27! Hey, now – how did that happen?

I can’t really believe that today’s my birthday and I’m officially turning a whole year older! For some reason, 27 has always been an age where I really thought I’d totally have my “life together.” When I was younger I imagined that the definition of having my “life together” meant owning my own house, being married, and having an awesome job – and now that I’m actually 27, I’m happy that I am rocking 1 out of 3 {and yes, it’s the awesome job – I’d tell you if anything crazy was happening!}

And honestly, I’m so happy to be where I’m at today at 27. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been so thankful for the journey rather than always being fixated on the destination, which was definitely one of my big hangups in the past. That’s the nice part about getting older is getting more perspective on life – and a sincere appreciation for living in the moment rather than constantly worrying about the future {I’m hoping to do more of that in my 27th year!}

As I reflect on 26, there are a few things that got me through the year that I’m oh-so thankful for learning. Here are a few of the gems I’ve learned {and re-learned) over the last year…• As my favorite quote says, “Let everything happen to you – beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” I’ve been thinking about that quote a lot recently – appreciating the impermanence of everything and not getting hung up on the things that get me down. I’ve learned last year that you don’t have to put up with things that you don’t love – whether it be a job, a relationship, a friendship, etc. so I’m trying to let go of the things that aren’t giving me joy.

• Listen to your body, always. Whenever you’re feeling tired, hungry, grumpy, anxious…always listen to what your body needs. If your body is telling you to go to bed at 8PM on a Friday night, just do it – you’ll thank yourself the next day {even if your friends think you’re a loser!}

• Accept creativity with open arms because in every form it comes in, it’s a gift. I’ve been reading Elizabeth’s Gilbert’s “Big Magic” while on vacation, and as I turn every page I find myself saying, “Heck yes!” as I read her mediations on creativity. While I’m so thankful to live a creative life, sometimes I felt the need to constantly create as a burden. I tend to hold myself to a standard of unachievable perfection, stressing over the minor details – but I’ve been working to let myself go – working more on enjoying the journey of creativity vs. the final destination a bit more.

• Make a list, every single day. No matter if I’m on vacation, working through the day, or just lazying it up over the weekend – I need to always make sure I’m writing a list of what to get done because then I actually do it 😉

• Invest in eye cream and all natural skincare products because they will change your life.

• Don’t be an idiot – save your $$$. There will always be days where life hands you lemons, and when that happens knowing that you’re not totally screwed is always a good idea. Plus, you should always have enough money in the bank to run away to Europe, right? Right!

• Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a break. (no explanation necessary)

• Indulge yourself because most of the time you really deserve it. Go for the last slice of cake – eat a cupcake – treat yourself when you’ve worked your booty off, no matter how you indulge make sure to do it as often as you can because life is all about living!

• Travel often because it will make you a better, happier person. Whether it’s taking a trip around the world or visiting a nearby city you’ve always wanted to explore – give yourself permission to go on adventures and discover something new. There’s nothing that gives me more inspiration than discovering some place new – and I sincerely hope I never lose my sense of adventure and wonder {cue the song, “I hope you dance” and every 8th grade feeling you ever felt, ha!}

• Know that you are exactly where you need to be, right in this moment. Sure, some days are hard – and sometimes people really break your heart – but I’m trying to remind myself that everything happens to get me one step closer to exactly where I need to be, and who I need to be.

• Find good people and surround yourself with them everyday – because good people make you a better, happier more fulfilled person too.

• Start everyday with a grateful heart – and end everyday that way too. Sure, Monday’s can be a little hard to get an attitude of gratitude going, but whenever I start or end my day by reminding myself about all the things I’m grateful life becomes infinitely better.

• Sleep in, sleep well, sleep often. (and repeat and repeat and repeat!)

Hopefully I’ll learn a few more things this year – and I do sincerely hope that it’s the best year yet. Any advice from my older, wiser much cooler friends on how to do 27 right? Any advice is much appreciated 😉 xx

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