Quarter of a Century

Since turning 25 has been the most exciting news in my life lately, my first blog is dedicated to just that! Even though I sometimes act like turning older is a bad thing, I really do like birthdays and getting older. As I age, so does my wisdom (or so I like to think).

So, *raises glass* Happy Quarter of a century to myself. Here's to the next 25 (and hopefully more). With that said, here's 25 life lessons I'm glad I've experienced (in no specific order).

Everything happens for a reason. I'd like to think this explains itself.

Never have regrets. Because at that point in time that's exactly what you chose for yourself.

Everyone gossips. Rule of thumb, always try remember if you open your mouth and talk about someone, "Can I say this to the person's face?". If you can't you should just shut up.

Don't be afraid to feel. If you want to cry in a crowded room or laugh out loud by yourself do it. Smile, be angry. Never try hide how you feel.

The world isn't out to get you. We all have our depressing moments. Dwell in it for a moment because it's a feeling, but pick yourself up. Count your blessings rather than what makes you depressed.

We all need love. To have it, to feel it. Whether it's your family, your friends, your lover or even for your job. We need to love someone and someone needs to love us back.

Always gas up your vehicle to full when you go on a road trip. Trying to wait until the next stop shouldn't happen. You never know what might happen. Which brings me to my next one....

Plan for the unexpected. I'm not a big planner myself but just think of what could happen and have an answer for those just in case moments.

Laughter really is the best medicine. I truly believe humor should own us all. The world would be a better place.

Cherish your time with your siblings. Learn from them. Enjoy them. Appreciate them. They know you inside and out without even having to tell them how you feel.

You always have a choice. I don't believe any of this crap where people say they have no choice. I've been called ignorant and ungrateful for believing this but life is what we choose for ourselves, no matter the situation.

If you are sorry for your actions, say it but only because you mean it. We've all made bad choices and decisions, hurt people. But I've learned to mean it when I say sorry. This next one is quite similiar...

Take responsibility for your actions. Enough with the excuses. So you fucked up. Deal with it. Make the outcome more memorable than the fuckup.

Always ask questions; Don't just sit and assume. Ask, find out why. Or how it happened (and learn which sources are real and which are just gossiping).

If you have friends from childhood hold on to them. Yes, people argue, fight, grow distant. But you should hold on to those you've had since the start. They are worth it (though it's okay to have a break from them).

You can't control someone else's actions but you can control how you react. Just remember to think things through.

Life is a balancing act and to be truly happy a person needs to understand all aspects of oneself. Emotionally. Physically. Spiritually. Mentally.

Live your life and don't let life live you. I've come to learn that you miss out on some of the greatest opportunities (and I know this kinda contradicts my whole everything happens for a reason theory...but I'm working on understanding it more myself).

After a night of drinking alcohol, drink lots of water (until you almost can't anymore) and wait up for at least an hour before passing out. It lessons the blow of the hangover. TRUST ME. heh heh.

Education isn't everything. Yes I know you need it to get a career, but it shouldn't be all a person is. I've met some pretty great people who didn't even finish high school. If anything it's about hard work.

Learn to forgive. I don't agree with the forget thing, I think a person should always remember but learn to move past it. It feels so much better than all that hate built up inside.

Love like you've never been hurt before. I've learned that relationships take a lot of work. But I try not to hold my past relationships to the new one/ compare them. Not only have I disappointed myself but my significant other.

We all need to have passion for something. Whether it's a job, culture, music, or art. Cherish it and hold on to it and keep believing in what it is that you do.

Always have faith. It gives us hope and understanding. To me, having faith just makes everything all better.

And last but not least.... Frienemies are not worth the hassle. I find that life is a lot less stressful and dramatic without them. Besides, one has enough to worry about just within oneself.