Yesterday, I turned twenty eight. I don’t know how that happened. It feels like I turned 24 not all too long ago. However, now, in the thick of my late twenties, life feels a lot different than it did at 24, 25, or 26. My 27th year pushed me out of my comfort zone in more ways than I can count; but, because of it, I’m entering year 28 with more confidence in myself, and this crazy, messy, wonderful life.
To welcome year 28, here are 28 life lessons (including a few quotes via Pinterest) that I now know.
1. Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.
2. You don’t have to have a 6-pack to rock a crop top.
3. Do shit that scares you.
4. Life is exhilarating outside of your comfort zone.
5. Hiking in nature is always good medicine for the soul.
6. Trust the timing of your life.
7. Throw away your damn scale.
8. Don’t let your past define you.
9. Growth is simultaneously painful and beautiful.
10. Go out for drinks… the gym will always be there.
11. Everything in life is temporary.
12. Lululemon leggings that last 6 years are worth the investment.
13. Buy the plane ticket, even when your bank account is bleak.
14. Label yourself with grace and with freedom to change. #vegetarian #runner #blogger #healthcoach #hillary
15. Vulnerability is the only bridge to build connection.
16. Before kale and kettlebells, make sleep a priority.
17. Loving yourself may always be a work in a progress, but accepting yourself – where you are – is key.
18. Nothing feels better than the sparks of a new connection.
19. Self care is not self indulgent. Self care is self respect.
20. The best moments in life aren’t seen on Instagram.
21. It’s okay to call chips & guac and a gin & tonic dinner.
22. Listen to your doubts.
23. Sunburns are temporary, but freckles last forever. #allthesunscreen
24. It is okay not to have it all figured out in your twenties.
25. You will never regret investing in your health. Take care of yourself first.
26. Buy the $5 almond milk latte or $8 green juice. Life is all about the little things.
27. Change, like healing, takes time.
28. Perfection is uninteresting.
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Wow, some great quotes and insight. Regarding #24, is it okay not to have it all figured out in your 50’s??? ;)
Love you and so proud of you, oxo mom
I LOVE this list! Seriously – so insightful! Even though I’m only 27, I still agree with you in feeling like I learn so much every single year. Life in your 20’s is hard because we have this expectation that we *should* have it all figured out when, in reality, we don’t… and that’s okay! I have to get better at accepting that and going with the flow. Life isn’t about making a plan and sticking with it. It’s about experiencing the joy of riding the waves and knowing that everything is going to be okay, no matter what. :)
Thanks for writing!! Hopefully you will continue to blog from time to time, because I’ve been a long-time reader and enjoy enjoy your posts. :)
Thanks for being a loyal reader, Kylee :)
I miss you and your blog so much! I can relate to so much of this. I had such a hard year last year. I think some years are so tough and just filled with lessons learned. I hate going through them but looking back I see how important they were in becoming who I am today. I’m thankful for those tough years now. And I’m sure there are plenty of lessons I still have to learn. I think the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my twenties are to be gentle with myself, let go of expectations &a timelines, and to find happiness in the little things because the big things are so out of our control. Hope you find your way to blogging again! (If you want..) and you have a happy birthday!
Thank you, Caroline! Have you heard of Saturn Returns? Definitely feel like that’s what I’m experiencing at the moment, and maybe you’ve felt similarly ;)
I have not but I’m reading about this now and I feel like that’s how I have felt for the majority of my twenties- especially the last couple years. I feel like I’m on the other side of it now and I totally see why I needed to go through it all. I’m sorry you’re going through it, try to keep reminding yourself that it’s normal and you will come out the other side an even more true version of yourself. Blogging and writing really helped me through, even if you don’t want/can’t share all of it with your readers.
Happy belated birthday, Hillary!
28 was the hardest year of my life. I had so many physical and mental challenges. I’d love to say I’ve overcome them, but some of the mental stuff stays with you. My struggle will now always be apart of who I am because it changed my life, but it also made me so much stronger. The hard years suck, but they are also necessary sometimes. Hope you’re doing okay! Loved reading a post from you. :)