---

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

Can I just say that life REALLY IS too short? And unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 are showing us this, day in and day out.

It’s too short not to wear the fancy skirt, the glittery shoes. You really absolutely definitely should have cake for breakfast and, by god, takeaway for tea is a yes from me! Not that it matters because you answer to nobody but yourself! Because if I’ve learnt anything today, it’s that it can be taken away – life that is (not the cake)… far too quickly.

You should probably put your phone down to enjoy those special moments.

You should absolutely never take for granted that you’re healthy and here, you know?

You’re walking and talking… and that is a precious gift.

Be a dreamer! Dream for big things, get lost in those dreams and don’t be told otherwise.

Don’t spend so much time making a living that you forget to live! Take all your work holiday and enjoy this world, go to your favourite places, even if that’s just to your local park for a sunrise at the moment because of restrictions.

Live for family, for friends, for good times, but never money. Wake up and smile because it’s sunny (or snowy!)! Go out for a walk and screw the housework; it can wait! Smell that stormy smell and be thankful that you’re here to watch the storms.

Help people; help, help and help some more! If you can do it, do it. If you have it, share it. Karma will always return your favours.

Who cares if you’re a size 4, a 12 or a damn 24? Wear whatever the hell you want to wear, and make sure you do it with confidence. You are beautiful. No doubt about it. Dye your hair blue in your 30s. Dye your hair pink in your 50s. And heck, do it green in your 80s! Be you.

This world waits for nobody… And that is all.

Written by Bethany Dempsey at www.thedempseydiaries.com for Iceni Magazine.

---