
23 Lessons In 23 Years
It’s officially my birthday you guys- I’m 23! I was originally going to do a post about how I celebrated my birthday but obviously this year I was not able to celebrate it. So instead I decided to write a post about the things I’ve learnt over the last 23 years.
1. Be patient and understanding. Not everything can happen instantly and you can’t be perfect all the time so be patient and take your time. And always be understanding not only towards others but towards yourself too.
2. Take chances. You would rather not succeed and have tried than not have tried at all.
3. Saying no is important. It doesn’t make you a bad person or selfish. It means that you are your priority and in some cases that is something that’s necessary.
4. Be selfish. It’s okay to be selfish and do what makes you happy. It’s not on you to make others happy and it’s not your responsibility to fix other people. Just stick to working on yourself.
5. Stop apologizing for everything. Apologizing for what needs to be apologized for is great but don’t apologize for everything even things that are not in your control.
6. Be grateful. Always be grateful for everything and everyone you are so lucky to have in your life.
7. It’s okay to be different. This is something I’ve always suffered with. I’ve always been “different” even when I’ve tried really hard to be “normal”. However, over the years I’ve realised that it’s okay to be different and there is no “normal”. Everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way.
8. Be yourself. Again I had a hard time being my authentic self when I was younger especially in my teenage years. That’s why I love the WordPress community so much- it really gave me a place to figure out who I am and embrace it.
9. Listen to what people are really telling you. Sometimes it’s really about how someone says something and how they choose their words that speaks volumes of truth. I talked about this in my 2020 goals post but what I’ve learnt is when someone apologizes don’t say “it’s okay” because that tells the person that their behavior is okay when it’s not. Another example would be if someone says “I’m sorry but…” and continously makes excuses- they’re not sorry they’re just saying it.
10. Always be kind. Even to those that don’t necessary deserve your kindness. Don’t be a pushover but don’t be unkind.
11. Sometimes silence is the loudest response. You don’t always have to have the last word. Sometimes not saying anything speaks volumes.
12. Who you are constantly changes. As you grow and evolve so does your personality. It doesn’t mean you’ve become a different person it just means you’ve grown.
13. Make priorities. Priorities are important because you can’t do everything. And if you do try to do everything perfectly you’re going to be in for a rude awakening.
14. Make memories. Work hard but make sure you take some time out to make memories.
15. Always listen to your gut. If something doesn’t seem right get out of there. You’re gut doesn’t lie.
16. Don’t give up. Failure is something you will always face in life and you will always have people trying to bring you down but don’t give up on you. Be your biggest cheerleader.
17. Travel, travel and travel!
18. Always try to keep an open mind. Don’t judge people, instead try to put yourself in their shoes and understand where they’re coming from.
19. Try to constantly be learning something new. Learning new things is important no matter how old you get and whether or not you’re in school.
20. Don’t take things personally. Sometimes it’s not about you- in fact a lot of times it’s not about you. We as humans tend to be a little self absorbed. I’m guilty of it and so is everyone. But it’s important to remember that everything is not always about you.
21. Cut out toxic people. They’re never going to change and they’re going to take you down with them.
22. Work hard for what you want. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your dreams. Work hard to achieve your dreams.
23. Happiness should be your priority. A lot of things are important but your happiness should come first. Do what makes you happy.
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214 Comments
ninjawarrior83
Happy bday
PoojaG
Thank you!
ninjawarrior83
Np Have a great day
trE
Happy Birthday! You’ve got a great list here and a vital one at that. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your big day as much as you. I don’t even remember what I did for my 23rd birthday.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
trE
You’re quite welcome!
Tom Schultz
Happy birthday, Pooja! From this post (among other posts), I can see you’re wise beyond your 23 years. 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Mentally Ill In America
This is a phenomenal list… Happy birthday!!!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
namanshah98
Happiest bday dost❤ I hope you stay safe and enjoy every second of your bday. By writing this blog you have almost done one good deed for us readers. Stay safe and stay blessed☺☺☺ Today if possible, do something for the animals out there. I will be grateful if you do that❤
PoojaG
Thank you so much! Not sure if you’re aware of this but I’m vegan, cruelty free and an animal rights activist so I feel like I’m doing something for animals every single day!
namanshah98
I didnt know anything about this. Im sorry but glad to know that you are a vegan and an animal activist as well. Keep growing💯✌🏻
PoojaG
There’s nothing to be sorry for I’m glad you’re encouraging people to care about animals!
namanshah98
That’s true though!
inspirechief
Happy Birthday!! This an excellent post. You have learned a lot in your 23 years.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
submergedvolume
Congrats!!
PoojaG
Thank you!
Julpha Jean
Happy Happy Birthday! God Bless!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
athousandbitsofpaper
I wish I had your insight when I was 23! Happy birthday I hope you enjoy your day. 🧡🧡
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Brendan Birth
All of these are very valuable lessons. Happy birthday Pooja!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
talk with paagalmania
Happy birthday Pooja. Meaningful blog ❤
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Helen
Happy birthday! Many happy returns of the day as we say in England! Hope you manage to celebrate in some way even in the strange and unsettling circumstances 🙂
Great list, very wise and full of useful reminders!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Nina Yomo
Happy birthday Pooja. More life to you. Love the list
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
tianiangelahibbert
Happy birthday Pooja! I really appreciate this list. Great content as always. I hope you have an amazing rest of your night! Sending a virtual hug. So glad to have met you! 🤗🎉🎂
PoojaG
Thank you so much and so glad to have met you as well!! 😊
Ishita
Happy birthday !!
PoojaG
Thank you!!
dumbestblogger
Happy Birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
jesusluvsall
Happy Birthday my fellow Jedi 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you!
lifewithlisa9
Happy Birthday!!! You are filled with wisdom at such a young age. 🎉😊
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
TheBookWarrior
Happy Birthday ❤❤.
Amazing lessons.
You are very mature for your age. You have great wisdom in your writings.
‘Sometimes silence is the loudest response’ loved this. Indeed it is ❤.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
JLynn Bloggess
Happy birthday! You are very wise for such a young lady. I could learn a few things from you! Next year your birthday will be even more spectacular!
PoojaG
Thank you so much and I hope so!
homeschoolguru
Oof! You’ve learnt a lot more in 23 years than I had at your age.. Very wise words; I’m still working on some of those items on your list. Happy birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
SunsetsAndStrangers
Happy Birthday! Have a lovely day and treat yourself!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Ameet Kothari
Happy Birthday Pooja… May God grant you a healthy and wealthy life…
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Adidas
Many happy returns of the day!☺
PoojaG
Thank you!
AR MOHSIN SHEIKH
Hey pooja, hope you are doing fine and everything is alright at your end. A very happy happy birthday to you. May you get all the happiness and success in the world.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!! Hope you’re healthy and safe too!
Navin
A very happy b’day Pooja. Great post with words of wisdom.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
thebibliophilewriter
Many many happy returns of the day. May God bless you and have a wonderful year ahead.
PoojaG
Thank you so much for your kind wishes!!
A Dose of JJ's Reality
Happy Birthday! 🎉🎈🎁 As always I love reading your posts. Very inspiring.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
dpranita583
Dear Friend , happy birthday and get what you want ? Let’s celebrate peace, happiness, love , abundance with full of prosperity & shower of joy with you. God bless you.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Anya Abraham
Happy Birthday, Pooja :’D Those are some great lessons to have learned and spread in this community. I hope you have a great birthday doing what you love the most 😀
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Sheree
Happy birthday! 🎂 🎈 🎁
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
bornpurple
Happy birthday G. You deserve the best. 🥂
PoojaG
Thanks so much!!
AD
Happy Birthday…. and I definitely believe that it’s important to be selfish sometime in life and do what best for you when you got to live with the consequences from doing or not doing something, especially when you don’t compromise your morals and values in making a selfish decision.
PoojaG
Thank you! Yes exactly sometimes it’s necessary to put yourself first.
TishGirl❤️
Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day!🥳
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Emma
Happy Birthday 🥳
Wow,
You’ve definitely learnt a lot
I pray you gain much more wisdom as you enter this new stage of life !!!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Opher
Happy Birthday Pooj!!! A nice set of ideals!
PoojaG
Thank you Opher!
Dr. Neetika Lal Rai
Happy birthday Pooja🎂😊⚘keep on inspiring through your blog…God bless you😊⚘
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Aditi Verma
Happy birthday Pooja!! You deserve all the happiness in the world. Your words are magical and gives mr hope. ❤️❤️
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Quarantined Gal
happy birthday x
PoojaG
Thank you!
missfoodsy
Happy birthday! 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you!
Manoj Mehra
Great life lessons and a very happy birthday to you 🎂
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Steven Lewis
Happy birthday
PoojaG
Thank you!
dbobstoner
Happy Birthday! I doubt I could get to 57 lessons for myself! Bob
PoojaG
Thank you and I’m sure you could!!
RAK
Happy Birthday Pooja, Hope you stay happy always!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
acaciapublications
A very happy birthday! And many returns of the day.
PoojaG
Thank you very much!!
Manisha Reddy
Happy birthday 🎉🎈
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Jk Sharma
Happy birthday, Pooja!
May you live long, healthy and wealthy!
May god protect you always and may god make you a great writer.
May god give you power for walking on the right way!
And you have written Nicely
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
O.D.
Happy birthday! 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you!
journeythroughthechapters
Happy birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
Disha Solanki
Well stated, Happy Birthday to You! More power to you, stay blessed.
PoojaG
Thank you!
ohgeeleelee
Happy birthday! 🎉
PoojaG
Thank you!
judeitakali
Happy birthday Pooja, hope the exams are going well and when you’re done maybe we can write that post 💐
PoojaG
Thank you so much and yes absolutely!!
limitlessmare
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Great idea for a post and excellent learning 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you!
Brothers Campfire
Happy Birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
potatosandwich
Happy Bday Pooja. Some sound lessons shared. “Listen to your gut” and “Travel” – very important and standouts for me from the list 🙂
Have a great day!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
inkgirlandwords
Happy 23rd birthday!!! Thank you for sharing all these lessons you’ve learned.
I hope you had a wonderful day 🙂 Did you bake a cake for yourself?
PoojaG
Thank you so much! Unfortunately I didn’t have all the ingredients for a cake but I’m planning to make one soon- better late than never lol!
JOY journal
Birthday blessings!! Be well!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Jim Borden
Happy Birthday, Pooja! You can celebrate when this crisis has run its course. In the meantime, thanks for sharing some of your life lessons! Have a great day!
PoojaG
Thank you so much and yes I look forward to celebrating when this is all over!
jaayrays
Happy birthday🎂🎁🎉👑 Hope you keep learning new things ✌
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
@messybunandgettingdone
Happy Birthday!!!!! Great words to live by!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Jae Subramoney
Have yourself a Wonderful Birthday! I hope you get lots of hugs and presents 😊🎂🎉
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
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Blushy Ginger | Sadie
YAY I love these kinds of birthday posts! Happy birthday!!!!!! #12 super resonates for me.
PoojaG
Thank you so much I’m glad you enjoyed it!
balladeer
Happy birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
almeidadepaulo
Happy birthday Pooja!!!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Chloe
Loved this! Especially Lesson #12. Happy birthday 🙂 xxx
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
luisa zambrotta
Happy Birthday
💐 💐 💐
PoojaG
Thank you!
MADDY HAUTE
Many more happy returns of the day. 23 valuable lessons are Fabulous. I would like to follow.
PoojaG
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked them!
Blanca
Happy birthday Pooja! Hope you can celebrate when life gets back to normal.
PoojaG
Thanks and yes I look forward to celebrating when all this is over!
Mauratee Tai
Happy birthday to you, lots of valuable lessons you’ve got there, hope you have a fab day
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
topherfranklin
Happy Birthday, this list is awesome. You’ve learned a lot in your 23 years, it took me 30 years to learn some of these lessons. Hope you have a great day!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
intje
Happy bday dear!! I hope i wasnt late to say it!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Rida J
Happy Birthday!!! #3 and #5 I hope to have down soon. Enjoy your day 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you so much! It takes a while but it’s important to stop blaming yourself for things you have no control over.
CloudyBoii
Happy belated birthday sis and have a great sweet 23😁
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
lifebetterlead
Happy Birthday Pooja! xx
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Mary Ann, affectionately called Skip
Oh wow — happy birthday! 🎉
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Eromonsele Emmanuel
Hurray! Happy Birthday PoojaG!!! Wishing you many years of Happiness, Joy and Prosperity.
Best wishes.
PoojaG
Thank you so much for your wishes!
cookingwithloveandspices
Happy Birthday 🎂 Wish I knew all that when I was 23. You are wise beyond your years.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
The Newbury Girl
Hope you had a great day celebrating! Agree with so many lessons on this list – especially being yourself and learning to stop apologizing!
PoojaG
Thank you and I did!
katey26
Hope you had a lovely birthday. Great advice as always
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
salimhalari922
Manny many happy returns of the day..
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
daankatz
Happy birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
ceponatia
Happy birthday. 🙂
PoojaG
Thank you!
Mind Pilot
Happy belated birthday Pooja😘 I love this blogpost, it’s really inspiring, I ll love to do the same for my birthday next month, it’s awesome, thanks for always inspiring and giving out great content as always! I hope you enjoyed your day🤗 I will ensure I write that you inspired the post, I really hope you get to read it🤗 and Pooja I ll love to see an App someday, we would love it! xoxo😘
PoojaG
Thank you so much and yes absolutely feel free to use the idea! Never thought about an App but that would be amazing!
SnapDragon X.
Great post! Happy Birthday, friend. 🕊
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
Apartment601
Happy Belated Birthday 🎉⭐
PoojaG
Thank you!
Kristi
Happy birthday!! I truly wish I would have had this advice when I was 23! And even at 53, so many of these resonate with me and remind me of my worth and my uniqueness. Thank you! ❤️
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
JcCee
Happy Happy Belated Birthday!!!
PoojaG
Thank you!
JcCee
You’re very welcome!
Njoki W
Happy belated birthday 🎉
Awesome list. My fave is listening to your gut 💯
PoojaG
Thank you so much!
rehamjalal2120
Happy Birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!
BrittnyLee
Happy 23rd!!! Congrats girl!!! These are great life lessons. I especially can relate to letting toxic people go and using silence and patience. I learned these too over the years and grateful for them. They make life so much more enjoyable.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!! Yes it’s important to keep toxic people out of your life and be grateful for the good people in your life!
BrittnyLee
Absolutely girl 🙂
Adapt&Be
Happy Birthday Pooja. Great life lessons. There aren’t many 23 year olds who can be as mature as this. You are most certainly in control of who you are and allowing your authentic self to shine.
PoojaG
Thank you so much and honestly I’m just trying my best!!
Ashish Sisodia
This is good … And you are 1 day elder to me haha !
See my Earth’s Day Post . .. you will like it 😊♥
PoojaG
Thanks!
Cphebe
Happy Birthday, you are a very good writer!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
tanaka_tkzy
Happy Belated Birthday! Stay Pretty and Smarts
PoojaG
Thank you!
tanaka_tkzy
You are welcome
Eliza
Happy belated birthday! Awesome idea…
May this year bring more joy and awesomeness your way…
Love, light and glitter
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Azrie Idzmeer
Happy belated birthday!
PoojaG
Thank you!!
traceyrawoot
Ah I missed this! Happy Lockdown Birthday! May you have a smashing birthday YEAR! Yes a whole year of birthday celebrations!
PoojaG
Aww thank you so much!!
David Joel Miller
Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed it. Lots of good suggestions here regardless of your age.
PoojaG
Thank you!
skyenatureblog
Great post. Very inspirational especially for young people.
Well done
Sue
PoojaG
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amy L Maris
I love “Sometimes silence is the loudest response.” Insightful!
PoojaG
Thank you! I’ve realised that people are going to keep talking but you have the choice not to respond.
vanessa mirga
Love the content of your blog , seems so fresh and new!
PoojaG
Thank you so much!!
Array
Nice! Check out my new blog and related post 🙂
Narayan Tushar Kaudinya
Many years to come when what you heard, seen, known and experienced shall bloom many forth. My wishes. Happy birthday.
PoojaG
Thank you so much!