i recently turned 23 years old, and since i haven't written in a while, i thought it would be a good idea to start my jordan year with this stereotypical blog post. bloggers tend to write as many lessons as years they've lived, but i'm nowhere near that wise—so, instead of 23 lessons, i offer you 2+3.

1) it's okay to be "basic" or "stereotypical".

as someone who spent much of her teenage years trying to overcome the burden of internalized misogyny, i wanted to be different so badly that i avoided a lot of things that now make me happy; wearing dresses, the color pink, and taylor swift come to mind. since then, i've realized that things are popular for a reason, and there's nothing wrong with being part of a majority. so go ahead. drink that pumpkin spice latte. listen to the billboard top 100. and if you genuinely don't like these things, that's fine too, but don't judge others for knowing all the lyrics to All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault).

2) try saying "yes" when you're on the fence.

of course, if you really don't want to do something, it's more than okay to decline. but if you're on the fence about it, try getting a bit out of your comfort zone and say yes instead! there have been so many times when i was debating whether or not to do something because i was tired, or it was too far, or i didn't know anyone there, but i found that it's always a good idea to try something new when you can. either you'll enjoy yourself, or you'll learn that it really isn't for you, which are both good experiences to gain.

3) show your appreciation for others more often.

some of the most lovely people that i know are those who appreciate others thoughtfully and genuinely. i've always thought that this is such a charming quality. if you think someone looks nice today, tell them. if you notice someone quietly do something kind, thank them and let them know that their goodness has not gone unseen. if you miss someone, do something to prove it, like write them a letter or give them their favorite snack or finish the chore they hate most. this is all to say: if you feel it, show it—life is too short not to.

4) acknowledge your anger, but let it go.

although this past year has probably been the happiest of my life, i've also had to work through a lot of negative emotions, particularly resentment. unlike some more magnanimous people, i do believe that some things are unforgivable and that negative emotions like hate and anger are completely valid. still, it's important to process and move on from these feelings to find the peace that you deserve. as someone wise once said, "holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." and as my zoomer friends would probably say, don't let someone unimportant live rent free in your mind.

5) nothing good gets away.

this is the final line of a beautifully written letter from john steinbeck to his son, which i recommend you read in its entirety. this sentiment has stuck with me since i first read it: slow down, it's going to be okay. things will come and go from your life, but nothing good gets away.