28 Years, 28 Lessons

Another trip around the sun has passed, and I can't help but think about the major life changes I've gone through recently. I like to think that I've come through those changes stronger, smarter, and happier.

While I can't pretend to know everything, I try to spend each day growing and learning. So, to celebrate 28 years of life, here's 28 life lessons I've discovered over the years:

1. It's so easy to give up on your dreams. (That doesn't mean that you should).

2. If they can't hang out with you sober, they're not really your friends.

3. Making friends as an adult feels impossible, and it's exhausting. Treasure the good ones and stop wasting time on the bad ones.

4. A clean home eases the mind.

5. It's also okay to let the house get messy once in a while.

6. We often underestimate the importance of hobbies. Find one (or several) that brings you joy or satisfaction.

7. Craving the food? Just eat it. You're better off in the long run.

8. The only person that needs to be happy with your body is you. Stop waiting on everyone else's approval. It's probably not coming, and if it does, it will only make you feel better for a brief moment.

9. I suck at setting boundaries. I thought I'd gotten better, turns out - not so much. We're working on it.

10. Use your savings when it makes sense - loosen your grip if it means helping future you.

11. Living by yourself is amazing (just incredibly expensive).

12. 2024 is the year I finally had to start a budget. Highly recommend.

13. Owning a dog is exhausting and expensive. (And incredibly worth it).

14. Talk to your parents. At least for me, if I have a hard day or week, I call my parents. Even at 28, talking to them brings me a sense of peace.

15. Move your body. I've watched my strength and endurance increase in the last year, and it feels incredible. I'm no "gym bro", but getting to the gym a couple of days a week gets me out of the house and gets my heart rate up.

16. If you need the meds, take the meds. (Prescribed, of course).

17. Ask for help when you need it.

18. Unfortunately, love isn't always enough to make the relationship work.

19. Get rid of the clothes that don't fit anymore. Stop torturing yourself.

20. Cooking for one is exhausting. Frozen meals or eating out are better than not eating at all.

21. It's okay to leave the house without makeup on.

22. There's nothing wrong with being alone. At a restaurant, on a Friday night, at the movies. Enjoy time with yourself.

23. There's no reason to be self-conscious about acne. I used to do whatever I could to cover up any trace of a pimple. Now I throw on a pimple patch or other treatment rather than suffocate it with concealer.

24. Don't let people judge you for the media you consume. I used to have friends that made fun of the music I listened to or the shows I liked. We don't all need to like the same things, but no one should be judging anyone for their choice in entertainment.

25. Find a moment everyday to relax away from all of the screens - even if it's just a few minutes.

26. Always remember the "thank you." No matter how small the gift or the deed, gratitude is always appreciated.

27. Hatred and grudges are not worth the mental energy. Work through it, leave people behind if you must, and move on. Stop carrying the negative weight with you.

28. People may be upset over some decisions you make when you begin prioritizing what's best for yourself.

Some of these might seem obvious, but I still struggle with taking my own advice. If any of them resonated with you, let me know in the comments. And if you have any great life lessons of your own, I'd love to hear them.

To all the other August babies out there, Happy Birthday Month. :)