You ever feel like days pass by so slowly and then when you look back, the time has literally just flown by? Exactly. Time is a weird thing and it has such an effect on us.

We count hours, days, and weeks to certain life events. And then we think back years, to when something special took place in our lives. We sometimes find ourselves stressing about the future and thinking a lot in advance, only to realize that the future can only be predicted so far. We can only embrace the impactful development time has on us and enjoy the ride around the sun one time after another.

And with that being said, I’M 26 TODAY BABY! 🥳 To me, birthdays are super special and I do my best to make the day as nice as possible for myself. I have also taken on a new tradition of doing a very throughout self-reflection session on that day, and so I’ll do today as well.

Even though I’m writing this blog days in advance, I’m already feeling the birthday vibe strong and clear! I thought to myself, what could I give to others on the day that, 26 years ago, I was given my life? So here goes: 26 things I would tell my younger self, or even my older self if for some reason she hadn’t learned these earlier (again, in no particular order).

I personally love reading these and I hope they will give some new insights for you on this beautiful day as well 🧡

1 Setting boundaries and saying no is your superpower.

2 True, profound female connections can easily beat romantic relationships.

3 Your first instinct is probably always correct.

4 If it’s a ”maybe”, it’s probably a ”no” in disguise. This is particularly true in buying a piece of clothing.

5 There is a solution to every problem but to find it you need to focus more on that than the problem itself.

6 In the beginning, treat every person as if they could be the most important person you meet because they might as well be. As long as they don’t do something that suggests otherwise.

7 Listen more than you speak, you’ll learn more that way.

8 What other people think about you doesn’t matter unless they come to you with something that they genuinely think you should reflect on. Getting stuck on what other people think of you is only beneficial if you reflect on why you’re stuck, and what they say; if it seems relevant, it results in you improving and growing.

9 Sometimes you CAN indeed take advice from people who are not where you want to be because the real deal between dreaming and accomplishing — is doing. And not everybody does, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how.

10 True connections, friendships, and relationships don’t see age or gender.

11 Some people you’ll remember after years, even if they stayed in your life for just a brief moment - but don’t get too hung up on them, treat them as they are: lessons.

12 Taking three deep belly breaths can take you far in feeling better instantly. Breathe in through your nose through your stomach (almost as if your chest stays still but only your stomach enlarges), hold it in for a few long seconds, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and it’s known for its many benefits.

13 Always set a timer when you boil an egg or put something in the oven.

14 Always do the thing you thought about doing straightaway, otherwise you’ll forget it.

15 If you need to, take time for yourself without feeling FOMO. You CAN’T miss out on anything if you make a choice based on what you feel like you need to do for yourself. Listen to yourself.

16 Focus more on how you feel about people and how they make you feel, than on whether they like you or not.

17 Always show you’re interesting, always show wisdom, but never act like the smartest one in the room (even if you were).

18 The day only lasts 24 hours, no matter how good or bad it is. So live and remember the good ones, they give you strength; feel and then move on from the bad ones, they give you lessons but will weigh you down unless you let go.

19 If you want to do something or go somewhere but no one wants to do it with you, go on your own. You’ll meet people who think the same way, and if not, at least you won’t lose an experience because someone else didn’t want it on their plots.

20 The most difficult talks are usually the ones we need the most to have, with ourselves or with other people.

21 There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion. You’re human, own up to it. No one can ever tell you how you should feel or that what you’re feeling is “wrong”.

22 Always always always make time for the dearest people in your life, and remember to show them and tell them you love them.

23 If you don’t know which way to go or which choice to make, go with the one that would make the best story for the plot.

24 Your only competition is yourself. Other people are potential allies, inspirations, and valuable connections — but never the competition.

25 Always carry a hairbrush with you. And an extra tampon during the questionable days of the month (this tip doesn’t apply to men unless you tend to get nosebleed).

26 So far you’ve survived all of your worst days, and all of your best days are still ahead.

And as a bonus for the 27th year: some people will viciously take advantage of your kindness — don’t fall for that. And if someone ever helps you while expecting nothing in return, make sure you will indeed return them a favor at some point, in some way.

Which tip was your favorite and made you think? 😊

With soooo much birthday love, Stiina