Figuring It Out At 24

Birthday Reflections.

I turned 24 this week. Every year on my birthday, I give myself a few hours to journal and reflect on lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, what I’m grateful for, what I want to let go of, and where I hope to be in the future.

A few months ago, my cousin did a tarot reading for me. She pulled out The Fool card. ‘Be a fool,’ she said. Not in a reckless way, but in a way that means stepping into the unknown with curiosity, embracing uncertainty. Be a fool. Those words repeat in my mind. The Fool doesn’t have it all figured out, but they take the first step anyway. I can’t help but feel that the Fool’s message aligns perfectly with the journey I’m on.

Birthdays evoke a strange feeling in me. They’re a reminder of time passing, forcing me to confront the fact that another year has gone by. I often find myself questioning whether I’m where I ‘should’ be or if I’m somehow doing life wrong (short answer: no).

To be honest, I don’t like birthdays. There’s this expectation to celebrate, but for me, they’ve always been more about reflection than celebration. I usually feel overwhelmed with thoughts. I prefer a quiet day where I can just be.

This past year has taught me a lot about growth, letting go, and embracing uncertainty. Some lessons were tough, some were comforting, but all of them have shaped me. Maybe they’ll resonate with you too.

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On Friendships

• Not all friendships last forever. Some enter for a season, and when that’s over, it’s okay to let go. You valued the time and learned valuable lessons with them. Sometimes you outgrow people - you’re evolving, they’re evolving, priorities change. Life happens.

• The best friendships feel easy - you’re not performing or overthinking, or constantly reaching out. You find yourself comfortable in their presence. You are your true authentic self. No judgment, no competing, they’re with you through everything, every phase, and support you always. Pure love. Honestly, I have no idea where I would be without my best friend.

• Effort needs to be mutual. Step back and see who actually shows up (a hard lesson I have learned recently)

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On Life

• It’s okay not to know what you’re doing. You are figuring it out along the way, like everyone else. Those who look like they have it all together, don’t & that is okay!!! I’ve spent so much time overthinking, if I am supposed to be where I am, and yes, figuring it out is part of the journey, a path you are meant to be on. I remind myself of this all the time. I am exactly where I am meant to be.

• Don’t compare yourself to others!! It really is the thief of joy.

• Be present, appreciate the soft life. My favourite way to unwind, besides making time for the moon or listening to music, is colouring (obsessed with alcohol markers and cozy friends colouring book) & having chai in the evening with my family.

• Alone time is a necessity. I love alone time, it’s my favourite part of the day. A time where I can relax, unwind, gather my thoughts, journal, and reflect. You can even sit in silence thoughtlessly. Life is overwhelming, work is overwhelming, and your mind needs a break.

• Take your time. There is no perfect timeline, you are allowed to take your time!!! Don't rush. Appreciate the journey.

• Breathe, unclench your jaw & relax your shoulders. Sometimes it feels like I forget to breathe throughout the day - I get overwhelmed, and caught up in my own thoughts, stressed about all the things I need to do - give yourself time, I can’t emphasise this enough, have a minute (or five) throughout your day where you focus on your breathing. Also you don’t realise it but unclench your jaw and relax your shoulders (I have a reminder every hour where I check-in with my jaw) you will feel better.

• Invest in yourself.

• Prioritise yourself. Prioritising rest and slow moments is not laziness or selfish, it’s essential.

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On personal growth

• Be a fool. Take the first step. The fool moves with openness, wanting to experience life fully. You won’t have all the answers, take the first step.

• Growth is uncomfortable. You realise you’ve not only outgrown people, but certain versions of yourself. Beliefs you once held may have changed, habits you once had may not serve you the same. Making choices you may not like right now, but future you would thank you for. This is growth.

• Sit with your emotions.

• Set Boundaries.

• Journal. We are so harsh on ourselves and so blind to our own progress, but its there, we are constantly progressing and growing. Journalling has helped me realise it, also a great way for organising your thoughts and reflecting. & there’s no right way to journal - a few bullet points every day or week of reflections.

• Comfort your inner child. Offer kindness to your younger self. They need love & reassurance too.

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Growth isn’t about having it all figured out, but being open to change and learning. I am learning to be kinder to myself, to trust the process, and to embrace the uncertainty. I realise how far I have actually come through reflection. And as I sit with this realisation, I also become more aware of the little things in life that make everything feel more meaningful.

Right now, I am especially grateful for:

• Family & friends

• Sunsets

• The Moon

• Quiet nights

• Spring!!! I’m a spring baby, I love spring

• Food that is shared

• Smiskis

• Alcohol markers & colouring book

• Avatar: The Last Airbender

• Museum trips

• The colour green

It’s the little things that make everything more meaningful.

There are no rules to life. You just figure it out as you go. Appreciate the journey, there are lessons in every step.

And here’s to 24. Another year of figuring it out.