The big 2-5. Everyone asks “do you feel older” on your birthday and usually my answer is no. But this year, turning 25 seems like a big milestone. In some ways I feel like I am so young and in others I feel like I am so old.

I have accomplished some pretty awesome things in my life and I have experienced happiness, love, sadness, anxiety, hope, disappointment, fulfillment, success, failure, anger, adrenaline, pride, I mean the list goes on. I have lived a blessed life so far and I am excited to be entering my 25th year!

Today, I thought I would share 25 things I have learned in my 25 years of life. No, they aren’t very philosophical – but they’re me!

1. Figure out what your passion is and do it. Don’t waste life being miserable at a job you don’t love.
2. Don’t skip class. It’s one of the first responsibilities you have after leaving for college and it will pay off.
3. There is no shame in your mom being your best friend. The best friendship you’ll ever experience.
4. The whole cliche “you’ll look back and miss those days” thing that everyone says, is true. So soak in the present moment and cherish your memories.
5. There is nothing better than being in your swim suit, riding on the boat across the lake, singing out loud with your family.
6. Don’t sacrifice who you are as a person to fit in with others.
7. Find the guy who makes you feel good about yourself, who respects you and fits in with your family and who you without a doubt can trust and then marry him!
8. Living with the ideal of “community over competition” will not only lead to many amazing connections but will fulfill your heart.
9. Learn to say no, but don’t be afraid to say yes.
10. Rollercoasters are awesome, plain and simple.
11. If you don’t live close to your family, make your best effort to visit often.
12. You and your spouse should have your own hobbies or friends, etc. A healthy relationship means you can have your own things and your together things!
13. Need advice or have a question? Call your dad.
14. If you are uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it.
15. Do your research before making major decisions.
16. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself. Nothing more relaxing than sitting alone in a theater and watching a chick flick.
17. Good and genuine friendships are good for the soul. Find people who support you, love you for who you are and can give you honest and reliable advice.
18. Heartbreak can suck, but you’ll get over it. There is definitely a better future ahead.
19. Time management is an important skill that requires training. Make time to learn to make time (;
20. Owning a dog is a lot harder than you think.
21. Have venting buddies. It will always be better to have people you can talk out your frustrations with. Don’t keep things bottled up.
22. Always keep learning. Every day!
23. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
24. Pick a random fact about yourself to always have memorized. The amount of times you’ll be asked to introduce yourself and say a random fact about yourself is a lot more than you’d think. & I still can never think of one.
25. Love yourself hard. Love your people hard. Love God hard. Love life hard.

 

My life has been a blessing so far. I have wonderful people in my life and have had some amazing opportunities. I am so excited to see what the next year has in store!

For fun, here are a few pictures of me from a few birthdays in the past!