Happy birthday, dear me!

This day last year I dedicated my birthday post to the 23 things I was still learning at 23. And now looking back on that post I've realised that a lot still applies today. Life is but a learning process, a never-ending journey of personal development. So many of the things I listed out in that post are a continual work-in-progress, and truthfully, this list is full of wonderful affirmations that would keep me going through difficult times.

So as I turn 24 today, I've decided to make this a series and share the 24 things I'm still working on. If you resonated with any of these I'd love to know. :')

Here goes:

1. You don't need to be perfect.
2. Passing thoughts cannot hurt you if you don't focus on them.
3. Protect your energy — only share it with the people who matter. 
4. Remember to look back every once in awhile and applaud your own growth.
5. Stop being so hard on yourself.
6. You are doing your best, and that is enough.
7. You are enough. 
8. Always be kinder than necessary.
9. Good on you for being self-aware; but don't let it overwhelm you. 
10. A good friend recently told me: you don't owe anyone anything.
11. With reference to last year's point 11: one year on, aren't you glad you actually got started on whatever you wanted to do and now you're able to look back on how far you've come?
12. Remember, loving yourself isn't just pampering yourself on the outside. It is also acknowledging that your thoughts are valid and that you deserve the same respect you show to other people. 
13. Stop putting yourself down.
14. Be proud of who you are.
15. Everybody's journey is unique to them. And yours is unique to you.
16. It's okay to be different.
17. It's okay to have insecurities and bad days.
18. You are stronger than you think you are.
19. Keep on building that inner peace, so that it becomes unshakable regardless of the environment you're in.
20. Stay in your own lane and look out for yourself as much as you look out for others.
21. Keep being inspired by the little things, big things and all that's in between.
22. Speak only of kind and beautiful things.
23. You don't need to be afraid of the unknown.
24. Manifest good thoughts. Practice self-acceptance. Surround yourself with positive energy.