27 things I have learned in 27 years

Well this isn’t exactly how I imagined spending my 27th birthday, but the reality is we are in a scary time now and if that means hanging out on the couch with my husband and dogs, then so be it. This new reality of being confined to our homes is something that is going to take some getting used to, but with all the extra time on my hands I have been able to reflect on everything I have learned these past 27 years. I am grateful for every up, every down, and all the in betweens. I have learned a lot over the years and I figured I would share, so here are the 27 things I have learned in 27 years:

1. Be nice ALWAYS – Something about being nice and handling every situation with a positive attitude and grace will get you much further in life. Trust me on this one. And remember, what goes around comes around.
2. Do hard work – If you are going to spend the time to do something, why not do it right? Nothing is worse then re-work.
3. Be positive – In a world full of negativity, spread as much positivity and kindness as possible. Plus it is free and harmless, so why not?
4. Things happen for a reason, always – Although you may never understand why, things always happen for a reason. I am working on trying to take my own advice, I am currently struggling with this one.
5. Trust in God and his timing – God’s plan is much greater than ours and His timing is always perfect. I was tested by this very topic just a few months ago, and I just have to believe He has a plan and there was a reason for everything we went through. 
6. Never go to sleep angry – Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Mending all relationships should be high on everyone’s to-do list at the end of each day. 
7. Never sleep in your makeup – Unlike Nike, just don’t do it. 
8. Your parents were always right – Hate to admit it, but it’s true. Every life lesson that was taught to me by my parents growing up has molded me into the person I am today. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
9. Life is too short; live it to the fullest – Regret is the worst. We are only getting older, so if you want to pursue something there is no better time than the present!
10. Don’t judge a book by its cover – You never know what people are going through. Getting to know someone for their values and beliefs, as opposed to their appearance, is the way to do it.
11. Treat yourself – I tend to overdo it in this category, whoops #yolo 
12. Be the best version of yourself, always – There is nothing better than laying your head down at night and knowing you were the very best version of yourself that day.
13. Happiness is found within – Do what makes YOU happy. Don’t let others influence you. 
14. Time does not heal all wounds – Maybe physical, but definitely not emotional. It certainly helps, but never completely heals.
15. Wake up, get ready, feel good – Something about getting up and getting ready everyday does the soul so much good. It is so easy to fall into a funk, but when you look good you feel good.
16. Exercise often – It is not always about the physical health. Getting up and being active does wonders for our mental health as well. 
17. Stand up for yourself – No one will advocate for yourself like you will. Stand up for what you believe in. 
18. Take responsibility for your actions – There is nothing wrong with messing up or making a mistake. It is how you handle it that matters. So much can be learned from our mistakes. 
19. Think before you speak – Words hurt bad. Remember that old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”? Yeah, it’s true. 
20. Life is a learning experience – Take every opportunity to learn. Knowledge is power and nobody can ever take away your knowledge. 
21. Enjoy time with family – They will not be around forever, so enjoy it while it lasts. I take every opportunity to spend time with my family. 
22. Find a close group of friends and hold onto them tight – It took me awhile to find mine, but I have them and I would do anything for them and they would do the same for me. 
23. Be grateful and stay humble – This one speaks for itself.
24. You cannot make everyone happy – You can do everything right in the world and you will still offend someone. Be nice and do good things and who cares about the rest. 
25. Don’t take anything for granted – Something that you can acquire easily may be something that another person can never have. Be sensitive to people and their feelings. 
26. Change is good – It is easy to get stuck in the same old day to day. Life is easy when you are comfortable. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change is essential for growth.
27. Life isn’t always fair – It has not always been fair and it never will be fair. Being able to take the bad and finding the good in it makes a world of difference. 

And one for good luck..

28. Never give up – Keep the dreams alive and pursue them each and every day, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Phew, that’s a lot of life lessons. I value each and every one so much. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going through life the way I have. I am thankful for these past 27 years and cheers to another 27+!

What are some important life lessons you are passionate about? I’d love to hear!

xoxo