- Ashley Turner
27 life lessons for my 27th year
Updated: Aug 12, 2020
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.
Setting boundaries is healthy, normal and necessary
Your worth and value is not determined by your job, title, salary, or anyone or anything else but you
Happiness is a choice and is found from within
You are already enough, don’t ever change who you are for anyone
Self-love is a journey
Not everyone deserves access to your space and energy
Leave the thing that hurt you, the first time
Self-care is not selfish, and never apologize for putting yourself first
Healing is not linear
Expectations can lead to disappointment
Celebrate your growth, and give yourself more grace
Change is good, change is necessary
Not everyone has your best intentions
Closure doesn’t always happen the way you want it to
Never beg anyone for their attention
People come in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime
Whatever season of life you’re in, you’re right where you’re supposed to be
People make time for what’s important to them
Don’t compare your life and journey to others
Your feelings are always valid
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
Protect your mind, space and peace at all cost
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
Prioritizing your mental health is important and necessary
Trust yourself, you know you best
Guard your heart from people who don’t appreciate you
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?