What I Learned About Myself in 2019

2019 was a momentous year, filled with lots of great memories. I grew as an individual throughout this year and truly saw change as the year went on. I am not scared of change anymore - in fact, I welcome it. Through this change, I have learned things about myself that still stick with me to this day. I believe the things I learned about myself in 2019 are applicable to people more than just myself, which is why I want to share this idea with you all on my blog.

The only person who cares if I put on makeup is myself

2019 had some moments where I was just too busy or too tired to put on makeup. But one of the things that kept me positive was my husband telling me constantly that I look beautiful, especially without makeup on. Natural skin is amazing people!! Let your skin breathe!! I have been trying to clear up my skin lately, and the best way to do that is to not cover it up. Let those pores breathe, and try a face mask once in a while! Just make sure you are aware of the ingredients in the mask & how they interact with your skin.

It has been a self image struggle for me to not wear makeup on some days where I feel like it is the only thing saving my appearance. But when I don’t spend that time on my makeup, I find myself trying to see other parts of my appearance that can make me more happy than makeup covering it up, like curling my hair or wearing an outfit that makes me feel confident. If you like wearing makeup and don’t mind it, you go queen! But I suggest at least one day a month where you go makeup free. Your skin will thank you.

I am the only person that’s going to clean up my mess

Living on our own again in our new house has truly taught me that it does not matter the size of the space - you will need to clean it constantly. Even though our house only has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, there are so many other chores in different places of the house that require constant attention, like the dishes or sweeping the floors. Sometimes, you just have to buckle down and have a good 30 minute cleaning session. It will pay off, trust me. I have been trying to clean up as I cook, so I have less to do when I am done cooking, and it has worked out fairly well. The upkeep of washing dishes without a dishwasher is a struggle that I am still trying to overcome. But I will get there!

Cleaning can be a fun task if you have on some fun tunes, or maybe a podcast that you love listening to. I find myself watching Youtube videos while washing dishes, to help pass the time. I try to reward myself with a little something-something after I clean, to remind myself that it is worth it to see a clean house at the end of the day. This is adulting, people - you are the only person that is going to clean up your mess.

Vodka does NOT run through my veins

Long story short, I drank too much at Topgolf and threw up…a lot. I kept saying throughout the night that “vodka runs through my veins”, as I took 4 shots of Tito’s throughout the 4 hours we were there. I regretted alcohol for a solid week after having to clean up my post-alcohol puke in the car. Don’t worry, we got home safely and had a sober driver.

Garrett laughed at me for a solid week because of how much I said that “vodka runs through my veins” while at Topgolf. Never again will I say that phrase. If you don’t know why I say that phrase, it’s because I grew up Russian & saw many Russians throughout this year chugging vodka like a chaser.

I really enjoy typography + lettering

I find myself lettering random words a lot throughout my day. More often than I thought I did. I love incorporating different types of typography on my blog, and I would love to venture into making my lettering a font on my computer. Until I learn that skill, I will continue to letter random words on blank pieces of paper with my highlighters.

I love drawing our agenda on the chalkboard stickers I mentioned in this blog post. They are so awesome to write on & easy to change up on a whim. Just make sure you find the appropriate chalkboard marker at your local craft store.

Don’t underestimate the basics

Do you know what basics are, in terms of your closet? Basics are staple pieces that you can build outfits out of. For example, jeans, basic color shirts, shorts that can go with any outfit…you catch my drift. Now that I have a corporate job with a slightly more strict dress code, I have to get creative with the clothes I already have, and re-purposing each piece to make sure to that it doesn’t look like I wear the same clothes every day.

If you’re interested in some work outfit inspiration, check out this blog post I published earlier this year, or this blog post about styling black dresses.

I enjoy sleep so freakin’ much

Have you ever enjoyed a night of sleep so much, that you just want to bask in the amazing-ness in the bed a little bit longer? I truly appreciate sleep so much more as a 23 year old who works a 40 hour week. Sleep also affects your attitude and mannerisms throughout your day more than you may think. Don’t believe me? Try operating from 8am-11pm with 5 hours of sleep, compared to 8 hours of sleep. You will notice a difference.

What did you learn about yourself in 2019?

Did you share any of the same items with me? Let me know in the comments!

And feel free to chime in on social media with what you learned about yourself in 2019.