I seriously cannot believe I am 23.

I can assure you that I don’t feel (nor look) 23 and it scares the shit out of me to realise I’ll be 30 in the same number of years that it has been since I left school. I’m getting a panic sweat on just typing that fact.

Is it just me, or do you question everything about your life every time you get a year older? By 16 I thought I’d know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, by 18 I assumed I’d be in relationship and have a great social life, by 21 I was sure I’d have a career and be well on my way to living independently as a proper functioning adult. But alas, at 23 I have none of those things.

That’s not to say I haven’t learnt a thing or two in my 23 years on this planet.

1. I’m a late bloomer.

I mean I must be to be 23, single, jobless and living at home, right?

2. I need to trust myself more.

Make decisions, trust my instinct and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.

3. A problem shared is problem halved.

Unlike my sister, I’m an emotional person who finds talking helpful. I can’t bottle things up or suppress my emotions, I need someone to talk to or who I can ask for help.

4. Wet fingers should NEVER go in sockets.

5. Life’s a balancing act.

Ultimately you have to be happy but no one on the planet is care free and happy all the time. Inevitably there will be lows, stresses, woes and a lot of waiting. But without darker moments the lighter ones wouldn’t shine so bright.

6. Diets don’t work.

Food should be enjoyed so eat the things that make you feel good. Be mindful of ingredients but don’t obsess over them. The definition of ‘diet’ is a sustainably way of eating not 2 weeks of cabbage soup and green juice.

7. Exercise is the best medicine.

Nothing puts me in better frame of mind than a sweaty workout or a zen yoga class.

8. Small gestures matter.

It’s the little things that matter; a hug, a home cooked meal, a sympathetic pair of ears etc.

9. It pays to be different.

I wasted my time at school trying to fit but there’s no point pretending to be something or someone you’re not. Besides, a planet of clones would be highly boring. Just be you, because you’re awesome.

10. Travel enriches life.

I’m so lucky to have travelled to many destinations (Australia, Bali, Egypt, Barbados, Mexico…) it’s allowed me to know that I want to live in warmer climate and see more of our amazing planet.

11. A smile can change someone’s day.

Spread some cheer. I always smile at strangers, sometimes they look at me like I’m a freak but when someone smiles back it makes me feel good and I hope it makes them feel the same.

12. The things that scare me are usually the things I enjoy most.

This has been true on so many occasions: not wanting to go to Australia (my now obsession), being too scared to go a water slide (loving it), delaying starting this blog (passionate about it)…the list goes on.

13. Mistakes are inevitable.

If you didn’t stumble now and then you won’t have learnt half as much as you have. Pick yourself up and fight a little harder or try something different. And remember there’s no shame in asking for help.

14. Metal doesn’t go in the microwave, paper doesn’t go under the grill and plastic doesn’t go in the oven.

15. It’s NEVER too late.

If you want it, go get it.

16. Confidence is key.

Due to my general anxiety I’m usually that awkward person at a party stood in the corner like a boring mute. Nobody wants to talk to that person, but people flock to someone’s who confident and comfortable in their own skin.

17. Bad times aren’t permanent.

When I get into a deep, dark state of mind it can feel infinite. When times are tough it can seem like the end of the world but it’s not. Time goes on, pain will ease and happy times will come.

18. A hug and a cup of tea makes everything better.

Like magic, a hug from my mum and a herbal tea will suddenly make things a better.

19. I’m in charge of my happiness.

My mum constantly tells me this. “Eleanor no one can make you feel bad. It’s you who’s letting them.”

20. Family is the most important thing.

From birth to death, they’re the constant in my life. They’ve seen me at my best and at my worst, yet they show me nothing but love. Those are the kind of people you want to prioritise.

21. You’ve got to let shit go.

As my parents are always telling me, “dwelling on the past gets you nowhere”. Move on to bigger and better things.

22. Always de-stone dates and cherries.

Unless you want to break your teeth or poison yourself, causing you to be unable to move from the bathroom floor.

23. It’s ok to treat yourself now and then.

I need to stop feeling guilty for doing things that I want to do and buying things just because they make me happy. A little indulgence now and then is A-okay.

The Birthday Deets

As a foodie and a lover of celebrations and planning, I had great fun creating my dinners. That’s right, dinners. I managed to spread my birthday out for as long as possible; forget Halloween, October was my month.

Pre Birthday Pampering

I requested a social night of pampering so my auntie, cousin, mum’s friend, mum, and sister joined me for an evening of homemade treats, nail painting and face masking.

On offer was lemon and black pepper smoked salmon, turmeric chicken strips, turkey, basil, oregano and vegetable meatballs, mixed salad with apple cider vinegar dressing, homemade guacamole, homemade hummus, vegetable sticks, vegetable crisps, fruit and nut mix, raw gingerbread, raw chocolate, kombucha, kefir and wine.  I told you I was all about foooood.

The Big Day

On my actual birthday I was in Rome and with only a few eggs and some salad in the apartment, my family and I went out to Trattoria Cecio for dinner.

Marinated salmon starter.

Steak and big tropical salad.

Haha by the above pictures it looks like I’m drinking water but it was my birthday so of course I was on the wine (not that I need an excuse to drink). Pre drinks of $2 pinot grigio in the apartment and a bottle of red with our meal.

Someone may have had a little too much to drink and ended the night flat on their ass, before being tucked into bed by their mother. Thanks mum, love you. Honestly, the fitter and healthier I am, the less tolerant I am to alcohol; 3 glasses and I was I unable to stand.

Wine not?

The next day I returned home where my little sister surprised me with presents, raw vegan treats and confetti.

Cake a wish

I can’t candle this

Tased good. It’s a crumbs up from me.

Post Birthday Feasting

I really wanted a full day of delicious planned out food. So the following Saturday was dubbed foodie feast day. Prepare your eyes for a feast of epic proportions. ..

After a hiit session breakfast was a gooey salted caramel smoothie bowl.

Caramello. Fig thanks for reading my blog.

Lunch consisted of homemade gluten free bread, smashed avocado, scrambled egg, smoked salmon, wilted spinach and pan fried mushrooms.

Eggactly what I wanted

Dinner had to involve two of my favourite things: sea food and vegetables. As an indecisive person I thought it best to have mixed platters, one featuring some of my favourite seafood and one of grilled veggies.

I seafood, I eat it: Swordfish, salmon, prawns &scallops.

Drinks consisted of thirst quenching tea, alkalising green juice, gut nourishing kefir, soul warming port and spirit lifting wine.

Not a bad birthday. Fingers crossed next year will be all about partying on down and shaking what my mama’s genes so cruelly didn’t give me.

Now it’s November, my attention shall now shift to Christmas; my favourite time of year. x