27 Lessons in 27 Years

Age is such a funny thing. When you’re young you can’t wait to grow up and when you grow up you just wish you were young again. I convinced myself that after age 21 there was no other age to look forward to. I was basically dead after that. But as I get older I am trying to see the beauty in aging. After all, wrinkles are just road maps to memories of laughter and happiness, right?

Year 26 was such a great golden year. It gave me the start of my career, the opportunity to live in two states, a growing love between my husband and I and my first daughter. It taught me so much about myself and the world around me.

Each year of my life has had it’s own unique lessons. I thought I would share a list of the 27 life lessons I have learned in my 27 years of life.

1. DON’T be afraid of aging. Embrace it with every laugh line it brings.
2. Forgiveness is easier than resentment. Forgive those who have hurt you and forgive yourself.
3. Love isn’t a mistake. Even if it burns you. You will find someone else who saves you from the ashes.
4. You can’t fix people. They won’t change for you, only for themselves.
5. Have self-control. It can ruin your life if you don’t.
6. Live in the moment. Don’t live in the past…it only stifles your ability to move on and grow.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
8. Stop comparing yourself. You will never be her, him or them. You are you and you are beautiful.
9. Work hard. You can have anything you want as long as you work at it.
10. Tell them you love them. Anyone and everyone. You never know when it will be your last chance.
11. Have faith. Believing in something bigger than yourself will help you get through anything life throws at you.
12. Being a mom is hard. It doesn’t always come naturally. It’s okay to struggle in motherhood.
13. You don’t have to be the best mom in the eyes of everyone else. Just be the best mom in the eyes of your daughter.
14. Communication is important. Tell them how you feel. Do not bottle it up until it explodes in your face.
15. Patience is a virtue. Love is patient, love is kind. This is important.
16. There is power in prayer. Pray for your loved ones, your enemies and yourself.
17. Keep dreaming. And don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are impossible or stupid.
18. Goals are important. Without goals, dreams will stay dreams and never become reality.
19. Stop caring what they think. This is YOUR life, not theirs.
20. Smile often. You can literally make someones day just by smiling at them.
21. Take care of yourself. Treat your body with the respect it deserves.
22. Relax. Try not to get worked up over things that won’t matter in 5 minutes.
23. Money doesn’t grow on trees. You don’t need another sweater to add to the 57 you already have in your closet.
24. Learn your NEEDS versus WANTS. This will help you appreciate the things you already have.
25. Help others. There will be a time in your life when you need help, so be that person for someone else.
26. Words can be hurtful. Use them wisely and cautiously.
27. Don’t be so gullible. Do your own research and educate yourself before you form opinions.

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I still have SO much to learn. But that’s what life is. It’s a journey of loving and learning. I am so thankful God put me on this earth for another day. Cheers to year 27!