28 Life Lessons

Today I’m looking back at 27 years of memories, friends, family, and happiness. I like what I see! And while I am getting older, my inner child is ageless. Here is to leveling up to age 28... whatcha got in store for me?⁠
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Here are twenty eight of the most important lessons I have learned during my time here on this planet...

1. ​You are free to change directions at any given moment.

​Each day we are gifted the opportunity to choose how we go about life.

2. ​Do things that scare you!

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Facing and overcoming challenges and obstacles helps us grow into our true selves.

3. Go in the direction of things that bring you joy.

I love the saying "follow your bliss." You should always do something once a day that brings you complete and utter joy.

4. ​Taking care of your body is the top priority, everything you put into your body matters!

You only get one body - and you are not only what you eat but also what you read, watch, listen to, and who you hang around! Drink more water. Wear sunscreen. Use moisturizer. 

5. ​Replace ‘I have to’ with ‘I get to.’

When you re-frame to the "I get to" mindset, you practice daily gratitude!

6. ​Words cast spells.

Be mindful of how you speak, for words are extremely powerful. Speak from your heart. 

7. ​It is possible to make money doing something you love!

If you love doing some particular thing, find people willing to pay you to do that thing!

8. Take more photos and videos.

I believe in being present first and foremost, but I also believe that videos and pictures are priceless. I am so grateful for the footage I have of memories past... including those of my grandmother I recently lost.

9. Love is worth taking a risk for.

It’s always worth taking a risk for. And yes, you might get your heart broken... but love makes one grow.

10. Humility is key.

Always be humble in every aspect of your life. Relationships are the most important thing in your life. 

11. You should not depend your happiness on anything or anyone.

You do not need validation from anyone, nor should you feel more important only if you have stuff like a big house, fancy car, or designer clothes. The only person who can you be truly happy is you.

12. Courage is not the absence of fear.

Pretty self explanatory. It's okay to do stuff even when absolutely terrified... I get it! Been there, done that.

13. Never stop dreaming.

Always have a goal of some sort, so that you will be inspired to do things every single day. Dream big!

14. Stop thinking that you have figured all your shit out, because you’re wrong.

In life, we have ups and downs. Embrace all of it because that is how we learn! Nobody has everything "figured out," and it's nice to know that because it makes you feel less pressure to be perfect at everything.

15. YOU WON’T KEEP THE SAME FRIENDS FOREVER & THAT’S OKAY.

Friends are important to have but that doesn't mean you will always have the same ones. Sometimes you outgrow them, sometimes the relationship becomes toxic, sometimes you just drift apart... and that's okay.

16. YOU SHOULD MOVE AWAY FROM HOME AT LEAST ONCE.

I have found that gaining life experience is the best way to experience life... and moving away from home has allowed me to learn things I couldn’t ever find on the internet. Trying and failing, constantly looking for opportunities, and meeting new people has utterly changed me.

17. ​Prioritizing time does matter.

You can't "have it all." it's a myth. You have to be able to prioritize things on your to-do list so you don't burn out! Take a few minutes to really think about how you want to spend your time and who you want to spend it with.

18. Being disciplined trains the mind.

I’ve learned that when I’m disciplined, I feel better, I accomplish more, and I have more positive thoughts. The more disciplined I get, the easier it is to finish things with less effort. Discipline builds the momentum.

19. Let go of people who aren’t happy for you.

Save your time and energy for people who aren’t intimidated by you living your greatest.

20.  Kindness is a never-ending currency.

Kindness takes you farther than anything else. Life is hard, people are mean, everyone is fighting their own battles... why be cruel?

21. ​Overnight success is a myth.

So many people think that my success - and that of my friends - came overnight. Because we are "pretty" or got "everything handed to us" or that it "just happened." There are trials, struggles, tears, and failures that many don't see... when it comes down to it, if you want something you have to put in the work to get it. Hard work is behind that success.

22. Your habits define you.

We are the sum of our habits, routines, and rituals. For myself, I am a reader, a writer, a runner... and so much more. It’s as simple as that.

23. Be interested.

Ask more questions about life. Don’t just act curious, be curious.

24. Do things differently to think differently.

Read different books, watch different shows, go to different events than "the rest." This will open up your world so that your output will be different than most!

25. "yet" is the most powerful word i know.

Instead of “I don’t know enough to do this” it’s “I don’t know enough yet.” Instead of “I’m not where I want to be” it’s “I’m not there yet.” It is my most used word and because of it I am realizing how many possibilities actually exist for me.

26. Don’t be afraid of criticism.

Aristotle once said, “There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.” When you get criticism, consider the constructive aspects of it and let it elevate you to higher standards. Don’t think of it as exposing flaws but instead as helping you make new self-discoveries about yourself -- seek improvement in criticism, not approval.

27. Find a mentor.

They say "you can’t be what you can’t see," and I 100% believe that. Reach out to people you look up to, ask questions, and most importantly, listen and implement their advice!

28. Learn about personal finance as soon as you can.

I wish I had gotten deeper into this before my mind-twenties, but I'm glad I am gobbling up all the personal finance books I can! I am proud to be where I am with my saving goals, my investment goals, and more.

I’d love to hear what you would add to this list!