Lots of conversations these days seem to begin with "now that we are this age" or "a lot of people our age". There are engagements and weddings, first homes, and babies. Excitment. Happiness. And for those of us that are not quite experiencing those things yet, may get the "left behind" notion.
Turning 28 is not a pivotal birthday. It's not 16, 21, or 30. It shouldn't be about where I thought I would be at this age, or thinking "what the hell am I doing with my life", its about where I am in this moment and learning to appreciate and be grateful for what I have right now. Inevitably it will change. If I have learned one certainty, it is that everything always changes.
"Growing up is easy!" said no one ever. Friendships change, some even dissolve completely. Stress about money, bills, jobs, futures, etc, etc, etc, seem like a never ending battle. If it's not one thing, its another. The feeling of "not being able to get ahead" can be suffocating. But it doesn't have to be.
- It's all about perspective.
- Everything has a beginning, and everything has an end.
- People will forever disappoint you, you've just got to decide how much.
- Don't beat yourself up. I'm so guilty of this. There's enough "mean" out there, be nice to yourself.
- Breathe in the future, breathe out the past.
- Reflection is a good thing, but don't look too long at closed doors...
- Music is good for the soul.
- Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
- Everything that glitters, ain't gold. Social media is not real life.
- Always br prepared for endless waves of transformation.
- WORDS are powerful. SO powerful. Use them.
- And don't forget to read.
- Be kind to Mother Nature.
- Friends are the family you choose for yourself. So choose wisely. MINE are priceless.
- Health is important. BOTH physical and mental. Be selfish about both.
- Travel often.
- Sometimes not having a plan, is the best plan.
- Do not drink cheap wine.
- H.O.P.E (Hold On, Pain Ends) - great reminder, not just for exercise...
- Patience grasshopper.
- Broken hearts are terrible, but vital.
- Never lose your childish innocence.
- We are stronger in the places that we have been broken.
- Appreciate those who broke your heart - they did you a favor.
- And use those broken pieces to better yourself for the next one, because there will be another one.
- As Elizabeth Gilbert put it, "BE lonely. Learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience. But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilled yearnings."
- PEACE - it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
- Lastly, just know that you are right where you are supposed to be.
