25 Lessons I’ve Learned When I Was 25

Goodbye 25, hello 26!

Time is just flying by, but I have learned a lot of lessons. In honour of my 26th birthday here are 25 lessons I have learned in the past year…

1. Count my blessings — big or small. Having had a near death experience, I have learned to always be thankful for everyone and everything in my life.
2. It’s okay to change career paths. This year allowed for me to widen my horizons about my career and what I want to do. I haven’t actually finalized anything yet, but it’s good to have options. And I don’t need to make any decision right now, but I will have a decision soon.
3. To chase my dreams. I like to think that I learned a lot about myself. I rediscovered what is valuable to me and ways to pursue and reach my goals.
4. Never settle! I often felt like I need something better — a better job, a better place to live in. I felt like I had outgrown those things that I needed something else.
5. Always save up for a rainy day.  It’s important to set aside some money whenever you receive money, whether it be a pay cheque or a gift, etc.
6. Learn to enjoy the small things. Like Winnie the Pooh would say; “Sometimes it’s the smallest things that take up the most room in your heart.” I couldn’t agree more with that expression. I have been noticing and appreciating small moments in my life.
7. Make time for reading. I have been learning to spend more time reading. Reading is one of my favourite pasttime.
8. Practice good health care habits. There have been nights were I just get too cozy to brush my teeth or brush my hair, but I get up anyway, because I don’t want to regret it in the morning. I hate waking up to a big knot in my hair. So I always make sure to do these errands before I get too cozy.
9. Learning to let go. I have been purging through my belongings and donating things that no longer serves me or adds any value in my life. It isn’t just things that I am giving up, but the same goes for bad memories. I kept their lessons they have taught me, but I no longer need to be a prisoner of my past and wrongdoings.
10. There will be times where I’m not okay, and that’s okay. I have had my share of bad times this past year. And eventually I have gotten better and recovered from those hardships. It is okay to not be well every time. Time heals our wounds. And with my wounds, wisdom is followed. I used my wisdom to learn and get better.
11. Setbacks doesn’t mean I failed. Last year, I had left a job that I was at for two years to pursue a job in my educational field. Because it was only a seasonal job, I needed to find something else after my contract was finished. I applied to many different jobs, thinking this place is the one for me. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case, I wanted to do something different. Nothing had worked out for me, so I had to go back to the job that I worked at for the past two years. It made me feel like a failure and it took me awhile to only see it as a set back instead. Setbacks don’t equal failing at something, it just means that the road you are trying to get to is under construction. Which brings me to my next point…
12. Nothing is permanent. Everything is only temporary. So it reminds me that I should enjoy the good times because not everything can last forever. And for the bad things, I must not worry because they won’t last forever either. “Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever.”
13. Be cautious of who I spend my time with. They say the closest five people you spend most of your time with, determine many things. There are studies that say you pick up habits of your inner circle. So if I am not with people who bring out the best of me, and encourage me to be and do better, than I should find some other people.
14. I should love myself first. Before I can love anyone, I must make sure that the first person on the list is me. It is not selfish to love yourself. It is necessary because if I don’t (love myself), then I am showing the world that I don’t matter. And I do. I must treat myself like I am my own best friend.
15. Drink more water.
16. Whatever happens, stay calm. After my car crash, I was really worried, but I tried to stay calm regardless of what was happening to me.
17. Walking and exercising can solve most of your problems. This also helps reduce your stress and worries. And exercising has many other health benefits, too.
18. Pay down your debt often. Don’t wait to pay off something. My boyfriend and I are working on paying our debt and student loans. And once we finish paying it off, we vow to not go in debt again.
19. Make sleep a priority. As of lately, I have managed an inconsistent sleeping routine, which I am trying to break out of. I would either get too caught up in my books or a show that I can’t go to bed without knowing some answers until I read the next chapter and watch the next episode. Now, I am learning to develop my evening routine.
20. My words and beliefs become me. If I keep on thinking about positive things, positive things will come my way, and vice versa. I have to continue to think good thoughts if I want good things.
21. I must work for what I love. I will only work towards my passions and my goals.
22. I found that being successful begins with one small step and taking a leap of faith. As well as believing in myself and my goal itself.
23. I feel that with everything that this year has thrown at me, there were days where I didn’t feel like I was me. I’m sure everyone can relate to those days where they don’t feel like themselves anymore. Like the famous quote said; “In the forest I go to lose my mind, and find my soul.” I felt like I really connected with that quote this past year. In a sense with all of these loses I really did indeed find myself.
24. Whatever I think or believe in becomes my reality. So I make it my best to get my thoughts upbeat so everything that I want to come true, does. If I keep on thinking negatively, then only negative thoughts are going to happen.
25. Learn to express gratitude and always be thankful for what I have. I must not forget the hard work that other people do for me. And how much people love me. I should always show my gratitude no matter what.

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