27 Things I Learned Before 27
Before I blow out birthday candles on Friday I promised myself I would sit down and reflect on this past year and take a look at all the good and all the lessons learned. Sending love to all of those that made this the best year yet, I adore you more then you know. Sending gratitude to those who placed the bumps in the road, thank you for making me stronger. I can’t tell you what I’ll be wishing for this year (or else it won’t come true!) but it goes along the lines of: heart felt happiness, continued health and making dreams a reality.
27 life lessons I learned by the age of 27:
1. People are going to come and go and there is nothing you can do about it
Every person that you meet is for a reason; either a blessing or a lesson.
2. Your parents were right
All this time later it’s time to finally admit it. Mom, you were right – about everything. Over and over and over again.
3. Think it. Don’t say it.
Just because you think it does not mean that the words need to come out of your mouth. Learning when to keep your thoughts to yourself is a crucial life skill.
4. Learn to say no
Say it with me… n – o. The day you understand that “no.” is a complete sentence is the day you will become a new person.
5. Learn to say yes
Say yes to new opportunities and or people- you never know where the experience will lead you.
6. Say sorry
No, it's not too late to say sorry. One word that holds a lot of power, use it appropriately and genuinely.
7. Never burn a bridge, ever
If there is one thing that I have learned after living on this earth for 27 years it’s that this world is very small. No matter if it’s a work relationship or someone you met in passing at an event, the universe has a funny way of bringing people full circle. Be kind and never burn a bridge.
8. Yup, pimples are totally still a thing
There are some days that I look in the mirror and wonder if I’ll be 85 years old still having to reach for my cover up. Taking care of your skin is a priority and always be prepared for the monsters that decide to make an appearance.
9. Laugh at yourself
HAHA – it makes life so much easier.
10. Trust your gut
99.99% of the time your gut is always right. Always.
11. You’re doing just fine
Seriously, you really are. Give yourself credit every once in a while – you’re doing the best you can.
12. Don’t be an asshole
Being a kind person will get you so much further in life and you will actually enjoy the journey.
13. No matter what you do, do it with passion
Everything you do in life should be sprinkled with a pinch of passion.
14. Not everyone is going to like you
And guess what? it’s their problem, not yours. You will not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you stay true to yourself someone is bound to like you, just the way you are.
15. Fall madly in love
Fall head over heels in love with life, with yourself, and with others. Leave your heart wide open and let love teach you irreplaceable lessons.
16. Eat the pizza
And then immediately sign up for a workout class. KIDDING. Eat the pizza, it’s worth every bite.
17. Take care of yourself
Have pride in your independence and don’t let anyone ever compromise that.
18. Take care of your body
Treat your body like a well-oiled machine. It needs tender, loving and health conscious care day in and day out.
19. Set goals
Whether you create a vision board or scribble your goals down on a ripped piece of paper, do something every single day that will get you an inch closer to achieving them.
20. Have roommates
Whether it ends up being the most horrific or amazing experience of your life it will teach you things about yourself and how to live well with others.
21. Invest in wardrobe essentials
Remember, a little black dress will never go out of style.
22. Say goodbye to your comfort zone
Even though a comfort zone can be a beautiful place, nothing grows there. It’s time to feel the fear and do it anyway.
23. Enjoy the rollercoaster
Life is full of unexpected twist and turns that sometimes leave you hanging upside down scared for your life. In the weirdest way possible, find enjoyment in those moments and trust that you will be flipped back around.
24. There is always light at the end of the tunnel
Even on the days that you don’t get a glimpse of it, it’s there. Just keep swimming.
25. Let go
Read the next sentence very careful: let go of him, of the soul sucking office job, of the bad haircut you had 2 years ago and of those who do not support you. Letting go is one of the most freeing and positive feelings you can ever give yourself.
26. Budget
Knowing where every dime is going will make your wallet very happy. If you’ve been on the hunt for money saving apps check out this post.
27. Start each morning with a grateful heart
Before your feet hit the floor you and only you have the power to decide how you will carry yourself that day. Will you be in a good mood or will you let that nasty email ruin the next 24 hours of your life? The decision is yours.