25 Things I’ve Learned in 25 Years

I can hardly believe it… twenty-five years old! My golden birthday. As I enter the second half of my 20’s, it’s a milestone that’s caused me to reflect upon all I’ve learned. It was difficult to narrow down, but here are twenty-five of the most notable lessons I’ve learned over the past twenty-five years. May one or two speak to you (and Merry Christmas!). ❤

1. Self awareness is an under-rated skill.
2. The things that challenge you most, grow you most.
   “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
3. Love is a choice, not a feeling. It’s not always easy, but so worth it.
4. A woman truly comfortable and at peace with herself is a rare gem. She exudes true joy, peace, and being at ease – and when those around her sense this, they feel free to be comfortable and at peace with themselves too.
5. Take care of yourself – spiritually, physically, and mentally. By doing so, you’re able to bring a healthier you into every aspect of life.
6. Some people won’t like you. That’s OK. Continue to be fully you wherever you go.
7. My worth must not be in others’ accolades or my position, but in God alone.
8. “This too shall pass.”
9. Seasons of seemingly “quiet” are needed seasons of humbling preparation for what is to come. Whether seeing the dream come into fruition or in a season of preparation, trust God.
10. Busyness does not equate to success or worth. It’s OK to say, “No.” Rest is crucial.
11. Dogs are angels on earth. There are few things more painful than losing one, but loving and being loved by one is worth it all.
12. You don’t need 200 articles of clothing. Be content with less.
13. Travel. Seeing the world from another perspective changes you. There is so much more to life than our comfortable bubbles of work, school, home, etc.
14. Many people are only in your life for a season. Embrace the time you have.
15. If you want to try something new, do it. Skydive. Get a tattoo. Dye your hair purple. Buy a puppy. Life is too short not to.
16. “There’s not a person you wouldn’t love if you could read their story.” Choose to be around people who are different than you. See them, love them, serve them, ask questions, listen, learn, and empower them.
17. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but strength. It connects people.
18. Forgiveness frees you.
19. If you don’t feel peace about something, address it right away.
20. Life isn’t about stuff. It’s about people. Loving people.
21. Walk with Jesus fully each day. A missionary once shared something I’ll never forget. We had tons of work to do with limited time, but before we got going, we still took time to gather and pray. He said, “If we didn’t take time to do this first, we’d be in it for the wrong reasons.” Even on the busiest of days, if I don’t take time to be with Jesus first, I’m in it for all the wrong reasons.
22. When you compare yourself to someone, you miss an opportunity to love them.
23.  Never stop pursuing your passions.
24. Not everyone is successful thanks to natural talent or ability. Many are successful due to discipline and hard work ethic. Work hard.
25. People will fail you, but God is faithful. Time and time again.