Happy birthday to me! I turned 27 almost a week ago. One thing that each birthday brings (because it‘s so close to the new year) is reflection and goal making to make the next year better than the last. In reflecting on 26 and preparing for 27, I feel like there are
some key things that REALLY have contributed to who I am. In 27 years, I’ve had a lot of great things and not-so-great things happen, and they have all molded me for the better. I thought I would share with you 27 things that I’ve learned so far!
1. Don’t be so self -conscious. Everyone around you is highly focused on herself to worry about the thing you’re probably worrying about. Dance, speak, go and do!
2. Forgive people to set yourself free from anger. Even when a person doesn’t ask for forgiveness.
3. You never REALLY regret being kind.
4. Don’t just say you want to make plans. If you want the plans, make the plans. Initiate.
5. CONSISTENCY is difficult, but it really is key To achieving any goal you’re trying to reach.
6. You really do find yourself a little at a time. It’s a process of finding, losing, rejecting and accepting small things about yourself and your life, and that’s what makes you you.
7. If you’re feeling dependent on something, give it up BEFORE it becomes problematic. ie. TikTok. IG breaks, etc.
8. There are worse things in life than an untidy house.
9. Listening makes you more friends.
10. Listening also helps you learn more about more people, faster.
11. Nobody likes a know-it-all.
12. Take your makeup off. Every. Single. Night.
13. Drink more water than you think you should. Really.
14. It’s important to build time for growth AND rest into your schedule. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s imperative that you make time to pour into yourself.
15. You have the autonomy to choose who you spend your time with. Choose the right people because you are most like the 5 people you spend the most time with.
16. If you wouldn’t say it about your closest friend, don’t say it about yourself. (Be kind to yourself)
17. Schedule time to be active— even if you just move your body a few times a week, scheduling it makes SURE that you are taking care of your wellness and health.
18. Have a schedule. Invest in routines. Manage your time well.
19. If you think a nice thing about someone, say it.
20. Journaling is important in self-discovery, thought organization, and in times where you can’t say all the things you need to say without crying.
21. Family is most important— the kind you choose and the kind you don’t. Make time for them. Tell them how you feel about them when you can!
22. Social media is not real life. It’s really important to make sure that you’re living life outside of your phone, too. (Even though social media can produce some really cool friendships)
23. Pick up a hobby. Read, embroider, journal, paint. Do something that you don’t have to be the “best” at or something that you won’t make money from.
24. Everyone you meet won’t like you. Everyone you like isn’t “best friend” material. It’s okay to have a small inner circle.
25. It’s important to have your “messy house friends”. Not everyone needs to know everything about you- but those that do are special.
26. There’s always something to learn from each failure. Find the lesson, and find your comeback.
27. It’s important to create a life that you’re happy to lead.