Screenshot 2023-04-17 at 7.37.21 PM
ExpressApril 17, 2023

EXPRESS: Carlin Bliss, Portland, ME (@carlinbliss )

21 things I’ve learned in 21 years…

  1. Our capacity for love is great.
  2. Being assertive does not make you aggressive.
  3. We are always learning, growing, evolving.
  4. We are all teachers. Even the smallest human is full of wisdom.
  5. We are not meant to all shine in the same way. We each have a light inside of us that is uniquely ours.
  6. Laughter is the best medicine. (But sometimes prescriptions are needed too, and that’s okay.)
  7. You always have time to feel your feelings. Don’t push them away for the sake of a deadline or others’ convenience.
  8. If they want to be a part of your life, they will make the effort. If someone isn’t putting in the effort, they aren’t worth your precious energy.
  9. You are strong enough, brave enough, smart enough, scrappy enough.
  10. Make connections and use them! Pull from your resources!
  11. You can choose who you care for, not who cares for you.
  12. A bad day is only 24 hours. So is a good day, it’s all about perspective.
  13. It is okay not to have an answer.
  14. Everything happens for a reason. 
  15. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others! Sometimes just a smile or a hello can make someone’s day.
  16. Routines lead to healthy and happy mindsets. (But spontaneity is pretty awesome too.)
  17. Sunshine is magic!
  18. Direction matters more than speed. Move in the direction of your goals and dreams, but don’t rush!
  19. The best thing we can do is let people know that they are loved.
  20. Just like the moon, we go through phases. We will be whole again!
  21. Show the same compassion to yourself as you do  your best friend.

EXPRESS is a new section of our blog devoted to YTP’s creative community.

SHARE

Related Stories

Scroll to Top