(NB: content in this entry is quite probably clichéd/pretentious (because nothing else I ever write on here is clichéd or pretentious, right?). But I go by the theory that most of the time, if something is clichéd, that is because it is actually true. Also it is my birthday so I can say and do what I want.)

So today I am twenty! Those terrible, treacherous teenage years are officially behind me and, while my next birthday is considered by society as the more momentous one, I still think today is pretty important really. TWENTY YEARS. There have been times, in my angstier phases, where I honestly thought I wouldn't get this far. Luckily, seems I am in fact a pretty emotionally-balanced individual, so I have not felt that low in a very, very long time. In fact, I would say that right now is the most happy in myself that I have ever been. Not only am I surrounded by a whole bunch of fantastic friends, but I am satisfied with who I am as a person- obviously there are occasional hiccups, but I'm capable of working those out now and moving on. In the end, I believe that being able to do that for yourself, and not being dependent on other people for feelings of validation as a human being, are what make you successful. Which I would think is pretty obvious, really.

But yes, I am hugely lucky to know a lot of people who all make me happy in their own particular ways. From the best friends I have known for years, to the people I only chat to occasionally in lectures, by way of good new friends I've made over the past year and a bit- you are all fantastic, and help brighten my days. (Not knowing who actually reads this makes it easier to be so soppy, it's not my natural state...) And in light of a couple of 'recent developments', special mention must go not only to one particular boy who makes me extremely happy, but to another who has always been a brilliant friend and all-round awesome person despite what has happened between us in the past.

Really, you are all SUPER. Thank you all for existing!