21 things I've achieved at twenty one

In light of the enjoyment I felt from writing my thirty before thirty blog post earlier this month I came up with this follow up idea to celebrate myself, something which, like many people, I don't ever seem to do. It just isn't a natural thing that crosses my mind. However, on Friday I was pleasantly surprised to received my degree results and be forcefully confronted with the idea I haven't been crashing and burning for three incredibly long years. I was overwhelmed by this bizarre pride and wanted to both capture the feeling and immortalise it; what better way to do this than a borderline obnoxious blog post all about my own achievements? 

Insert narcissistic lock-down graduation pic here  

They may be small to some people, they be large to others but I would to post a disclaimer here: I am not trying to compete with anyone or put anybody down. I am simply trying to recognise my own celebrations- this is my only goal. 

1) Counselling- This took a hell of a lot of convincing from a friend I'm convinced I do not deserve but am eternally grateful to have. My first ever experience with CBT was traumatising and I never went back to that person but two years later I am proud to stay I am still on my counselling journey and learning a lot from it 

2) Gotten over being bullied

3) Veganism- 18 months strong baby

4) Performed in Theatre productions

5) Faced my parents mortality- once my dad was finally on the up my mother was then involved in a car accident. 

6) Survived the break ups of toxic friendships- Turns out, they aren't exclusive to our twenties 

7) Started teaching myself French 

8) Learned that some people actually do care what I have to say- Im grateful everyday for every message, comment and like on my blog and my blog Instagram account (@theverseofvenus) 

9) A levels (first in my large family to get these qualifications) 

10) Volunteer work- At an animal shelter and at Oxford literary festival 

11) Faced my body dysmorphia 

12) Secured a poetry internship- through this I was able to independently run my own event with a theme of mental health awareness in poetry 

13) Had a long term relationship 

14) wrote a semi successful fan fiction- Don't be ashamed of your hunger games phase guys  

15) Had my articles published online- I am now entering my fourth year writing for The Tab Brookes, this will be my third year as news editor. I have also recently been appointed as a journalist for my Universities Union blog. 

16) Co-founded and maintained a year long presidency of a society 

17) got back into ballet 

18) Learned I actually can get the train and bus by myself without dying- and you can do it too,  promise 

19) Had the balls to enter writing competitions- Never won any but hey ho

20) Found some utterly phenomenal friends 

21) GOT A BLOODY ENGLISH LITERATURE DEGREE

I'm in a good mood and since beginning yoga in lock-down I have learned not to limit the positivity I feel because, like everyone, I am worthy of being happy so with this in mind, here is a bonus achievement: 

-Learned to recognise my own achievements and feel pride in myself 

I would really love it if you too could write down a list of your own achievements in life and if you want to do this blog post too then please do and credit me and also contact me on Instagram to let me know where I can find it (@theverseofvenus). Be proud of yourself and remember you are enough.