27 Things I've Learned in 27 Years

And so it begins, my twenty-seventh year! Every year around my birthday I always think back to birthdays past and how I celebrated them.

My childhood birthdays were always celebrated in a big way - a friend party, a family party, a special breakfast, my mom calling in my birthday to the local radio station so they read it aloud on the way to school in the morning…

Now that I’m older, I appreciate the gatherings and gestures that made that day special each year. Especially as a January baby - I was always jealous of the summer baby’s who had birthday parties outside! Now I have learned to embrace my month and make the most of it with a few things that I find special and plan to continue these traditions as the years come.

Another theme of your birthday as you age is to think about your life and all you’ve learned in your years. Here are twenty-seven things I’ve learned in honor of my twenty-seven years…

Nature is the best medicine.

It’s not your job to create happiness for others.

Animals really do make life better.

Move slow and focus on one thing at a time.

A close circle of friends is all you really need.

Set an alarm everyday, even on the weekends.

Invest in getaways, near and far.

Your sibling is the most important person in your life.

Let it go - don’t let the small things get to you.

Be a leader every time. Never follow the crowd.

Smile and people will want to help you.

Ask for what you want or you’ll never get it.

Give compliments to others as much as you can.

Family is your biggest blessing.

Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Make small goals for yourself instead of lofty ones.

Never stop learning.

Less is always more.

Put worry and anxiety in God’s hands.

You need to enjoy time with yourself.

Always be honest with others.

Stand up for and stay true to yourself.

Starting and keeping traditions are important.

Take a chance and step out in faith.

If someone or something is making you unhappy, move on.

Being busy is not a badge of honor.

Find joy in the most simple of things.

Now off to enjoy my twenty-seventh year!