26 Reminders For 26
I think there’s something to be said about turning a year older every year.
For many of us, age is simply just a number. To me, it’s 1) a little victory that we’ve made it yet another year and 2) another opportunity to recap the old, create new memories, learn from our experiences, and keep moving forward. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s to never take anything for granted. Life is too short to be stubborn, hold grudges, and overthink every decision we make.
If you’re new to following me, then you probably don’t know this about me — I look forward to my birthday every year. I’m always looking for something to look forward to, something to celebrate, and I really make the most out of the shortest month of the year. However, the current pandemic left me with limited options and scattered friends in different locations. Same situation for many of us who had quarantine birthdays and were unable to celebrate with loved ones.
After reevaluating priorities and people in my life during the quarantine months, I’ve made several promises to only surround myself with influential, positive, supportive, caring, and genuine people. This includes all of you who continue to chat with me on social media — your support and kind words mean the world to me. And even though today is *officially* my birthday, I feel so loved. Thank you everyone for making this birthday so special.
Since I’m on the topic of recapping this time last year to today, I have to say… I’m really proud of where I am now — financially, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s taken me a long time to heal, learn and grow from past experiences, and to not let outside voices dictate how I should live my life. That’s not to say that there are many days where I still don’t know where I’m going and what I’ll be doing five years from now. But the more I focus on my happiness in the present, the less my doubts and fears take over.
In today’s post, I thought I’d share 26 things that I’ve learned or was reminded of this past year.
Older does not always mean mature.
2. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
3. Leveling up isn’t about impressing, it’s about improving.
4. The only person who can give you everything is yourself.
5. Stop feeling guilty about prioritizing your boundaries.
6. My mental health is way more important than any friendship or relationship.
7. Your direction is more important than your speed.
8. Taking care of yourself is productive.
9. If you don’t know them personally, don’t take it personally.
10. The older you get, the more you realize how unimportant it is to tell everyone your business.
11. Their opinion is not your reality.
12. God’s “no” is not a rejection, it is a redirection.
13. You are the greatest project you will ever work on.
14. It’s okay if you cry five out of seven days of the week — those two days are important to remember.
15. Showing emotion doesn’t make you weak.
16. So much of growing is about changing the way you think about things.
17. Accept that things end.
18. If it makes you happy, it is not a waste of time.
19. Your body is constantly changing and growing — learn to love and embrace it.
20. Sometimes you just have to rest — the world can wait.
21. Spend less time overthinking and self-sabotaging and more time believing you are capable of so much more.
22. Sometimes people come into your life to help you and teach you in your current season — not your entire life.
23. Be more present with people off-screen.
24. Unfollow anyone on social media and in real life who doesn’t make you feel empowered, informed, or inspired.
25. A pretty face is nothing if you have an ugly heart.
26. Stop expecting you from other people.
Thanks for reading!
Photos by Some Shelly Photography
WEARING: green dress ℅ | necklace | Via Spiga boots |