. This 23rd year of my life was the first one where I didn’t have to go to school, and I didn’t have cheer practice to religiously attend. Furthermore, it’s the first year that I didn’t have a regular schedule, period. For most of my life, that’s what I’ve been used to. That’s just how I was raised. To have a gap year to travel, and figure out my next move in life, seemed to be the ultimate dream. Rather, this girl was not ready to grow up! At the same time though, this year offered me so much more knowledge than I ever thought I would gain.
Having a schedule to keep you organized and accomplished, is the easiest way out. Honestly, all it really teaches you is how to time manage. Yes, that is extremely helpful and such an important skill to have. No worries, I’m not dissing on organized beings. It’s important to have to keep you productive and on the right path, but what happens if you don’t have a path? What if your path is invisible and there’s no way to know which way to go? This is where personalities are shaped and values are metamorphosed into commandments. By having this freedom, you truly have to explore all the possibilities in the world to find the things you need.
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With my year of freedom, I have traveled almost as much as I did when I studied abroad, immersed myself into different job roles, ventured into some new territories, and have been well beyond my comfort zone. Above all, I have learned how to live in all its unpredictable glory. Life is not scheduled out like your planner is. It throws you curve balls, and sends you down some steep hills, that you don’t know if you will every get up from.
[bctt tweet=”Life is not scheduled out like your planner is.” username=”_cominginclutch”]
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At the same time, it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want. Maybe some blog work has to get done today, but tomorrow it’s time for a spontaneous road trip. Having this gap year has really allowed me to master the art of just wingin’ it. In the end, I think that’s even more important that time management.
Learning how you deal with how the cards of life are dealt to you at this exact second, shows so much more than being punctual. In fact, it shows how you deal in different situations. Are you stressed, freaked out, and having anxiety over the terrible cards you get, or do you remain calm and clear headed? As a result, the art of problem solving without planning has proven to be the biggest skill and lesson that I have learned in my 23rd year of life.
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Without this gap year, I don’t know if I would have ever been able to truly learn this lesson about myself. A crisis is never planned. Being able to think on your toes and remain calm during these times, have allowed me to be able to adapt to any situation. It’s propelled me to metamorphose into the chameleon that I am today. If you are in the same boat as I am, use this to train your adaptability skills. Furthermore, travel the world spontaneously, try out some new part time jobs, and really uncover yourself. Maybe it will uncover the invisibility of your path.
P.S. I just bought the Anthropologie sweater and it’s already sold out! Hence, why it’s not linked down below. Come on Anthro. Bring it back!
Sweater (similar) (similar) || Jeans (similar) (similar) || Hat || Booties || Belt || Glasses || Sunglasses || Lipstick in Soufflé
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You look so young for your age, which is a good thing! I hope you enjoyed your birthday. I love the sleeves on that sweater!
Aww happy birthday babe! I love your outfit! And yes, I’ve completely learned that things don’t always go according to plan so I think that learning this was super important! Thanks for sharing xx
With love, Jenn
https://jubilantdose.com
Happy Birthday gf!! Love the sleeves! Such a fun sweater!
xo, Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
Happy Birthday Babe! Love this story and those SLEEVES!
Happy happy birthday! Hope it’s the best year yet! I looove the sleeves on your sweater!
xo Kimmie
Happy belated birthday!! I love this post and and need to learn how to problem solve without planning! I’m obsessing over your sweater. The sleeves are so fun!
Rachael
Well first of all – MEGA happy birthday to you, girlfriend! I hope you got to celebrate and have an incredible time! Secondly, the part of this post that most stood out to me was “Life is not scheduled out like your planner is.” Oh how true that is, and how I wished I had known that sooner haha. But I’m grateful for growing up and experiences that shape who I am! And it sounds like you are too! Here’s to another great year for you!
Happy Birthday babe!! You look so great in that sweater! Thanks for sharing this sweet post!
Okay…I love absolutely everything about this post. Love your outfit, that sweater is everything! But I loved reading this post the most. What an amazing lesson to learn at 23!! Keep exploring.
Kileen
cute & little
I love this post girl! I am a recent graduate and I can definitely relate with the gap year feelings.
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Happy belated birthday! I recently turned 23 and I feel like I can really relate to this. When I graduated, I felt so lost because there was no more going to sorority events and no more solid schedules. When you think about it, school is really all we know. So, to have that be over, it’s really hard to adjust. That’s ultimately why I started my blog. Additionally, I started my risk taking series on my blog because when I turned 23, I looked back and realized that I missed out on a lot of things because I was scared to take risks. So, you’re right! You absolutely have to learn how to get on with the cards you’ve been given.
GG | http://www.girlingamba.com
These photos are so so cute and fun BUT the best part is the outfit. Those bell sleeves are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I so need this top and the jeans and the hat. Well pretty much everything haha
xx
Iliana | http://www.sophisticatedfashionista.com
I love these sleeves! Sounds like you’ve had a fun year of adventure and exploring. I always wished for one of those.
happy belated birthday darling! you’re still so young! i actually just turned 26 this past sunday so we’re practically like birthday twins haha. sagittarius babes unite! 😉 love those unique sleeves on your sweater — so cute! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/ugg-gift-warmth-elevated-style/