I’m 21 today! I was born at 6:45am on Thursday 24th June 1999 (we should be celebrating our mum’s surely?!) I think this will be my last birthday related post for a fair few years as I feel like turning 21 is the last “big birthday” until you’re 30. Lockdown undoubtedly ruined any potential plans, but we’ll see where the day takes us and make the most of the situation!
In celebration of waving goodbye to my turbulent teens in 2019, I wrote about 20 things I’d learned in 20 years, which still reads very true to this day. To honour the age of world-wide legal drinking and the real step into my roaring 20s, I thought a Q&A would be a fun way to kick it all off. So I’d like to firstly thank Charlotte, Millie, Shannen, Paige, Gemma Jayne and Laura for their questions! They’re a great bunch who you should definitely check out.
What first inspired you to start a blog?
I’ve always loved writing since I was little, especially creative writing. I also kept a diary for years which I wrote in every night, so as I got older a blog seemed really appealing. It was a space on the internet where I could share anything and everything. A new hobby was exactly what I needed, as a welcome distraction to everyday life. The possibilities with a blog are endless, and the community is amazing.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I genuinely think I’ll just be a more established version of my current self. My personality and humour has aged with me along the years, so in 10 years I think my life will just be added to i.e. with a house and children. If I could glimpse into the life of 31 year old Emily, I just wish I would have found the career for me – and written a book!
What is your biggest achievement?
The process of saving and travelling to South Korea just after turning 18. Looking back at it, I was so young and I find it a scarier concept now! I just had such a “grab life by the balls” attitude and made my own dreams come true. I wanted it, so I went and got it!
What do you love most at 21 that you didn’t think you would?
Is it strange to say I love where I’m at with myself? I’m more self-assured than I thought I would be at this point. Obviously, this is likely to change depending on my mood and circumstance, but I’ve dipped my toes into the water of adulthood and I’m ready to take it on.
If you could tell your 15-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
That as long as you are happy and living a life you enjoy, then that is genuinely all that matters. Life is not a competition, it would be unnatural to be living at the same pace as other people your age.
If you could live abroad where would you love to live?
Seoul, South Korea! No other country has really appealed to me to live in, but I don’t think I could be abroad for my whole life. A couple of years would be a wonderful adventure.
What things have you achieved that you’re proud of before 21?
Sounds a bit sad, but there honestly isn’t too much! I’ve worked hard to pass my driving test, but that still hasn’t happened yet. Academically, I feel like I did just ok. However, I’ve travelled more, immersed myself into full-time work to earn my own way and I lived away from my family in a different city for a year. They’ve each tested my comfort zone massively, but I’ve shown I’m capable of so much more than I thought.
What are your goals for before 30?
- To own my own house
- Work a job I love
- Become a mum
- Write a book
- Have a weekend away on my own (meals and all)
- Get more tattoos
What’s on your birthday wishlist?
For my 21st, my main present has been a desk and chair (I finally get one back after 1.5 years without one!). This is because my sister’s moving up North and so my boyfriend’s desk is moving into her old room. I’ve got some new gel polish and airpods as an early gift, the only other things on my list was a book and desk accessories.
What is the biggest thing you have learnt since your last birthday?
That dreams don’t work unless you do. I’ve become so set on finding my career and not being stuck in office jobs till I retire. The importance to do what you love and run with it runs through my blood thicker than before!
Where would you like to be this time next year (career, personal etc)?
I’d love for my blog to be more established, so I’m hoping to see through my new schedule from now onwards. Getting back involved with creative writing is a big one, so with that comes reading lots of books. Educating myself on more topics and broadening my knowledge is important also, as I don’t do enough of that! A year flies so fast, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.
What is your current definition of success and has it changed since being 20?
20 to 21 hasn’t been a huge leap for me, but I would personally define success as feeling completely at one with your life. You feel like you’ve ticked as many boxes as possible and there’s not much outstanding in terms of getting you to where you want to be. Being content, but still growing and changing.
What do you want to accomplish whilst you’re 21?
I WILL PASS MY DRIVING TEST
What’s your favourite birthday present you’ve ever received?
I’ve received so many amazing gifts over the years both for my birthday and Christmas, but it’s so hard to pinpoint just one. One gift that really stands out is my sister took me to London for 5 days for my 18th, and we did so many amazing things! The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeons and staying in Kensington. We made lots of memories so it’s a great time to reminisce about.
So those were all of the questions I was sent. I loved answering them – it gave me time to really think about where I’m at now and where I want to be in the future. As you get older, birthdays don’t feel as special as it’s just “another year older”, but I gain a lot of solace by acknowledging my achievements over the years. I’m excited to see what my 20s throws at me – but I know that no matter what happens, everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, my blog will continue for many years and that you’ll join me along the way.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive: and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style” – Maya Angelou
Thanks so much for reading. Until next time,
Emily x
emilygabriella.co.uk 
AHH I feel like I’ve said it so many times today BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You will 1000% pass your driving test this year and AW my heart when I saw be a mum. I’m so glad you’re getting more into your blog again and 21 is gonna be MAD for you. (Hopefully you will also get to go back to Seoul *maybe with something else happening there too ah* and also see me xoxo) ENJOY THE BEACH XOXO
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Thank you so much my lovely Millie!! I need to pass so I can come and see you 😂 hopefully being 21 brings many happy memories!xx
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(I have no idea if you’ll get this reply twice because of my data *sad*) but thank you my lovely Millie! I shall be on the roads to annoy you very soon! Let’s hope 21 is a good year ☺ thank you again!!xx
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Happy birthday Emily! So good to know more about you and so happy to read this and of course that happy to be friends with you! You such a lovely person 💕💕
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Aw thank you so much, Jess!
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You’re so brave jetting across the world at 18!! Definitely a huge achievement! Hope you had the happiest of birthdays, Emily. Lots of love xxx
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Thanks so much Charlotte!xx
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Happy belated birthday! If it makes you feel any better I’m 24 and I don’t have my license yet haha you’ll pass!!!
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Haha eventually!! Thanks so much Trevann
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Happy belated birthday! If it makes you feel any better I’m 24 and I don’t have my license yet haha you’ll pass!
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Happy belated birthday! Good luck with all your goals for the next few years. I’m 29 next month and still don’t know how to drive so I wouldn’t beat yourself up about passing your test!
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Thank you so much Lauren! Driving has been a dream since I was little so hopefully it’s not too far away!
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This was such a lovely post to read, it was nice to have a little insight into your life. Happy 21st Birthday, I hope you’re able to celebrate properly when this is all over!
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Thank you so much Kelly! Fingers crossed!
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Happy belated birthday 🙂 I also had my birthday the day after yours, strange to have a lockdown birthday is not. Good luck with your goals for the next few years 🙂 I’m in my 30’s and still now achieved the goals that I had when I was 21! So If you don’t achieve your goals don’t worry it will happen 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
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Thank you Nic! I’m quite a simple person so probably would have spent my day the same, but happy belated birthday to you too! Hopefully my goals will be met at the right time whenever that may be ☺
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Happy birthday angel! 21 is such a huge and fun milestone 🙂 Hope you had an amazing day gal x
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Thank you lovely!X
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These are some great answers – you got so many fab and interesting questions too! What a lovely to post to read. Hope you had a great birthday x
Paige // Paige Eades
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Thank you so much for reading Paige! It was a nice chill day thank you x
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I loved this post! It was so lovely to find out a bit more about you! Also happy belated birthday!!!
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Thank you so much Alice that’s lovely of you!!
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Happy birthday!!!! Turning 21 was so much fun but believe me 30 is even better so you’ve got that to look forward to 😉
I loved reading this, it’s always lovely to read more about the person behind the blog x x
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Thank you Claire! Hahah a few years left yet! I’m really glad you enjoyed thanks so much xx
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Belated happy birthday! Goodluck on your driving test! Haha
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Haha thank you!!
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I hope you had a good birthday! Love that you travelled to South Korea, that sounds like such an incredible experience xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
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