A Series of Observations

This month I will turn 25! One quarter of a century…

It’s hard to believe that one day not so long ago, I was a little kid wondering what my future would be like, who I would become, and what I would look like, and now I’m 25 and living that future I’ve always wondered about.

I think we all know that life never happens the way you expect it to, and mine is certainly no exception. It has truly been a wonderful life thus far, even with its pitfalls, and I can see how each and every moment, relationship, and heartbreak brought me to who I am today. Someone who I am proud to be. Someone who acts with intention, clarity and consideration for others. Someone who has overcome so many things, and has found her excitement for life through so many new things.

Now, at almost 25, I look to the past and the future, at a precipice in my life where I have much I’ve left behind, and so much more ahead of me. Birthdays are a time of reflection, celebration and intention. So I’ve compiled a list of some of the things I’ve learned over the last 25 years, that might’ve made my life a little easier had I understood these things sooner.

1. Your instincts are never wrong
2. Sometimes less is more, but sometimes more is more
3. Dating is supposed to be fun and make you feel good. If it doesn’t feel good, it’s not good for you! The same goes with friendships
4. Romanticize your life, show gratitude, see the beauty around you, and watch how your world changes
5. Always give your all to everything, no matter what the outcome is
6. Life is all about balance, find the things you love and balance it with the things you need
7. Everyone in your life serves some purpose, and not everyone can be expected to check every box. There are places and relationships that are for you, and many you will outgrow
8. You’ll never be too much for someone that can’t get enough of you…BE YOURSELF!
9. Your life doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else but you, everyones path is unique
10. Being delulu is the only solulu, manifest and chase your dreams without fear or shame
11. You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you
12. Learn how to say no, and remember no is an entire sentence
13. The beauty of others will never take away from the beauty of you
14. People will talk if you’re successful, people will talk if you fail. Just do it anyways
15. Always win through your actions, never through your arguments (I heard this quoted in a podcast but I don’t know where it’s originally from so I can’t give credit)
16. Invest in good quality clothing/items and learn how to take care of them
17. You are meant to change throughout life, don’t expect others to stay the same. The best relationships are the ones you can grow in!
18. Make more phone calls, send more letters, and always tell the people you love that you love them.
19. You need to learn how to make a budget and follow it
20. Find hobbies that you can do alone and that you can share with others
21. Buy the plane tickets and experience the world whenever you can
22. Laughter, sleep, crying, movement and food are the best medicines
23. The number on the scale and the numbers on the tag will never matter more than how you feel
24. It’s never too late to walk away from something that no longer serves you, to try again, or to start over entirely
25. Addressing your trauma, taking the steps to heal, and being uncomfortable are your responsibility and are necessary for your personal growth. Embrace every facet of yourself

I’d considered expanding on some of these things more, but I thought the messages on their own would spark enough creativity and thought in each of you. Like everything in our lives, the lessons we learn are unique to us, but I hope that some of these things inspire you to do more in this life, and to do so without shame. You are your own best investment!