25 Things I've Learned in 25 Years

Here we are, another year around the sun! This past Thursday, November 1st, marked my twenty-fifth birthday!! I can't believe it. If you've been following around for a while then you know how I feel about birthdays. There are many, many things to be celebrated, but the gift of life hits the top of that list, and there is no better excuse to celebrate that than a birthday!

Twenty five is a funny birthday. It's not the same as hitting those big milestones - 18, 21, 30  - but it also feels more significant than other years. In the weeks leading up to this birthday, I have definitely felt that significance, that weight that 25 holds, and I've tried to reflect on that.

I think 25 is a special birthday. You are smack dab in some of the most important years of your life. Just as far from 20 as you are from 30 - two ends of the spectrum that are polar opposites in regards to where most people are in their lives. It makes you pause for a second and think. Reflect on how you've grown in the past five years and reflect on where you want to be in the next five.

Typically when my birthday rolls around I find myself mostly reflecting back on that last year. But twenty five feels different. It feels like this pinnacle. A point to stop and pause, to look forward, and to really take a moment to decide where I want my life to go.

As I navigate through my twenties, I continue to realize just how crucial these years are in helping us shape not only our future, but also our future selves. We are constantly learning... about life, about love, about ourselves. It's a time in our lives for discovery. We are discovering our passions, what we want to contribute to this world, the kind of people we want to be, the kind of people we want to be surrounded by.

I would be lying if I said there weren't times where your twenties were scary or a little bit overwhelming, but understandably so. We are all trying to figure it out, and we are all a little bit unsure. Anyone who tells you differently is lying. But all those feelings of uncertainty,  doubt, or fear are matched ten-fold by feelings of excitement. There is so much potential and so much life in these years fueling us forward - it is hard not to feel giddy about all that is to come.

So as I look forward with excitement and gratitude for the future, I also take a moment to look back and see how far I've come. A quarter of a century has provided me with so many valuable lessons, and I thought I would share. So without further adieu, here are twenty-five things I've learned in twenty-five years...

Do not settle. 

Trust the universe. 

Find joy in the small things. 

You are always exactly where you are supposed to be. Trust the timing of your life.

Nothing is more magical than watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. 

Find something you're passionate about & don't let go. 

Trust your gut. It's always right. 

Be honest & be kind. 

Say yes. But also learn to say no. 

Don't be afraid to leave. That job, that relationship, that place. 

Become best friends with your parents. 

Embrace all the seasons of your life. 

Do it now. Not later.

Life should be an adventure. 

The world is full of magic. Go see it.  

Push your body. You will be amazed at what it can do.
God puts people in our lives when we need them the most - even if it's not forever.

My sister is the biggest gift my parents ever gave me. 

Do the things that scare you. 

Life is a gift and should be treated like one. Never take it for granted.

Travel is to best investment you can make for yourself. 

The wait is always worth it - be patient. 

Friends and family, and friends that are family, are the biggest blessings.

That what is for you will not pass you.

Running is flying. 

Cheers to the last five and here's to the next five!

xo. G