LIBEROSIS

"We had been trying to be adults since we were 15

When we finally reached 18, nothing changed

It wasn't until we were lying on the bathroom floor

Drunk and high in two different states 

That we realized, Age is just a number

And reality is learning there's no such thing as being an adult

You only grow older, And if you're lucky

Maybe a little wiser."

- Unknown

There's a sense of inexplicable beauty in being born towards the end of the year, because everything just smashes into you all at once. Reflections from being one year older, and then not long Christmas comes crashing at your doorsteps as well, and finally more insane reflections as the fireworks explode into the New Year sky. 

I wasn't going to dedicate an article to turning 21, but 21 is a pretty big deal isn't it? Same way I wasn't planning on having a 21st party, but eventually caved in and held one anyway. It didn't take long for me to realise that age is just a number, you don't feel any more different the day before your birthday and the moment the clock strikes 12, Cinderella-style. There is no magic, you don't physically change. No extra grey hairs come sprouting out, nor a more voluptuous body (sadly). It's all in the mind, and really, there's nothing that a bigger number makes me think 'wow, I should be more responsible now', because I've always been far more mature than my age prescribes.

"The last two years have been the most informative, happiest, hurtful, thoughtful, altering, molding, powerful, accepting years of my life." - Malanda. I don't know what it is about two years, but if I was to frame a period of my life where everything just happened all at once, it would be the past two years. Entering into relationships for the first time, existing relationships for the first time, travelling to foreign cities proving I can be independent, entering into jobs that showed me I am more capable than I thought, graduating and then beginning it all over again, learning to love myself emotionally and physically, and being enlightened by the power of spreading positivity all around me...

I can only think that the coming years are going to continue to teach and mold me even more. And that is the beauty of life: you never stop growing and experiencing new things. Upon reflection of where I am in life right now, there is nothing I would change. I have put my heart and trust in its progression. My friend asked me what I wanted for my 21st but honestly, there is nothing I want. Nothing material, nothing immaterial. I have everything and everyone I would want here in this moment. I truly am blessed beyond words. You win some, you lose some. And when you lose, just know that during the hardest times is when we learn the most and grow the most. It is a gift to endure hardship, preparing you for the beautiful future ahead. Life doesn't get easier, you only become stronger.

I used to hate the roller-coaster life. But in order to truly live life, you must learn to feel everything deeply. You will make it through, no matter what. And when you are on top, you will look back and see everything that has happened in the past was simply preparing you for this moment. These past two years have made me wiser: emotionally, physically and mentally. You cannot run away from the ups and downs of life, you can only run with it. The approach on life that I have acquired in these past two years is with a care-free heart and mind. Don't try to control what happens and where things go, let it run it's course and only then will you be at ease with life and all it's tempestuous ways: Liberosis my darlings.

Willow & Lace / Lareina Heels / Shiels Earings / 
Estee Lauder Lipstick / Victoria's Secret Eyeshadow