Currently, I’m in the midst of going through quite a few life changes. And, honestly, it’s been extremely overwhelming. I’m usually one to keep things to myself and bottle them up inside until, you know, they absolutely explode. Well, here I am exploding…all over my blog. Rather than be a negative Nancy, I’m trying to look at things through a different light—looking back on my 25 years of life and being thankful for all I’ve learned (oh, and am still learning). Sometimes life tests you in some strange ways and it’s okay to admit it. It really helped taking a few minutes to reflect. So, in honor of turning 26 recently, here’s to another year of learning and memory making!

1. Take the trip.
   Two hour drive, two hour flight. Who cares! Go somewhere. Take the adventure.
2. Forever friends will always be there.  Friends come and go. Don’t take it personal, or do…the choice is yours.
3. Family love is the best love.
   Your family is your backbone. Rely on them, learn from them.
4. Chat with your elders.
   They have some pretty cool life-changing stories. And, believe it or not, they may teach you a thing or two.
5. Don’t you dare follow the “social norms”. Be yourself. Write your own story.
   No, you don’t have to get married by 23 and have your first child by 25 and live in a perfect house with a white-picket fence. STOP THAT!
6. Listen to podcasts
   I’ve learned a heck of a lot during my daily commute.
7. Be kind.
   How do you want people to remember you?
8. Eat healthy, or don’t.
   It’s your choice. However, I’d like to think you may add a few (pretty cool) extra years of life.
9. Refer back to #8—Health is our greatest wealth.
   Don’t you dare take it for granted! Eat good, feel good, stay active.
10. Refer back to #9—Cheat days are okay too 🙂
    I mean, come on, you have to stay sane!
11. Positivity is key.
12. Think before you speak
    Still working on this one (HA!)
13. Things are just “things”.
    Currently in the process of decluttering my space and life.
14. Trust your instincts
    They’re usually spot-on.
15. Set goals.
    There’s no better feeling than that of accomplishment.
16. Find your purpose.
    What are you meant to do in life?
17. Give back.
    Volunteer, donate, pay it forward.
18. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
    There are bigger mountains to climb, darling.
19. Always stay eager to learn.
    Read a book, research a topic you’re curious about, learn a new trade.
20. All those people that you love and care about….LET THEM KNOW.
21. Time is not on your side.
    Make the most of your days.
22. If you’re going to love, give it all you got.
    Don’t half-ass something that could potentially be your forever.
23. Stop thinking too much and never assume.
    You’ll drive yourself crazy.
24. Make the best of it.
    Whatever the situation may be! Turn those lemons into lemonade (with a shot of vodka), and live.
25. When all else fails, smile.

P.S. I’m still learning.

Peace & Progress.
Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.
-Asha Tyson
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