21 Things I’ve Done So Far After Turning 21

Hello all, sorry for the silence for so long. You must know me by now, I love lists. I love knowing that I’m constantly doing things of relevance and importance. I don’t like wasting time! I know, I know, what a horrid way to live! It puts way too much pressure on me, and of course must fuel my anxiety stress. But never the less, I like to keep myself in check. As my first post back, I thought I’d highlight another list – things I’ve done since turning 21. On the 13th April, I turned 21. I was scared to do so at first, until I realised that I was ready. I had done all of the things I’d wanted to before turning (see previous blog post for the details). Now, I wanted to look back and make sure I’m doing some fun, good or productive things. The 21 year old person that I am now, needs to be doing things for herself. Whatever I do, wherever I go, I need it to be for me. And, of course, they need to be notably fun, worthwhile or progressive for my future.

So here’s what I’ve done:

Got a tattoo
Completed the drawings for my Mental Health Awareness Event
Printed off and gathered more writing pieces for my event
Had a house party
Been on a bouncy castle
Had my face painted
Been to London and walked all over
Been on a shopping spree
Started filming for my short film for my event
Decided not to do Open University, at least not yet
Accepted a new job
Had a surprise party
Been for a nice meal, twice
Been bowling
Had my first evening ADA (Anxiety and Depression Anonymous) session
Watched 2 films in the cinema
Met up with a fellow author, for more marketing advice
Sorted out the agenda for my event
Edited more of “No Secrets: Remastered”
Wrote more of my new book “If I Die Again”
Spent time in a hotel

As you can see, these are a mixture of things. Some are fun, some are productive, some were small but good things that I’m glad I’ve done. My new tattoo is of Yin and Yang – BALANCE. This is what I’m seeking in my life. Not perfection. Not busyness. Not stress. Not fame. Not fortune. Not endless happiness. But balance.  That is what’s real. That is all we can truly seek, and actually have.

I’ve come to realise that I try to do too much. I’m always seeking perfection and answers to questions that haven’t even been asked yet.I need to stop! If I continue, I’ll drive myself mad. And the same goes for you, readers. Don’t drag yourself under by juggling too much. Focus on what you truly want and care about, and let the rest fall behind. Keep an eye on what you’re doing, by keeping it balanced. The good and the bad. The play and the work. The Yin and the Yang.

~ Damsel