24.

Once a year it arrives. The big day, the celebration of birth. And a few days ago, it was mine.

Most people are filled with excitement for the occasion; merriment fills the air and friends unite for party and celebrations. It is the only day of the year you can be completely selfish and it be acceptable. But me? Nope, don't talk about it. Actually, let's avoid it all together. Without being a pessimist I just don't get it. The whole day is just one long saga of expectations and disappointment. Who wants to celebrate me anyway?

This year however my faith has been restored. Refusing for yet another year to avoid anything that would lead in disappointment a protest took place amongst my friends.



My two oldest friends decided to take away my control. Seizing my pessimism with both hands a surprise was in store and I was whisked away to Devon. A whole weekend planned I tackled the estaury with kayaking, partied like a 24 year old (which consists of dancing around the living room in your pyjamas - comfort first), pampered in a Spa and relived my youth at the local Aquariam. I was spoilt with cake and gifts and it continued days after with 'We love you Katie' in full swing.

It actually touched me dearly. It meant so much to have people take the time to organise something for me; to go out of their way to remember me and come together on a day that has so much anticipation and expectation. I had a great time and felt all fuzzy and warm after. And yes, actually enjoyed celebrating my birthday thanks to the help from some friends.

The whole weekend actually got me thinking about growing up and what I've learnt leading up to now on my pursuit to happiness. I thought I would share (in some attempt to be some motivational & inspirational figure in the blogging stratosphere) a few of my favourite life rationals.

1. Be kind to yourself

We have good days and bad days and its perfectly ok to go off the wall. Crying for dropping your pencil or failing to open your diet coke is actually, normal. IT IS.

2. Be yourself.

Not just because you are wonderful just as you are but lets face it, pretending to be someone else just gets damn tiring.

3. Pick your battles.

Learn to let things go. Sometimes you just need to hang up that flag. Proving you were right about that spat you had in high school is not going to help you get that dream job, it will just bring YOU down. Just drop it.

5. Everything is going to be ok.

Nothing last forever, people grow up, people change and move on. Sad isn't it? But you know what, you are still going to wake up tomorrow and yes, it really will be ok. Sorry Cinderella, life goes on but there is more than one just one silver slipper and actually the other shoe does fit too.

6. You are not alone

It may seem like people are dropping off your radar like flies once leaving university but actually you are never alone. Have faith, ho's before bros girlfriends.

7. Facebook isn't real. ( I know!)

Facebook, Twitter & Instagram all help paint the perfect life. Everyone can edit their life to look exactly how they want it to be. But behind the pretty pictures, excited status' and blurred screen everyone is in the same boat (probably curled up on the sofa with only Ben and Jerry as pals). We all look at our news feed feeling a little less exciting than what everyone else is doing. Don't fret, you are doing just fine just enjoy the time offline  in reality, its actually a lot more interesting.

8. Just be happy

The little moments make up the big moments. Enjoy every day for what it is and find something positive in everything you do (yes, cringe) and you'll find actually, life is quite fun. Cheers to that!