It’s a bit surreal. The weekend was filled with fun activities, parties, and events, however today (my actual birthday) was at a much slower pace. Spent a majority of the day on the couch with Cal watching movies and potty training Maya (our 12 week old Husky who hasn’t made her official appearance on the blog yet). I journaled a bit, which is something I’ve been doing in one journal since 2014. The day started off a bit rough but after a little workout and mini meditation sesh outside I was back in the right mindset.
In all honesty, I thought 27 was going to be the age where everything would just instantly fall into place. I was so set on it, so I had a lot of disappointment when things weren’t going exactly as planned, but here are a few things I’ve learned in my 28 years.
1.Your parents did know what they were talking about.
I’ve had my fair share of teenage angst, to be honest, young adult angst. I finally started listening to my mother about a lot of things and it turns out she was right. I do look back at some of my old pictures and think man, why did I think I was fat? I would love to be that size now. And it will work out in the end, turns out she was right about that too. So far so good.
2. You look and sound fine.
It’s alright to have insecurities but no one is paying attention to them as closely as you are. Honestly that knee fat you think you have, no one is paying attention to that at all.
3. Habits are pretty easy to form.
If you don’t like something you can change it, in a pretty short amount of time. You can adjust to pretty much almost anything. Mind over matter.
4. Toxins are real.
It’s in your food and the products you use. The stuff you put on your face, in your mouth and under your armpits. Be good to yourself, your health should come first.
5. You’re not alone.
Whatever you’re struggling with, you’re not the only one. Feeling alone sucks but just know that whatever you’re facing there’s someone else out there that has probably been through it. Find someone who can help you get through it. Which brings me to my next point.
6. Be your own best friend.
You can’t expect to be in a relationship when you’re only half a person. You can’t be a good friend if you aren’t good to yourself. Bottom line is you have to learn to love yourself first.
7. “No thanks, I don’t want to” is a lot better than saying “maybe” when you actually mean no.
Don’t be that person who always cancels, or can’t say what’s really on their mind. If you feel that you have to lie to your friends then those people aren’t really your friends. Your true friends will understand why you don’t want to do something or why you can’t make it. Don’t wait until the last minute to cancel or say you can’t show up somewhere. Repeat after me. No, I’m an adult and I do not have to do anything.
8. Be confident in your decisions.
Even if you find out later that it was the wrong choice. In the moment it’s exactly what you wanted to do. If you spend too much time hemming and hawing you’ll end up second guessing yourself which holds you back from a lot in life.
9. It’s okay to be sad.
Look half of this blog is about true feelings and how to live life with finesse. Life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Don’t lose yourself in the fake online presence. Not every day is a good day, just like not every day is a bad day, it’s all about balance.
10. Be authentic.
Don’t spend another year, month, day, hour, second trying to be someone who you aren’t. The best part about growing is that you will experience new… experiences, you will meet new people and you will encounter the temptation to try and fit in. Spending your whole life trying to “fit in” will make you realize very quickly that you feel fake. Don’t lose yourself.
11. Don’t burn bridges.
There are people in this world who are going to piss you off, I mean really, really, REALLY make you loathe their entire existence but at the end of the day you’ll feel a lot better knowing you were the one that walked away with class. The trash [people] in your life will always take themselves out. It’s better for you to be the one saying, “I’m glad they’re gone.”
12. Eat good food.
Good food=Good mood. I saw this on a sign the other day and instantly Cal and I started to talk shit about it but then shortly I lowkey realized that sign was so, so right.
13. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
You are deserving of self-care, you need you time and your life will get better instantly when you realize these two things are part of the equation to living a life you love.
14. You should laugh at yourself.
The other day I pronounced a word wrong in front of my boyfriend. Apart from pulling down my sweatpants and running away laughing he also likes to laugh at me when I mess up something. That used to make me want to poke him in the eye, but it’s helped me to realize that laughing at yourself is the first step to letting loose and letting go of that “perfect” image. No one is perfect so why do we get so embarrassed when we mess something up. Being able to laugh at yourself makes life a lot easier. Someone who takes themselves too seriously is someone who will miss out on being the reason your friends laugh.
15. It’s 100% possible to put that thang down flip it and reverse it. You can change your life if you really want to.
If there comes a day where you wake up and decide that you need to change you can do that in an instant. Refer back to #3. Habits are easy to form. You have the power to change your life, your circumstances, your world. If something doesn’t bring you joy, ditch it. If you want to become a _______ or a ________ person you totally can in a matter of seconds. Rome wasn’t built in a day but they were laying bricks down every hour.
16. Figure out your priorities and mold your life around that.
Excuses really do mean that you’re just not that into it. So get clear on what you want in a ______ and make small efforts daily to achieve that.
17. You are going to get pimples until the day you die.
I’m still mad about this, I’m trying to be positive about it but I have nothing else to say. *ugh* Ever notice how all the people that are telling you not to pop them have the face of a baby angel??????
18. The only thing that is predictable in this world is change.
It’s true, half the time you think oranges and that cats fly and birds ski and this sentence makes no sense but you totally expected it to. Embrace the changes that life throws your way and learn from them. [I love oranges, cats, skiiing and bird watching you just learned a ton o facts about me. ]
19. Just ask.
Most people out there are actually willing to help you if you just ask. A good attitude does not always come as part of the package but hey it may still help steer you in the right direction.
20. If you weren’t invited to the party make your own party.
Rejection hurts, I’m actually reading this really great book on it. I’m still learning to do this because let’s face it rejection of any type really blows but when one door closes and locks, there’s always a window you can break through.
21. Stop worrying about all your high school/college friends buying houses and having babies.
Jump forward to #26. You are exactly where you need to be. The comparison should end here at the end of this blog post. You’re welcome.
22. If you disagree speak up.
Being quiet just because someone doesn’t like to be outshined, out talked or be around you because you are outspoken is unhealthy. Freedom of speech baby.
23. Beyonce slays.
I mean practice #22 right now if you want but she is honestly killin it.
24. Being “busy” isn’t associated with importance.
Honestly, I crave the days where the only thing on my agenda is to snuggle my cat and puppy. These days don’t happen often but I stopped filling my days with useless tasks and started making more time for the things that I really want to do, not just the things I felt like I had to do. Most of your “obligations” are actually choices that you make. Being a busy bee doesn’t mean that you are more important than the next person.
25. The best is yet to come.
Seriously repeat that to yourself like five times minimum.
26. You are exactly where you need to be.
Yes, really.
27. It’s alright to admit when you don’t know something.
I don’t know how to elaborate on this one. See, easy peasy.
28. The universe is amazing.
I have started paying more and more attention to making my intentions clear and asking the universe for what I want. Man, I wish I did this sooner. It’s amazing what a little focus and drive can do, but what’s more amazing is being extremely clear on your vision and watching that unfold.
Here’s to 28 and a year full of experiences and lessons.
BROOKLYN
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