• Home
  • About
    • Our Journey
    • Popular Posts
  • Blog
    • Motherhood
    • Style
    • Home
      • Clarke Residence
    • Life
    • Verses
    • Faith
    • Travel
    • Blog Tips
  • Simply Clarke

  • Marriage
  • Shop
    • Shop My Style
    • Amazon Favorites
    • Clarke Residence
  • Contact
    • Collaborate

Simply Clarke

Life
/
June 19, 2014

23 Lessons I Have Learned at 23

Today is my last day being 23! I can’t say i’m not sad to see it go. 23 was good to me, but I am definitely excited to see 24.

1. You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe. Trust. Let go. And see what happens.

 

2. Laughter really is the best medicine.

 

3. Sometimes, what you are most afraid of doing, is the very thing that will set you F R E E.

 

4. The point of our lives is to bring a taste of Jesus to the broken mess we are in.

 

5. I eat more cereal than the average person.

 

6. You will go through seasons in your marriage. Never give up, because seasons will change.

 

7. Buying a house is extremely fun and such a blessing.

 

8. However, having your house robbed is not fun, and is stressful

 

9. It’s okay to be sad, but don’t let it define you.

 

10. There is beauty in walking away.

 

11.  No show will ever come close to One Tree Hill. Pretty Little Liars is amazing… but there is only One, Tree Hill.

 

12. Make time to do things you love that bring you joy throughout your day.

 

13. I love music and quotes.

 

14. I don’t think I will every fully understand why people you love have to suffer.

 

15. Passion Tea Lemonades are my jam.

 

16. Just because life isn’t going according to “my list” doesn’t mean anything. Life is breathtakingly beautiful. Sit back, and enjoy.

 

17. Sunshine makes me happy.

 

18. I feel less tied down to this world.

 

19. I prefer when people speak truth and don’t sugar coat things.

 

20. Sometimes girls nights are just necessary.

 

21. LIFE GOES ON.
 

22. Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams, or wake up and chase them.

 

23. “What I’ve learned from life so far is that for every inch of sadness lies a foot of happiness ahead. I’ve learned that the simplest of times brings the grandest of pleasures and that the hardest goodbyes often lead to the best hellos. I’ve learned that crazy chances guide us to unexpected discoveries and that the tough times unveil the sincerity in people. I’ve learned that you have to hold onto your smile everyday and free yourself of that frown.”

 

Check out this month’s featured sponsor:
Pin this Post
Share this Post
6 Comments
Leave a Comment

You May Also Like...

Girls Weekend Photos

August 4, 2014

8 Summer Girls Weekend Ideas

August 1, 2014

Encouraging Your Friends

July 28, 2014
6 Comments
  • Marquis Clarke
    June 19, 2014

    So so true and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    June 19, 2014

    First, happy birthday! Second, we need to become instant BFF’s because the second someone mentions how wonderfully amazing OTH is, I want to make them my best friend. Seriously though, best. show. ever.!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    June 19, 2014

    Happy almost birthday! I just turned 23 a couple weeks ago, and I am hoping to learn so much from this year. I love your list.

    Reply
  • Samantha Curtis
    June 20, 2014

    Happy birthday! Love this list… Heart you!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    June 20, 2014

    Happiest of birthdays to you dear!! Hope it is wonderful 🙂 Love your list & can say I agree with so many of them!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    June 25, 2014

    If I can repeat # 10 to myself over and over again I’d be a lot better off!

    Tiffancy

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Fav Shorts for Summer
Next Post
5 Pieces of Newly Married Advice
Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

I'm a modern mom of two, who strives to encourage women throughout marriage and motherhood. I embrace life as it comes with kid meltdowns, family dance parties, and snacks galore. I believe that laughter is the best medicine, simplicity is perfection, and that life is breathtakingly beautiful.

Join the Simply Clarke community and receive weekly updates via email

Motherhood

Faith

Fashion

Home

Shop My Latest Faves

product_title_1

Bible

product_title_2

Coffee

product_title_3

Planner

product_title_4

Shades

  • What’s a Great Family Getaway Near Houston? | Great Wolf Lodge Webster, Texas

    March 6, 2026
  • The Ultimate Guide to Great Wolf Lodge Webster, Texas Howl-O-Ween

    October 1, 2025
  • Tuscan Tortellini Salad

    September 6, 2024

Current Location

Current Location
Houston, Texas

  • Save this for your next couples getaway near Houston 🤍✨

If you’re looking for a relaxing Galveston, Texas resort with a little luxury, put The San Luis Resort on your list. 

From the gorgeous Texas coast views and poolside cabana (the fruit + champagne were such a nice touch 🥂) to an amazing poolside lunch, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy some time together.

We spent the evening at Grotto + grabbed gelato, started the next morning with an incredible breakfast buffet at Blake’s Bistro, and finished our getaway with a couples massage at the spa. 🧖‍♀️✨

A beautiful resort, good food, time to unwind, and quality time together… honestly, what more could you ask for? ❤️

📍 The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX

Save this for your next couples trip from Houston!

#GalvestonTexas #HoustonGetaway #CouplesGetaway #TexasTravel #GalvestonGetaway
  • If you’re heading to @homedepot anytime soon… SAVE THIS! 👀🧡 I found SO many good home finds on my trip to Atlanta for Home Depot Unmatched, and these made the list!

✨ My favorite: this fan! Our old one was putting out basically ZERO air, and this one has completely changed the game. It’s functional AND so chic… now I want to replace every bedroom fan in our house 😂

🔥 Kevin’s favorite: the grill — and yes, it has a SEAR ZONE!

The RYOBI detail scrubber kit is another must-have (seriously, cleaning just got a whole lot easier), plus the clamp fan kit and so many other smart home finds you’ll want to see.

🧡 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the links!

#AD #HomeDepotCreator #THDUnmatched #THDInnovates #HomeImprovement
  • Back-to-school teacher gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. 💕 Fill a clear zipper pouch with everyday essentials, add this Teacher Survival Kit printable gift tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift any teacher will love!

✨ Comment “SHOP” for the printable and links to everything I used to make this adorable teacher survival kit! 🎀

Save this idea for back-to-school and share it with another parent looking for an easy teacher gift!

#TeacherGiftIdeas #BackToSchoolTeacher #TeacherSurvivalKit #TeacherAppreciation #FirstDayOfSchool / https://liketk.it/6kU34
  • This Madewell sale is officially one you don’t want to miss 🤎🍂 Everything is 20% off through the LTK x Madewell sale, and I’m obsessed with every outfit I tried on!

The barrel jeans are SO flattering, the first sweater is an instant fall staple, and their basic tees are so good for Fall.

🍁 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you all the links! Once you open my link, just tap any Madewell item and the 20% off promo code will be waiting for you.

#MadewellStyle #FallFashion #CapsuleWardrobe #FallOutfitInspo
#LTKxMadewell / https://liketk.it/6kPcl
  • #ad Back-to-school is here, and my food stash is ready! 📚🎒 From quick breakfasts and grab and go options to snack breaks, after school treats and an easier cleanup, I’m keeping these favorites on hand to help make busy school days a little easier.

🥞 quick breakfast: @belgianboys Bite Sized Waffles and Pumpkin Spice Bite Sized Pancakes are easy to warm up for busy mornings, and pro tip - the waffles are delicious warmed up in the air fryer for a little crisp.

🎒 on-the-go: @katefarms Kids Nutrition Shakes are one of those things I like having ready for the mornings when we’re rushing out the door. They come in Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry, so there are a few options to choose from.

🍑 snack breaks: @sunsweetgrowersinc PlumGood Digestive & Defense Plum Juice is a crisp, refreshing option with fiber, zinc and vitamin C, plus the individually wrapped Sunsweet Ones are easy to grab for snacking or lunches. And right now, you can get $2 off your next purchase!

🍩 after-school treat: @bakeful_eats Pink Sprinkle Mini Donuts and Confetti Mini Brownies are soft, fun and made with simple, quality ingredients. They’re also 25% less sugar than traditional mini donuts/brownies, and there’s currently a BOGO offer at Target!

🍦 after-dinner favorite: @bubbies Churro, Strawberry and Cookies & Cream Mochi make the perfect little sweet treat. I think the hardest part is deciding which flavor to pick!

🍽️ less cleanup: @solocup AnyDay Plates + Cups are strong, convenient and grease-proof, making them an easy addition to busy days when I’d rather spend less time cleaning up and more time with the family.

Breakfast, snacks, treats and everything in between… We’re totally prepared for back-to-school! 🙌

@babbleboxxofficial #BTSFoodFindsBBxx #BubbiesIceCream #backtoschoolwithkatefarms #bakefulBTS
  • First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
  • #TysonBrandPartner Back-to-school always means busy evenings, so I’m all about keeping easy dinner ideas on hand! ❤️

I picked up Tyson® Restaurant-Style Uncooked Crispy Nuggets during my Walmart trip and turned them into this simple Chicken Parmesan Bake. 

They’re crispy breaded chicken nuggets with restaurant-style flavor, they’re easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer, and each serving has 14g of protein.

We love serving them over pasta or on sandwich buns for a dinner that’s easy to put together on hectic weeknights.

Be sure to grab @tysonbrand Restaurant-Style Uncooked Crispy Nuggets the next time you’re shopping at Walmart!

#Walmart #WalmartFinds #DinnerIdeas #EasyRecipes
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Save this for your next couples getaway near Houston 🤍✨ If you’re looking for a relaxing Galveston, Texas resort with a little luxury, put The San Luis Resort on your list. From the gorgeous Texas coast views and poolside cabana (the fruit + champagne were such a nice touch 🥂) to an amazing poolside lunch, it was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy some time together. We spent the evening at Grotto + grabbed gelato, started the next morning with an incredible breakfast buffet at Blake’s Bistro, and finished our getaway with a couples massage at the spa. 🧖‍♀️✨ A beautiful resort, good food, time to unwind, and quality time together… honestly, what more could you ask for? ❤️ 📍 The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX
 Save this for your next couples trip from Houston! #GalvestonTexas #HoustonGetaway #CouplesGetaway #TexasTravel #GalvestonGetaway
12 hours ago
1,3618
View on Instagram |
1/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
If you’re heading to @homedepot anytime soon… SAVE THIS! 👀🧡 I found SO many good home finds on my trip to Atlanta for Home Depot Unmatched, and these made the list! ✨ My favorite: this fan! Our old one was putting out basically ZERO air, and this one has completely changed the game. It’s functional AND so chic… now I want to replace every bedroom fan in our house 😂 🔥 Kevin’s favorite: the grill — and yes, it has a SEAR ZONE! The RYOBI detail scrubber kit is another must-have (seriously, cleaning just got a whole lot easier), plus the clamp fan kit and so many other smart home finds you’ll want to see. 🧡 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the links! #AD #HomeDepotCreator #THDUnmatched #THDInnovates #HomeImprovement
1 day ago
1,23212
View on Instagram |
2/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Back-to-school teacher gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. 💕 Fill a clear zipper pouch with everyday essentials, add this Teacher Survival Kit printable gift tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift any teacher will love! ✨ Comment “SHOP” for the printable and links to everything I used to make this adorable teacher survival kit! 🎀 Save this idea for back-to-school and share it with another parent looking for an easy teacher gift! #TeacherGiftIdeas #BackToSchoolTeacher #TeacherSurvivalKit #TeacherAppreciation #FirstDayOfSchool / https://liketk.it/6kU34
2 days ago
1,4068
View on Instagram |
3/7
This Madewell sale is officially one you don’t want to miss 🤎🍂 Everything is 20% off through the LTK x Madewell sale, and I’m obsessed with every outfit I tried on!

The barrel jeans are SO flattering, the first sweater is an instant fall staple, and their basic tees are so good for Fall.

🍁 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you all the links! Once you open my link, just tap any Madewell item and the 20% off promo code will be waiting for you.

#MadewellStyle #FallFashion #CapsuleWardrobe #FallOutfitInspo
#LTKxMadewell / https://liketk.it/6kPcl
View Reel on Instagram
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
This Madewell sale is officially one you don’t want to miss 🤎🍂 Everything is 20% off through the LTK x Madewell sale, and I’m obsessed with every outfit I tried on! The barrel jeans are SO flattering, the first sweater is an instant fall staple, and their basic tees are so good for Fall. 🍁 Comment SHOP and I’ll send you all the links! Once you open my link, just tap any Madewell item and the 20% off promo code will be waiting for you. #MadewellStyle #FallFashion #CapsuleWardrobe #FallOutfitInspo #LTKxMadewell / https://liketk.it/6kPcl
3 days ago
1,54432
View on Instagram |
4/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
#ad Back-to-school is here, and my food stash is ready! 📚🎒 From quick breakfasts and grab and go options to snack breaks, after school treats and an easier cleanup, I’m keeping these favorites on hand to help make busy school days a little easier. 🥞 quick breakfast: @belgianboys Bite Sized Waffles and Pumpkin Spice Bite Sized Pancakes are easy to warm up for busy mornings, and pro tip - the waffles are delicious warmed up in the air fryer for a little crisp. 🎒 on-the-go: @katefarms Kids Nutrition Shakes are one of those things I like having ready for the mornings when we’re rushing out the door. They come in Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry, so there are a few options to choose from. 🍑 snack breaks: @sunsweetgrowersinc PlumGood Digestive & Defense Plum Juice is a crisp, refreshing option with fiber, zinc and vitamin C, plus the individually wrapped Sunsweet Ones are easy to grab for snacking or lunches. And right now, you can get $2 off your next purchase! 🍩 after-school treat: @bakeful_eats Pink Sprinkle Mini Donuts and Confetti Mini Brownies are soft, fun and made with simple, quality ingredients. They’re also 25% less sugar than traditional mini donuts/brownies, and there’s currently a BOGO offer at Target! 🍦 after-dinner favorite: @bubbies Churro, Strawberry and Cookies & Cream Mochi make the perfect little sweet treat. I think the hardest part is deciding which flavor to pick! 🍽️ less cleanup: @solocup AnyDay Plates + Cups are strong, convenient and grease-proof, making them an easy addition to busy days when I’d rather spend less time cleaning up and more time with the family. Breakfast, snacks, treats and everything in between… We’re totally prepared for back-to-school! 🙌 @babbleboxxofficial #BTSFoodFindsBBxx #BubbiesIceCream #backtoschoolwithkatefarms #bakefulBTS
4 days ago
1,26133
View on Instagram |
5/7
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
First Day of School for my 4th Grader and 6th Grader!🍎📚 I can’t believe we have a Junior Higher. 😳 It’s gonna be a great year for these two! #firstdayofschool
5 days ago
1,4076
View on Instagram |
6/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
#TysonBrandPartner Back-to-school always means busy evenings, so I’m all about keeping easy dinner ideas on hand! ❤️ I picked up Tyson® Restaurant-Style Uncooked Crispy Nuggets during my Walmart trip and turned them into this simple Chicken Parmesan Bake.  They’re crispy breaded chicken nuggets with restaurant-style flavor, they’re easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer, and each serving has 14g of protein. We love serving them over pasta or on sandwich buns for a dinner that’s easy to put together on hectic weeknights. Be sure to grab @tysonbrand Restaurant-Style Uncooked Crispy Nuggets the next time you’re shopping at Walmart! #Walmart #WalmartFinds #DinnerIdeas #EasyRecipes
6 days ago
1,36758
View on Instagram |
7/7

  • About
  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Collaborate

COPYRIGHT© 2020 Simply Clarke Site by Simply Clarke