A Series of Observations

Last week, I celebrated my 26th birthday.

This was an interesting year for me. I often do a lot of reflecting during that time of year, and again during the holiday season, but the time I spend reflecting and turning inward often brings me to unique places mentally.

I am able to take full stock of the things, experiences, and people I have in my life. I evaulate the quality of my relationships, how authentic I feel that I am being to my individual path, and where I need to make changes to walk that path a little better.

My life has never been as full and as empty as it has right now. I don’t say that for sympathy, not at all, I say that because I am so incredibly blessed to know exactly who is on my side, to have a strong and loving family, to know who I am in this exact moment, and all the places I want to be in the future.

The emptiness comes from a place where I recognize that I am going through a period of growth that requires patience and planning. I am waiting for my next big break, so to speak, and efforts to remain present force me to enjoy each moment of the journey as I wait.

Space has been and continues to be made, both intentionally and otherwise, in my relationships so that I do not pursue relationships that no longer serve me. Space is being made in my career, so that I can truly see where I want to be, and what my next goals are.

Space, that emptiness, has given me the opportunity to fill it in only the ways I want to and with people who make every experience better.

Above all, I always feel grateful for another year to learn who I am and express myself in new ways. To have another year with my family, to have another year to read new books or old favorites, another year to eat amazing food and travel to incredible places…to have another year to do everything I hope to do.

Across those 26 years, I have learned a lot, and though the generations before me might discredit that experience knowing I have so much farther to go, I simply won’t be doing that.

So without further ado, here are the things I know as of right now…

1. Ignorance may be bliss, but wisdom is comforting with the right perspective
2. Learn how to be financially secure as early as possible
3. Unfortunately, you’ve had a hand in every relationship that went south, but that doesn’t mean you did anything “wrong”
4. Your body might “look its best” when your mind is doing the worst, and that isn’t ok, staying healthy is more important
5. Stop picking at your skin, it will scar
6. Silence is also a response
7. People can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves, and only go where you invite them
8. It’s ok to laugh at yourself, in fact I encourage it
9. Life is too short to not eat dairy (unless you medically have to, in that case I’m sorry), but eating dairy in Europe is better
10. Feel the fear and do it anyways…with the additional support of a therapist if you’re able
11. Good things are coming, but until then, good things are happening now too, find them!
12. The fastest way to get anywhere is slowly
13. People who don’t have hobbies are boring
14. With that in mind, your hobbies are probably cool, and you should only do things that spark life in you
15. Time means literally nothing; you aren’t behind I promise, no matter what your anxiety or social media says
16. Going out can actually be a lot of fun! But probably way easier to do when you’re ovulating
17. LEARN ABOUT YOUR BODY! Understand it’s needs and cues and your life will be so much easier. Don’t you dare skip your checkups either
18. Gratitude really is the best attitude
19. There is no good reason for you to be passive in your own life, make the best choices for you and LIVE the life YOU want
20. A clean house makes for a clear mind, make sure your surroundings reflect who you want to be
21. Things will happen and life will move on with or without you, don’t take anything too personally
22. The people in your life that deserve to be there won’t ever make you feel confused
23. Intuition is soft, the ego is loud
24. Walking does, in fact, make you feel better. Water is essential and the sun is a damn miracle worker
25. Confidence is a muscle you have to strengthen just like anything else
26. Zoom out…zoom out…ZOOM OUT!

This series is all about exploring what I know about life, as I know it now, because every year of life is a valid experience worth sharing.

Continue to Zoom Out, Observers. Think of all you’ll learn when you do. Until next time ❤