We do not grow absolutely, chronologically.
We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly.
We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another.
The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present.
We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.”
Happy birthday to me! Today I turn a ripe old age of 27 and, as much as I’m not thrilled to be inching toward thirty, I’m pretty excited to look back on the past year and reflect on what an amazing, positive experience it was. There were, as there always will be, some tough times, but over all, I’d have to say that my 27th year was pretty darn awesome. One of the reasons it was so awesome is because I learned so much about life. Every year I learn more and more and, in my opinion, that’s one of the best highs life has to offer — looking back and realizing just how far you’ve come because of all that you’ve learned. I could spend hours and hours writing about this year and all of the ups and downs it’s brought, but today I’ve narrowed the post down to 27 lessons I learned during my 27th year. With each of these lessons listed, I’ve linked to a post that will show you exactly when I was learning that lesson.
This Year, I’ve Learned…
… when love is real, when the person is right, you really do just know.
… change, scary as it is, can be just what you need to free yourself.
… sometimes you have to let go of what you know and face the unknown.
… letting people in and opening up to them can be surprisingly rewarding.
… if you really, really want something, you have to take action.
… you are usually quite a bit braver than you think you are.
… if you screw up, you have the power to proactively make the present better.
… you always know, deep down in your heart, what you really want.
… the people you want in your life aren’t always the ones you need in your life.
… it is never, ever too late to reclaim your muchness.
… whatever you focus on in your life, that’s what you’ll get more of.
… being positive is really hard sometimes, but it’s always worth it in the end.
… you have to know what you want and go after it because no one else will.
… the support of other people is amazingly, astoundingly invaluable.
… moments you fear the most are often the least likely to be worthy of fear.
… sometimes you just have to be your own hero.
… when you love, you must not forget to love yourself.
… no matter how hard it seems, you can let go of your past.
… the future can have some huge surprises in store for you.
… living your life your way is important (even if other people don’t understand it).
… you can continue to love others without liking their choices.
… everyone — even you! — deserves to experience happiness.
… you will learn more from other people than you ever thought possible.
… the person you were can become only a fraction of what you are.
… if you are unhappy with something in your life, you can change it.
… inspiration is everywhere, but you will only find it if you’re looking.
… the present moment really is all you have; experience it wisely.
