Turning 29

Last week, I entered the last year of my twenties. When I look back, there are many times I wish I could give my younger self a hug (she really was doing her best.) Other times, I wish I could give my younger self a good shake (because at points... girl, what were you thinking?)

I can't do either of those things, unfortunately and fortunately. What I can do, is take a moment to reflect on my twenties and honor the lessons I've learned from younger me.

My twenties aren't quite over yet. Some lessons take time to implement though, and I'll be honest... there's a lot I don't want to bring with me into my thirties next year.

I've read that the best way to understand your present is to look at your past, and the best way to predict your future is to look at your present habits. With that in mind, I decided to write this list while considering both past and future me. What would I tell my past self is one question, but also what might future me want current me to know right now, based off past me's experiences?

...if that makes sense.

29 Lessons I Learned in My Twenties

1. Do one thing "tomorrow you" will appreciate, every day.

2. Take pictures. So. Many. Pictures. Selfies too. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it.

3. Misery shared is halved, joy shared is doubled... but also be careful of misery that loves company (or company that loves misery) just a little too much...

4. Have grace for those learning in public, including yourself.

5. Don't over-commit or over-promise but also don't underestimate your ability to get sh*t done.

6. Your "To Do" list can be 2 things if that's all you can handle that day. Just make sure you do those 2 things.

7. Create more than you consume.

8. Appreciate as much as you can in the moment, even the stuff you hate, because weirdly enough, one day, you might even find yourself nostalgic for the times you thought sucked.

9. Stretch every day.

10. Leave the environments and people committed to you staying the same.

11. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

12. Listen to the people who love you.

13. Love is a verb not a noun.

14. There's a difference between being nice and being kind.

15. Everything is figureoutable.

16. You can do hard things, even when it feels like you can't.

17. Not everything needs to be hard, though.

18. You are not a mule - you don't have to carry all that for other people.

19. No one else is thinking about that awkward social interaction.

20. Stop wasting time on trying to make things work that are determined not to.

21. It's acceptable to tell someone, "I understand your point of view and I still disagree."

22. If something feels off, don't ignore that shit.

23. No answers were ever found by sticking your head in the sand.

24. There is no "point" to life (meant in the best way) - so just do those chores, read that book, walk the long way home... what else are you doing with this time anyways?

25. If you're bored, go do something for someone.

26. The best gift you can give is consideration.

27. If you feel like everyone hates you, sleep; if you feel like you hate everyone, eat; if you feel like you hate yourself, shower.

28. The little things add up until they become the big things (bad and good.)

29. Embrace the cliches: treat others the way you want to be treated; wherever you go, there you are; you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; a stitch, in time, saves nine; and everything you need to know, you learned in kindergarten.

I'm thankful for the life lessons I learned in my twenties, and I can only hope there are plenty more to come. Every day is a gift and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them.

What are two things you wish you could tell your younger self? What's 1 thing you think your older self would tell you now? I'd love to know in the comments below.

For anyone reading along with my horror series "Neverchangeable" be sure to follow my Instagram @sleepydrafts for live updates! Chapters 4 + 5 coming soon...

Thanks for reading!