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.

**********

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