18 things i've learnt in 18 years

Last week, on the 6th of August, ya girl turned 18! The festivities consisted of three days of celebrating, starting on Saturday the 4th, where I was looking cute as hell and went for shisha with my brother and cousins. Then on the Sunday afternoon, I went exploring around the city to Tower Bridge, the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and St. Pauls Cathedral with my parents and brother - where I also looked cute as hell. And in the evening, I was joined by the rest of my family for cake cutting and presents, which was followed by the Birthday Quiz (an annual competition I host to see which family member knows me best). Then finally on Monday - my actual birthday - my brother took me out for a day of surprises with dinner at PF Changs, and tickets to see one of my favourite musicals LES MISÉRABLES XKASLNEHIW!!! And I'm sure you can imagine, I was still looking cute as hell (photographic evidence is below).

The past year of my life has been a bit hectic to say the least, with lots of ups and plenty of downs, but I'm glad to have learnt so much not only this year, but over the past 18 years. Yes, it's very cliché and overdone - but I don't care. So here it is: 18 things I've learnt in 18 years...

1. Go the extra mile, because it's much less crowded than the finishing line

Look at me out here laying down this motivational crap, call me Tony Robbins already. But seriously, I've learnt that it's so important to push yourself and stand out from others.

2. Make sure you surround yourself with people who are right for you

It's important to have people around you with common motivations and values. The people around you can really effect the way you are, so make sure they're positive, kind people who bring you joy.

3. Spray your brush with setting spray before using highlight for full Greek Goddess effect

You'll thank me later.

4. You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick

I saw this in a tweet and sis, I was fully shook. This is so true.

5. Everyone loves ABBA

If someone tells you they don't like ABBA, they're probably lying.

6. Always help people when you can, you never know when you'll need someone's help

What you put out into the world you will get back, so be a positive little nugget and help people.

7. It's okay that things are not always black and white

I always liked for things to be straightforward, and one or the other. But things and people are not so simple - but it's all good, g.

8. Tidy space, tidy mind

Clean your damn room! (Also keep organised).

9. I'm a better cook than I give myself credit for

If you stop critising yourself and start doing shit, you'll be surprised at what you can do.

10. Listen to you're family, they're actually pretty smart

You may not always like what they have to say, but they just want you to be happy. And they will always be there for you :)

11. It's not your place to pass judgment on others

Yes, we all have opinions, but sometimes it's best to keep them to yourself. Because you never know what's behind closed doors.

12. You cannot say yes to everything, learn to say no!

Because I am someone who wants to help people and take every opportunity, I have often put other people/things before myself. Don't spread yourself so thin, girl - we need you thicc!

13. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac is pure genius

Someone put this work of art in a museum already

14. Everyone goes at their own pace, so keep focused on yourself

People grow up and reach success at different points in their life, focus on how you'll get there instead of when you'll get there.

15. Nothing make me cry like a good book, a good film, a good key change or a Christmas advert

I'm aware, I'm beginning to sound insane...

16. Sometimes silence is the best answer

Basically, just shut up sometimes. Trust me on this one

17. A burger and chips is hands down the best meal on this earth

My mouth is already salivating

18. I'm talented, hard working, caring, funny and cute as hell, I should always remember that because I seem to forget it a lot!

And finally, because I don't break my promises - here is the photographic evidence of me looking, yes you guessed it, CUTE AS HELL during my birthday celebrations.

Go to my Instragram story highlights to see the full three days of birthday celebrations: @yungmaariyah / https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17905608061215385/