Well another year has come and gone. This past year was full of adventure, laughter, tears, and of course major personal growth. As I was reflecting on my 24th year on this earth, before looking to the year ahead, I felt it was only right that I share a few things I’ve learned up until this point. Life is such a rollercoaster but as each year passes I can honestly say that I always look back and can see the progress. Each year I come to understand myself a little bit more and take major leaps + bounds to becoming the person that I’m meant to be. That’s all we can really ask for right? That itself makes me beyond EXCITED for another year. I seriously can’t wait to see where 25 is going to take me!

With that, here are 25 things I’ve learned in 25 years.

1. We GROW through what we GO though. - Think about someone who hasn’t gone through any trials or adversity? These people have no substance. Over the years I have truly become THANKFUL for all the hard times because they did nothing but build character and strength in me. They have made me the person I am today and will continue to push me to be the best I can be.

2. Find Your Church Family. - I didn’t realize how much I needed a church family until I found mine. Going back to church, becoming a member, and getting involved was the best decision I think I’ve ever made. Having those dedicated people that truly center you, constantly pray for you, listen to you, and a community that lifts you up spiritually has been everything.

3. Friendship is a gift. - After moving back to Birmingham after college, I really struggled finding a good group of close friends. I prayed that God would bring these people into my life when He was ready to present them to me. And I mean WOW, as always, what he had in store for me was worth the wait. I have found the most precious, loyal, God fearing, fun, beautiful, group of best girl friends and I am beyond thankful for them. Now looking back, the lonely period I went through only made me appreciate and value my friendships that much more. Find those people that will challenge you, grow with you, and pray for you.

4. Attitude is everything. - We can’t always control everything but attitude is something that we have complete control over. Attitude can set the tone and shape your entire day, it’s a pretty powerful thing. I’ve found that our inner voice can either weigh us down or cheer us on. I choose to wake up every day with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. I have seen the positive energy that I radiate not only affect myself but also those around me, which is honestly the most rewarding part of it all! I can honestly say that this mindset has completely changed my life.

5. Dogs make everything better. Everything.

6. Do something your passionate about. - I am lucky enough to say that I have chosen a career path that I am truly passionate about. Don’t do something because it makes a lot of money, do something that will make you happy because in the end money isn’t everything. “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” IT’S TRUE PEOPLE.

7. What people say about you is a reflection of them, not you. - You just can’t take things personally. People can be cold but It’s important to hold strong and be confident enough in yourself to know exactly who you are. You never know what’s going on in someone else’s life and whatever they are projecting onto you is most likely a reflection of their own insecurities, pain, or struggles. Other’s opinions of you is none of your business. You have one life and you have to do what you believe is best for YOU and makes YOU happiest!

8. Give compliments. If you like someones hair or outfit, tell them! It will probably make their day. I love dishing out all the compliments and making people smile throughout the day.

9. Give yourself grace. - I tend to be pretty hard on myself and this is something I still struggle with on the daily. I’m definitely my own worst critic and am always pushing myself to do more and more. I’ve learned that we weren’t made to do it all. Giving yourself time to refuel and recharge is essential and necessary. It’s OK to say no, even though sometimes it takes everything in me to do so.. ha!

10. Hard work pays off. - TRUE. FREAKING. STORY. I have seen my hard work continuously pay off first hand. When I was in high school and even college I honestly didn’t have much confidence in my potential and future career. If I had been able to tell myself then where I would be now, I honestly would have LAUGHED. So I’m telling you right now, DO NOT give up because you never know what’s waiting for you right around the corner. Nothing worth having comes easy and success feels that much sweeter when you’ve worked your ass off for it. I am seriously so freaking proud of myself and how far I’ve come.

11. Mornings are my favorite. - I feel like each day I have a clean slate and new potential. I love waking up each morning with the feeling that everything is fresh and new. Which is actually very funny/ironic being that I’m a major night owl. I’ve been trying to get to bed earlier but the struggle is real.

12. Your mistakes + past don’t define you or your future. - You were forgiven for all of your sins the second Jesus died on the cross. He made the ultimate sacrifice to pay our debt. Don’t ever believe the lies that you aren’t worthy of forgiveness. You are saved by His Grace and Mercy sister!! Do not EVER let your past define your future.

13. Being kind is more important than being right. - I’ve learned that It's easy to let your ego get in the way of relationships in the name of being right or proving a point. Sometimes I have to step back and remind myself that the relationship is more important to me than being right. 

14. Things don’t fulfill me. People, relationships and making memories do.

15. Appreciate where you are. - Have patience and don’t be in a hurry. With yourself, your situation and other people. Learn to appreciate the slow and steady pace of this life, everything you are meant to have will come in time. It’s easy to look around and want to have what others have or wish to be in the stage of life that they are in. Just have patience and enjoy where you are now because these moments are so fleeting. Life is too short to wish it away and at this time next year everything will be different.

16. Take lots of photos. - The reason I really love documenting my life and taking photos is because I know Ill be able to look back years from now and not only remember these moments but also visually see them.

17. Taking care of yourself is so important. - Exercising is important for your mental health and is such a stress reliever. When I look good and take care of myself, I feel like I can conquer the world. It’s so important to take care of your body, it’s the only one we will ever be given.

18. If a relationship no longer serves you, you have every right to walk away from it.

19. We become what we surround ourselves with. - Cut the toxic people out of your life no matter how hard it may be. Doing this will make room for people that lift you up and love you for exactly who you are.

20. Life is precious. - This is one that I hear people say over and over again, but you don’t really grasp it until you lose someone that you love. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, make everyday count! Hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you!

21. You can’t please everyone. - I’m a people pleaser and I’ve had to accept the fact that it’s impossible to make everyone happy.

22. Less is more. - I’ve started to embrace a more minimalistic lifestyle, and with each thing I declutter, I feel more and more relieved and weight lifted off my shoulders.

23. The best moments often happen without a plan. - I’m such a planner and I always get my hopes up and set super high expectations. Over the years I’ve come to learn that the best moments, the best nights, are often the ones that came together at the last minute, without any plan or expectation. Not to mention I always end up meeting the best people when I least expect it. Embrace more of those moments.

24. TRAVEL OFTEN. - Traveling has taught me so many life lessons, helped me grow as a person, and opened my eyes to the world around me. It’s my absolute favorite way to spend my time + money!

25. Celebrate the small victories. - It’s important to pay attention to the things you are proud of and happy about, even the little things. Celebrating is always fun and you deserve it!