Sharing Is Caring

I have been meaning to share this blog for quite some time.  This girl is 24, has recently had a book published based on her blog, and is in the development stages of creating a sitcom for it.  Inspirational much?  I love promoting creativity amongst the blogosphere, so please go over to fuck I'm in my twenties and read on.  Note some of my favorite posts:

On My 27th

The Best Roommate Gift Ever

Last week, I turned 27.  It is an age that, up until about 6 weeks ago, I was terrified of.  Then I started thinking about what a crappy age 26 was, and how 27, though perhaps scary in size, could be pretty fantastic.  I'm living and thriving in one of the most incredible cities in the world, I'm doing things that I love, I have a list of goals miles long, I have friends and family that care about me, and I'm happy.  Suddenly, I am excited for all it has to offer.

It just wouldn't be a birthday without looking back, and seeing all the knowledge I've gained to take forth with me for this next year of adventures.  I've learned that:

Cats should never eat marshmallows.  If you have them in your house, they will more than likely find them, and eat them.  The ending result of that is not pretty.

People will come in and out of your life.  There isn't necessarily always going to be a reason for it at the time, but the purpose will come to you eventually.

Playing in the summer rain should be done as often as humanly possible.

Bouncing along to the music in your headphones while walking down the street, while making you look funny, makes every step so much more enjoyable. 

The subway is a terrible place to fall asleep.

I am worthy of more than I give myself credit for, in every aspect.

The people who matter stay in your life, no matter what.

I have a good poker face when I actually play poker.

I love Sushi.  Especially Masago.

Timing is everything.

Never give up on the things that you love.

Broken hearts absolutely heal.

Casinos at 10am are incredibly depressing.

Volleyball is my spirit animal.

I am allergic to bug bites.

Losing yourself for the benefit of another is absolutely never worth it.

Neither is waiting for something or someone to come around.

Moving on feels incredible.

Do not give change to a homeless person asking for a dollar.  They will yell at you, and maybe start to run after you.  Also, never put it in a coffee cup.  There might be coffee in there.

Running is awesome.

So are funny YouTube videos.  And tap dancing.

Taking pictures is also awesome.

Never regret the mistakes you've made.  They are what make you who you are and the person you are destined to be.

45 year old men think 26 year olds are good for dating.

Adopting a 4 week old kitten is always a good idea.

Adopting a 4 week old kitten is insane, but I love him anyway.

Strong Bad never gets old.  Ever.

Taking care of yourself can be one of the greatest things you will ever do.

Renting an apartment is stressful.

You are always worthy and deserving of love.

I'm sure there will be more and more to add, but for now, this pretty much captures the highlights.  I'm excited.

Perks of the Wallflower Variety

Every so often, something comes along that changes a piece of you, or a piece of your life.  While I do not necessarily believe that a simple book can do just that, I do believe that something (be it a book, poem, painting, what have you) can have a profound impact on a person, during a specific point in your life.

I first read The Perks of Being A Wallflower during my senior year of high school - a year chock full of transitions, growing up, learning, and discovery.  The perfect year to read a book such as this (the only better year being your freshman year - though the subject matter may be a bit on the heavy side for a 14 year old).  Yesterday, I saw the movie adaptation, where the author of the book, Stephen Chbosky, not only wrote the screenplay, but also directed the film - something I doubt happens very much - and he did an absolutely superb job.  And the one thing it really brought back, for me?  Was this one sentiment:

We accept the love we think we deserve.

It seems crazy to me - a book that I found so inspirational as a 17 year old girl, is having an entirely new effect on me as a soon-to-be 27 year old woman.  I don't think I ever appreciated or understood the weight and the intensity that a simple statement about love would ever have on me, or how much it would apply to me at any point in my life.  I think it comes down to the fact that I have always sold myself short, and put far too much pressure on myself - thus effecting the way I view myself, and the people I choose to surround myself with and have in my life.  My step mom once said to me, "You are so mean to yourself.  Would you ever treat another person going through a rough time like this? You need to be nice to you, too".  And she was, and is, absolutely correct.

I am extremely lucky to come from and have an amazing support system.  For the most part, everyone in my life has always had the utmost confidence in me.  Sometimes, I wish I had a little more in myself, but that's one of those things I will probably always fight for.  I am in a place in my life where I believe many late twenty-somethings are probably in.  Not necessarily transitional, but figuring out the little things, the tougher stuff in between.  It's figuring out what is really important to you, and what is necessary to cut out.  I am falling in love with all the good and the positive life has to offer, and the wonderful people and experiences that come along with it.  The friends who make the time to call you to catch up; the roommates who share a bottle of wine and a bucket full of grapes with you; the nights on rooftops with people who matter; the family that, at the end of the day, is always there to pick you up from a bus station at 10pm in Massachusetts, or the little sister who sends you two thank you cards from her birthday party, just so you can have more mail.  These are the people and experiences I will carry with me always, while the petty ones fall to the wayside.  As I get older, I realize how unimportant the negative is, and how wonderful the good can be.  I am so excited to enter this new stage and new age in my life in a new and improved mindset, doing the things I love with the people I care the most about. 

I always thought of myself of a wallflower, and never thought any one ever noticed me.  I know now that while I am an observer, a wallflower I am not.  And I am ready to accept the love I know I deserve.