If you follow me on social media you proooobably saw that yesterday was my birthday!
I had such an amazing day from start to finish. After my 7am girls’ community group, I had the perfect “me” day - breakfast, a massage, nails, and maybe some shopping thrown in there 😉 And then a dinner + birthday party at night.
I can already tell that twenty-eight is going to be an amazing year. I’ll be honest - for the first time in my life, that number scares me just a little. Not because I don’t like getting older, and not even because I’m not where I thought I’d be, but because I just don’t FEEL how I thought I’d feel at 28. It’s weird…I can’t really explain it. I feel like I hit my “true self” age at 26, and like I’ll almost feel that way forever…? I dunno. I’m rambling.
Anyway, I thought today would be a good chance to reflect on some lessons I’ve learned lately - especially over the past year. So here they are, in no particular order.
* Start your day with prayer, meditation…whatever you want to call it. It’s a habit that will change your life.
* Have at least one full day a week where you don’t go on the computer.
* The best way to start a new friendship/relationship of any sort is to form an inside joke. Don’t force it, though.
* Nine times out of ten, more sleep is the answer.
* Partner with others. It will get you a lot further than doing it alone.
* Closure doesn’t come from anyone else. You have the strength, ability, and control to get it for yourself.
* Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
* Never “save” a good outfit (girls, you know what I’m talking about). It won’t look/feel as good next time. And who says you can’t wear it again?
* Start conversations with strangers. It’s getting more and more difficult now with social media, which is all the more reason to do it.
* Pay close attention to the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning, and the last thing you think of when you go to sleep.
* Don’t let the status of your goals dictate your happiness.
* If you want to change something about yourself, start thinking and acting like that person. Never get too set in your ways to break bad/unhealthy habits.
* If you’re scared to say something to someone, you should probably say it.
* As cliche as it is…find what makes you happy. Do those things.
* Budgeting. Do it! With your finances and your time.
* Put your phone down when out to dinner. Yes…the entire time.
* Being self-aware and socially aware are some of the most important traits a person can have.
* If not 100% sure, don’t commit to plans right away. It’s better to say you’ll get back to someone than to commit and cancel.
* A cupcake won’t kill you. Skipping a workout won’t kill you. Stressing over trivial things like that just might.
* When you see something that would be a good gift, write it down. You never remember those things when it comes time to actually get a gift.
* Be a good listener. That includes asking questions.
* Know your truths. Live accordingly.
* Never change who you are to get someone to like/love you.
* It is not normal to feel anxious or stressed all the time. Or ever, for that matter.
* Always look when exiting a door to see if anyone is behind you. Hold door accordingly.
* Unless you have a definite reason not to, always give people the benefit of the doubt.
* Girls – be on each others’ team.
* Be honest with yourself about what you want out of life – your career, relationships, etc. Don’t let other people write your story for you.
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Which of those lessons do you agree with most?
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes + being so supportive of me over the past 5+ years of blogging, I love each and every one of you! xo
“Don’t let the status of your goals dictate your happiness.”
Yesterday was my 23rd birthday, and I’ve felt like a bit of a failure, because while I am working towards my goals, I’m not as far along as I thought I would be at 23. The thing is, I actually like my life - my job may not be the career that I had expected to be in right now, but it is helping me get closer to that goal, and it is just fun and challenging enough that I’m excited to get up in the morning - I’m not just living for the weekend. For some reason, I feel like it is wrong for me to be happy with this, that I should somehow be ashamed that the work I’ve put in hasn’t yielded the results I expected in the desired timeframe, but I’m becoming more okay with enjoying the journey, instead of waiting for the end result. I’m working to allow myself to be happy regardless of my goals.
Hey Arina! Happy birthday to you - we have the same bday! 😀
I know how much this annoyed me when I was your age but I’m going to say it anyway haha - you are still SO young! You have so much ahead of you, you have no idea. At 28 I’m realizing that *I* still have the biggest things ahead of me still, so seriously don’t think for a second that you’re a failure in any sense of the word. If you have a job that you’re happy with and don’t just live for the weekend, you’re already way further ahead than most people your age!
Here’s an article I saw recently that I think you might like 🙂 http://pulptastic.com/20-signs-youre-better-think/
You listed so many important lessons, some of which I’ve learned and others I’m still learning. I loved this one: “If you want to change something about yourself, start thinking and acting like that person. Never get too set in your ways to break bad/unhealthy habits.” It’s easy to give the excuse of “this is who I am or I’ve always done it this way,” but it’s so important to empower yourself and know that you can change! Thanks for the reminder!
yes, totally! that’s something I’m working out in my own life right now. There are definitely some areas that I’m set in my ways, and I want to change now before it gets even more difficult!
love your lessons!
Love all of them. Definitely things to live by!
Happy birthday!! Btw you look so gorgeous in your birthday pic! It sounds like you had a wonderful day! I know what you mean, hitting 27 was hard for me thinking that this is not where I thought my life would be and I definitely don’t feel as old as I am! But God’s plan is so much greater than our own so I’m excited to see where the next years take us! I pretty much agree with every single thing on this list- such great wisdom!
“Put your phone down when out to dinner. Yes…the entire time.” - Amen to that!
these are all amazing “life lessons” and so nicely phrased. prayer, knowing your truths, being yourself, holding doors for others, saying things that scare you (gulp i’m not the best at that), and girls being on each others’ teams — love them. so good.
Love what you said about your “true self age.” Mine was definitely 26, as well. Happy belated birthday, Gracie!
Great advice! I found myself saying “yes, yes, yes” after each one. Put your phone down and pay attention to those around you, they won’t always be there when you look up.