27 life lessons for my 27th year

I turn 27 this week! I love birthdays, and I’m especially excited for this one because I feel like I’m stepping into this new year with so much more confidence, self-love and inner peace about life ahead.

I remember as a teenager (and even into my adult years), I was certain I would be married and have kids at precisely 27. As the saying goes, “when we make plans, God laughs,” and that couldn’t be truer because here I am with neither of things. I can laugh now too, because honestly I’m not ready for that life quite yet and I now know that everything will work out exactly how it's supposed to.

I believe your 20’s should be a time to be selfish, discover your passions, and pursue your dreams. And it’s also a time of learning some tough and necessary life lessons along the way. As mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting during this season. For my 27th birthday I thought I’d share 27 life lessons that I’m holding onto in this next year of life. From friendships to self-worth to work and life after college and everything in between - here are some of the most important things I've learned in my life so far.

1. Setting boundaries is healthy, normal and necessary

2. Your worth and value is not determined by your job, title, salary, or anyone or anything else but you

3. Happiness is a choice and is found from within

4. You are already enough, don’t ever change who you are for anyone

5. Self-love is a journey

6. Not everyone deserves access to your space and energy

7. Leave the thing that hurt you, the first time

8. Self-care is not selfish, and never apologize for putting yourself first

9. Healing is not linear

10. Expectations can lead to disappointment

11. Celebrate your growth, and give yourself more grace

12. Change is good, change is necessary

13. Not everyone has your best intentions

14. Closure doesn’t always happen the way you want it to

15. Never beg anyone for their attention

16. People come in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime

17. Whatever season of life you’re in, you’re right where you’re supposed to be

18. People make time for what’s important to them

19. Don’t compare your life and journey to others

20. Your feelings are always valid

21. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness

22. Protect your mind, space and peace at all cost

23. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time

24. Prioritizing your mental health is important and necessary

25. Trust yourself, you know you best

26. Guard your heart from people who don’t appreciate you

27. Never settle for anything less than what you deserve

I truly believe 27 will be a big year for me - I’m claiming and believing for it! Stay tuned for the journey.

Reflection questions:

What’s one of the greatest life lessons you’ve learned so far?

What advice would you give your younger self?