In my final few days as a 26 year-old, I’ve spent some time reflecting on all that I have learned from the past 360 some days. I know that every year we get older, we supposedly get wiser, so I figured I would share with you my favorite lessons learned from year 26.
- Not all bottles of wine are created equal – thou shall check the alcohol content prior to consuming half the bottle.
- A 26 year-old body is not the same as a 16 year-old body – thou shall not start any exercise regimen as though they were 16 again.
- Skinny people can get cellulite too. So can skinny 26 year-olds that have not exercised since they were 16.
- Exercise can actually be addicting (it’s not just an evil marketing conspiracy to get you to join a gym). Bringing yourself to start exercising is not addicting. I wish it were.
- Sugar can be addicting too. After trying to break my sugar addiction, I have a new-found appreciation for anyone who successfully gave up any type of drug, cigarette or alcohol addiction. I thought losing Ben & Jerry’s was bad…
- Life is short and nothing is guaranteed. If there is something you want to do, something you want to tell someone, someplace you want to go, etc., do it now!
- If you’re not happy with something, change it. If you’re not going to change it, then shut up.
- I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a significant other and a friend before anything else.
- Stopping to enjoy the little moments every day does make a difference. Laughing every day is the cherry on top.
Most importantly…life is a journey, but it is how we approach the journey that makes life what it is. We are in complete control of how we choose to approach it!
This past year has been an incredible experience. I started the Change Challenge and worked on growing and getting outside my comfort zone. I’m went from a banal couch potato, to a slightly audacious adventure seeker who has a new outlook on her approach to life. I enter year 27 optimistic and eager to see what I can accomplish given another 365 days..
Here’s to dreaming large,
.
Stephanie
I wish I’d been as wise as you when I was 26. But then, that was the “olden days.” You have so much to look forward to.
Thanks Jennifer, that’s a lovely compliment. Hope you have a great weekend.
Enjoy your twenties, because I promise you, your thirties will be even more magical! 27 was an amazing year for me (I am 31 now) and I wish you success, love and laughter for this coming year. I look forward to reading all about it!
Thank you so much. I think I look forward to all my years, but 30 is a big one. I’ll have to plan something special as I’ve heard many good things now about the 30s! Thanks for the birthday wishes. Have a lovely day!
Reblogged this on wheelmummy and commented:
This was written by another blogger, who has a very wise head for such a young lady.
Are you brave enough to take a leaf out of this writers blog??
And take on the change challenge .
I am so honored you found this inspirational enough to reblog. Thank you so much, what an incredible compliment! I wish you all the best on your own change challenge. I promise you it is an amazing journey. Change always is!
Inspiring
great blog x
Happy almost birthday and great reflections! I definitely know what you mean by several of them lol.
Awe, thanks!
Enlightening list Steph! In case I miss the big day, happy birthday!!!
Thanks Melly!
Wonderful post! It’s my birthday month too, and I do find myself thinking about my aging body, err, maturing. Well, cheers to you in your 26th!
Oh, what day!? Happy Birthday month to you!
the 28th! Many thanks! So, yes, for us June babies, as Dr. Seuss writes, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Hope you’ll have a good one!
Thanks, you too!
Happy Birthday! Looking forward to your growth throughout the next 365 days and for your delightful sharing of that process!
Thank you so much Jeri!
This is Beautiful! What an amazing year you’ve had! Great lessons you have learned early on. I’m coming on my 41st year in August and have been inspired to really cement down what I’ve learned. Thank you!
That’s such an amazing compliment, thank you! I’d love to read it if you choose to share.
Cheers, to a more wise Stephanie! Happy 27th birthday!
Thanks so much!
It’s all about perspective right? My birthday turned around last night so it ended up pretty positive by the end of it. I hope yours is wonderful as well. Which day is it?
I’m so glad to hear yours ended on a positive note! Thanks for the well wishes, the actual day is the 11th.
I’ll be sure to send along my birthday wishes then!