25 Things I learned by the Time I turned 26

Being that I turn 26 TOMORROW, I can't help but think about how much my life has changed since I turned 25 ((for the better))!

You know, last year when I turned 25 I felt like the world was coming to an end. I called my mom crying and complained about how I hadn't accomplished enough in my life. I complained that I felt like a complete and utter failure for not being "further" in my life. I was 300lbs at this point, unemployed, no REAL friends and hated the direction my life had taken. I was broken. Ashamed of who I was and how much I had let myself go in every aspect. It's pretty funny looking back at in now, because now I feel the EXACT opposite.

I know a lot of us were raised to think that we should be in a career, married, have the dream house and kids by the time we are 25--so last year when I wasn't even close I nearly stroked out. Tomorrow I turn 26 and am THANKFUL that I am just NOW coming into my "own."

When I say my own, I mean the life I was meant to live and the person I was suppose to be. Within the last 10 months I found my passion, my purpose, lost 100lbs and found the man I was suppose to be with--and through doing so I found that person that I always imagined myself to be. Had some of the opportunities and circumstances happened 11 months ago or earlier for me--I may of squandered them. I am BEYOND thankful that god ((or whatever higher power you believe in)) didn't bless me with certain opportunities until I was ready.

With all that being said, I wanted to offer some wisdom as to what I've learned and discovered in the last 26 years!

1. Life is now. Like happening right now. Start doing the things you've always wanted to do. Write them down. Make a timeline. Plan & execute.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Most of the daily stressors you experience will not matter in ten years...most likely even in one year. #Bye Felicia

3. Take care of yourself. You are responsible for your own happiness. Not your partner. Not your family. Not your friends. You know yourself best and what makes you happiest. When you're happy, everyone else that comes into contact with you will be too. Or will at least experience your radiating glow.

4. Positivity is priceless. This one always comes back to me.

5. Your work matters. No matter how insignificant or unimpressive you believe your work to be, there is value in it. Take pride in what you do and others will too. Commit yourself to a high level of quality work in your occupation, continually learn & improve yourself, and embrace failure as part of the process.

6. Isolation is avoidable. It's easy to fall into this self-inflicted trap by avoiding people and experiences. Make it a priority to surround yourself with people who are good for you. Even if it is just a few trustworthy comrades. No man is an island!

7. Be careful who you surround yourself with. Choose your influences wisely. They say you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Don't be too careful though or you'll just start hanging out with your succulents like one of my friends (ahem).
 
8. Regularly unplug. Turn your phone off, turn everything off. Calibrate.

9. Spend more time in nature. Taking a walk always changes my mood and perspective for the better. Always.
 
10. Grow. Try hard things. Push the limits of your comfort zone.
 
11. Let people know what they mean to you. Show love, grace, appreciation, generosity.

12. Own a pet. The unconditional love that you will give and receive is life changing!

13. Be open to change. Especially when it comes to people in your life. It's hella scary sometimes, but you have to roll with the punches.

14. Always have a book you're reading.

15. Be intentional.

16. Always have an open door. Yes, my home is not what I want it to be and is usually a mess, but most people don't even notice and the polite ones won't say something about it. Nobody is perfect.

17. Make memories. Plan trips, occasions, experiences. Take photos. Make home videos. Don't let life go by.

18. Stop giving in so much. Yes, still compromise, but you know you're always the one giving in.

19. Take care of your body. Do things that boost your energy. Be healthy and involved in life. People rely on you, so do your part to make sure you stick around for as long as possible.

20. Say yes more than no. You'll be happy and usually never regret going to parties or socializing with friends. This directly conflicts with #18.
 
21. Talk to people in grocery stores. Or wherever. I learned this from my mom. Everyone is the same or going through the same things. It makes my day when I'm looking at tea or something and someone tells me I should try this kind or that.

22. Show respect. In general. In relationships. In nature. In driving. In conversations.

23. Forgive. Show grace always. Let them off the hook.

24. Make new traditions and pass them on.

25. Show pride in your identity. Your work. Your name. Your house. Where you came from. Everything. Go Pack Go.

Here's an EXTRA one;;

26. For those that think they aren't where they are "suppose" to be in life--cut yourself some slack. There is no set time or date that you're suppose to be ANYWHERE. When you were suppose to get there, you will! Until then, keep striving to be the best that you can be <3