I feel that your early, or dare I say mid-20s, is a terrifying period to attempt to navigate. Some of your friends are buying a house. Some are having a baby. Some people are getting engaged, or handing out wedding invitations. Some people are living at home with their parents. Some people are attempting to find themselves in Thailand. You don’t quite know where you should be because you feel that you should be putting a deposit on a house or trying to find the one, but it’s too soon and you’re too young, but at the same time, you’re not getting any younger. So to mark the happy (and scary) occasion of my 24th birthday, I have compiled a list of small rules that I will aim to follow, for at least the next few months. Here we go:

1. Firstly, read more. For God’s sake, Izzy, read more books. I used to be such an avid reader, but academics kind of “got in the way” over the years, if that makes sense. I love to read, and I desperately want to rekindle the relationship that I had with books.
2. Don’t spend all your money on things you don’t need. Have fun, and definitely enjoy yourself, of course, but try and save some so that you’re not wasting it all.
3. Try to worry less. Anxiety can be difficult to manage, but focus on what has happened rather than what might happen. If you worry about what might happen, you’re wasting so much time and energy, and then you haven’t allowed yourself enough time to worry about what has happened.
4. Live every single day as if it’s your last. I know that’s easier said than done, especially if you have to go to work, but you hear horror stories of freak accidents and you don’t want to spend your last minute wishing you had done more.
5. Don’t get comfortable. Focus on what you want, and your goals in life, then go after them as best as you can. Don’t waste time being comfortable doing something that you don’t want to do forever.
6. Moisturise. Moisturise your face, your arms, your legs, your whole body.
7. On that note, sun cream is your new best friend. Even if it’s a snowstorm outside. We don’t want a repeat of San Diego now, do we?
   • Sidenote, in case you weren’t there: I was on the beach in San Diego, despite not putting any sun cream on (because I’m silly) and then I ended up with second-degree burns. The sun is no joke, wear your sunscreen.
8. Look after your teeth, invest in proper dental care, and don’t chew gum everyday. Unless you have work. Then chew gum.
9. Try to cut down on coffee, or try and drink more decaf instead. Or limit your coffee intake, because drinking too much can be so dangerous. No wonder you can’t sleep properly, you’re having caffeine at 8pm, lol.
10. Listen to new songs. Try and aim for one new one, per week, let’s say. There’s so much more to the music world than the same girly pop that you blast in your car. Even though, it slaps. Start with artists you love and listen to some of their less mainstream stuff. There’s also absolutely nothing wrong with being mainstream though. So, I guess, listen to what you like?
11. Be ruthless with your wardrobe. If that dress doesn’t fit you anymore, give it to someone you know that it would look great on. Or, try and sell it on so that you know it’s going to someone who wants it. Donate it to charity. Don’t just give up and throw it away though.
12. Write more. Even if it’s little things like this. No one but you has to read it. I actually find it quite comforting reading my own writing, if I may say so myself. And you might inspire someone else to write something!
13. Walk more. Don’t spend your rest days in bed, especially if the sun’s out. Take the dog out too, he’ll love that.
14. Wear jewellery. And remember to wear it. Jewellery helps to elevate the simplest of outfits. And it looks cute. Especially if it’s silver!
15. Don’t waste your money (see rule 2) but also don’t feel guilty for spending money. Especially on things that you need.
16. If you have the financial means to do so, after essentials, buy yourself something little each month, like a small bar of chocolate. You work hard, after all, treat yourself!
17. Watch the rest of the House of the Dragon, because you’re embarrassingly behind. And Bridgerton. Oh god, you still need to watch the rest of the third season.
18. Take up a sport, or a hobby. Go back to dance, or start something new. There’s nothing wrong with picking something up as an adult, you don’t need to be embarrassed.
19. On that note, challenge yourself more. Take solo trips, and be brave, even if it’s just to the café up the road for a quick coffee. Again, take the dog if you really really can’t go alone.
20. Think about your environmental impact. Try and eat more vegetarian/vegan meals, walk or use public transport when you can, and think about your decisions. Particularly when it comes to fashion, food, and other similar elements of your lifestyle.
21. Practice easy maths and learning another language. Even if it’s just maths on Duolingo, doing five minutes a day will exercise your brain a little. And it’s better than watching Netflix. Unless, of course, it’s season 3 of Bridgerton.
22. Find and invest in a perfume that you love. Scents are incredibly personal (believe me, I know what I’m talking about) and once you find one you love, you won’t need to look for cheaper body sprays at Superdrug anymore. Take some time to look for one that fits you and your personality.
23. Wear more clothes than just that one pair of jeans and crop top that you love. You have more outfits in your wardrobe. You’re not allowed to buy new clothes though. Unless you absolutely, desperately need it. It being on sale DOES NOT COUNT.
24. Try to care less about what people think. As a chronic people-pleaser, the opinions of others can be overwhelmingly important, but try to remember that you won’t get along with every single person that you meet in this world. You know who accepts you for who you are, so prioritise them. Remember if you’re not bothered about the person, who cares what they said?

Let’s see how long these last, eh? Come on, Izzy.