lessons learned from a 22-year old

A bittersweet birthday...

Sep 27, 2024

“…22 took a lifetime.”

Billie Eilish, SKINNY

What can I say, my birthday is one of my favorite days of the year. Who doesn't love being celebrated for being born?

I won’t lie though, this year is different from the others. The closer my birthday was, the more this bittersweet feeling came over me.

I’m grateful to have made it this far and for all the progress I’ve made, but I’m nowhere near where I thought I’d be by now.

Lingering thoughts of what I wish could be.

That doesn’t matter though, all I can do is make the most of right now and what has already happened.

With that being said, here are a couple of lessons I’ve learned on this journey called my early twenties.

Now I know how self-absorbed that may sound, but hear me out.

I generally put the needs of others above my own (even to my detriment). I can be hard on myself and self-care has only recently become a part of my vocabulary.

With that being said, there being a day out of the year when I’m celebrated just for being born is healing for me. As corny as it may sound, I feel extra special.

So normally, I go out of the way to make the day special for myself and I appreciate it when family and friends pitch in to make the day better for me.

Movement is a blessing and can be a remedy to so many different things going on in your life. I can’t count how many times going for a run or working out has pulled me out of a bad head space. If you can move, you should move.
Who you work with is just as important as the work you do. A plant requires fertile soil to prosper.
Cinnamon rolls and cookies are essential to my diet and I refuse to sacrifice them for any reason.
People care more and less than you think they do. No one thinks I’m as awkward as I thought they did and more people are willing to support my passion than I thought.
Discipline is something to lean on when your' self-esteem is low. It’s a record of you choosing to better yourself. Keep adding to that list.
Me post-workout. Always love a good sweat session 💦
Having a rage playlist is valid.
Having a good scream is also valid.
No amount of security will replace the feeling of chasing your dreams.
Going grocery shopping is underrated. Buying produce and meals for the week is such an affirming experience. Always a highlight of my week.
Multitasking is the devil.

Patience is a virtue. One that I’m still trying to obtain lol.
Listen for God’s guidance from your heart not from other people.
The best source of inspiration is experimenting with what you have.
There’s a difference between validating your emotions and letting those affect the people around you.
Setting boundaries is inextricably linked with self-respect. You can tell people how to treat you and still be compassionate towards others.
Gratitude is an action. It’s not just about writing it down, it must shine through what you do.
Taking in the beginning of fall
Scrap long-term plans with daily action.
Getting out of your own way will be one of the hardest things you’ll have to do in life.
Potential regret is quite motivating.
Chocolate almonds and cashews are a top-tier snack. ( Just don’t eat the whole bag in one sitting lol)
You can be your moldboard and more.
Invest in yourself now. Invest in your health. Invest in your relationships. Invest in your experiences. The dividends will be in your living your most authentic life.