Hello 25
I've been 25 for almost a month now. To be honest I don't feel any different, except every so often when I stretch a few more of my joints pop, so apparently I'm actually 85 not 25!
Every year around my birthday I try and take some time to think back on what I've learned this last year and what I hope to learn in this new year of life. While this year, it's a little late, I figured it's better late than never.
1) Look Back
I remember right before I turned 24 I started to write. Really write. Not just blog posts, but actually writing about my story and all that I had been blessed to learn. I didn't really know what was going to come of it; heck, I didn't even know if I wanted anyone to read it. I just wrote it. It was scary, reliving so much so quickly, it was humbling to remember where I once was. It was shocking to see how my dreams have changed over the years. Overall, it helped me realize just how helpful it is to take some time to look back and remember where you've been and where you heart still longs to go.
2) Family Matters
As I've gotten older I've really learned to value the time I get with my family. Whether that's my friends who I've known for over half my life who are truly siblings, or my actual blood relatives. I've learned to stop fighting the inevitable times when we'll have family dinner that lasts hours, or the random calls to come over and help babysit. And as crazy as it may sound, I'm actually enjoying it. It's not a chore to sit with my parents and talk about our days; it's fun to sit in-between my nieces as we all eat tacos; and I feel like I'm in some secret club when I'm asked to babysit. I know that Indy is my home, for now, and I want to make the most of my time here, which definitely means seeing my family.
3) Make Time to Laugh
I've learned this year that laughter is important. I've always loved to laugh, to find something just a little bit funny, especially when things get serious. This year has been threaded with moments of pure laughter. From making messes at work where all I could do was laugh, to dropping pitches and yelling "OPA!" rather than getting embarrassed, to sitting with my friends and sharing stories of when we were teens and just laughing at all the crazy things we've done. Laughter is so good for the soul, it makes your heart lighter and your spirit free-er. Laughter keeps us young too- I swear it! But maybe that's just because I can't take myself too seriously. This year, I'm bringing more laughter into my life and others, I think we need it.
4) Take a Chance
One week before I turned 25 I left my job at Starbucks without a job to go into. I was exhilarated. I'd been at Starbucks for a little over a year and I knew it was time for a change. I talked with my store manager about leaving a solid month before I actually worked my last shift. When I walked out of work that day I felt at peace. The following days I was so happy to know that I could do anything, I could go anywhere, I could make time for myself and actually search for that dream job. Slowly I felt the nerves set in as the days went by I was still unemployed. When I would see friends and they would ask "Gwen, what are you up to?" And I would share I was currently unemployed, I felt a little shame and a whole lot of awkward. But here's the thing, I knew it was time for me to leave. I knew deep down that I was ready for something new, whether that was a whole new field, a big-kid job, or a change in location. I knew. I'm so happy I took that chance, that first step, even though I couldn't see where exactly it was leading. It's been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Maybe you're at the start of a new season, or maybe you've got a birthday coming up. I encourage you to take some time to look back on the past season, past year of your life and see what you're grateful for, what's happened and how you've grown. I bet you anything that it'll surprise you.
