Yesterday I turned 25. Since about the time I was a teenager I’ve always hated my birthdays. It’s not to say that they don’t always tend to be wonderfully amazing and full of love and kindness. It’s just this: I hate turning another year older. What woman doesn’t? Really?

I thought so.

My 25th birthday was fairly uneventful and relaxing, just how I want it. I’ve mentally caught myself today a few times going “Holy shit I am 25… I don’t feel 25…” I think the greatest gift by far was that Mack’s Dad is on the mend (better words to serve the situation justice would be directly from Mack’s mother in her blog posts here and here) and life is good.

Since I’m feeling particularly sappy this birthday, here are 25 life lessons/things of importance (in no particular order) I’ve learned in the last 25 years:

1. Family is who you laugh with, you cry with, and who drives you crazy. I’m so thankful for my family and the families who let me into their lives and teach me so much.
2. Getting dirty isn’t the end of the world. Sometimes it’s half the fun.
3. Take risks. You never know if you’ll like something until you try it out.
4. Sometimes the best things in life are free. Other times they’re pretty expensive but worth it in the end.
5. Pay attention to the small details. They might be the most important and life altering.
6. Travel. The whole world is at your finger tips and it expands your knowledge/life/understanding so much.
7. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Even the stuff you think is big ultimately it might not be.
8. Life is fragile and not to be taken for granted.
9. Don’t judge a book by a cover… although sometimes your initial impressions of people turn out to be true. Give them a chance first.
10. It’s okay to admit you need help and you don’t know all the answers.
11. Relationships are hard work. It makes them that more enriching and worth it.
12. Try new foods that might otherwise be scary. To go with point 3 you never know until you try how much you might love something.
13. Communicate your needs/wants/desires. Don’t assume people know what is going through your mind.
14. Sometimes the best car trips are going no where with someone you love by your side and the open road in front of you.
15. Don’t limit yourself or sell yourself short. You might think and know someone else is better at something out there but why beat yourself up over it? Know your limitations and shortcomings and work and making them better.
16. Nothing is more relaxing than the touch of someone you love.
17. Dance. And sing. Even if it gets you looks let go with wild abandon.
18. Make new friends and acquaintances to go with ones you have. Never limit the number of friends.
19. Cut out the drama and poison you don’t need to deal with. It creates unnecessary stress and ultimately, who is it helping?
20. Learn to enjoy yourself. Love yourself. Know what a worthwhile individual you are. If you don’t believe it than why should others believe it?
21. Try to learn something new everyday. If you can’t do that, improve upon something you know everyday. Always strive to be a better person.
22. Be loyal to those around you and give devotion, patience, and caring to those who deserve it. Show those who you love that you do love them with your whole heart.
23. Listen to music. Read. Actual do these things and pay attention.
24. Relax.
25. Smile.

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