22 Things I've Learned Since Turning 21

Hello Everyone! I know I've been pretty absent from posting lately, I've been working on a lot of things... but I'm back and I'm actually very excited about this post! On Monday, I turned twenty-two years old! What?! On the days that I feel like my life is moving so slow I just think about the fact that I'm already twenty-two and I realize how quickly it's actually going. I've been drafting this list over the last couple weeks of twenty-two things I've learned over the last year. Here we go!

{things aren't always going to go the way you've planned}

...but God is in control. there have been a number of things this last year that didn't exactly go how I thought they were going to go. however, with a number of those things, I now see exactly why they didn't. I also see how much God was in complete control of those situations, and He truly worked everything out for my good.

{trust the spirit}

I don't know what your views are on the Holy Spirit... but something I've learned this last year is that the Spirit is active in our lives. this isn't going to be theological or whatever... but I've learned that sometimes when I feel that nudge in my spirit from the Holy Spirit to do or not do something, it's extremely important to listen to it and live by it. 

{coffee is my friend}

I'm not entirely sure when coffee became such a vital part of my life... but I know I've definitely noticed it more so this last year. haha

{life is not meant to be lived alone}

we need each other, plain and simple. it doesn't matter if you're an introvert or an extravert, everybody needs people in their lives. I don't know how monks do it. 

{focus on the positive}

having a negative attitude does absolutely nothing good for life. I'm almost done with my instagram project of 100 Happy Days and it's something that I absolutely love and really don't want to end. I've absolutely learned to find something positive in every day of life. 

{appreciate the rain}

the rain can be beautiful. even though a lot of days it makes me sad and tired... I've learned this year to look at it as a thing of beauty and refreshment. 

{organized life is better life}

if you saw my room and personal belongings when I was in high school and then saw them now, you wouldn't think I'm the same person. I've learned that being organized leaves you with much less stress and a much more productive environment. Thank goodness for Target. (I'll get to that later)

{take time to relax}

rest is so important. I'll say that again, rest is SO important. I've learned that constantly going, going, and going without any time to relax and do things that you enjoy rather than things you're obligated to do will wear you out so quickly. time is needed to relax and refocus. 

{cherish those who have stuck by you}

I lost a lot of friends this year, over some really ridiculous things and even some things that I still don't know what happened. something I've learned is to cherish the friends who have been with you the longest and seen you at your worst. don't take them for granted. example: my best friend Julie has been by my side since 7th grade and has seen just about every side of me. this year, I've truly learned to cherish her friendship. 

{you won't be friends with everyone forever}

in addition to number nine, this is also something important to realize. some of the friends I lost this year are people I thought would be my forever friends. sometimes, seasons change and so do your friends... and that's okay.

{find joy in the little things}

similar to focusing on the positive. it doesn't take big things to bring you joy. joy can be found in so many places and so many little things. 

{washing your face is important}

I should have known this for a very long time... but unfortunately, I haven't always been the best at taking care of my face. I've struggled pretty bad with acne since I got to college, and I'm finally getting it under control. thank you, proactiv +.

{spending money actually stinks}

I'm at the place where I spend my own money now, and it's awful. that is all. haha

{i like winter more than summer}

weird, I know... but I'd rather be cold and able to put on more layers and bundle up in a blanket then horribly hot and not be able to take more off. yep. also, humidity is horrible. 

{live each day as if it's your last}

tell those you love that you love them, tell someone about Jesus, be kind to people, do things that you enjoy, go for a walk, be alive, have no regrets.

{grow up, get up, get dressed}

I've learned to get up and dressed in the morning instead of leaving my room in sweat pants, a messy bun, and no make up. not saying that everyone should do this, cause some people can rock that look, but for me... I just feel better about myself if I'm showered and look nice. 

{look forward, not backward}

the past is exactly that, the past. leave it there. don't look backwards, you're not going that way.

{white noise helps me sleep}

I think I've known this for a while, but I've really realized this year that I can't sleep without a fan on. it's terrible to even attempt it. 

{don't apologize for being yourself}

just don't. you are who you are. be you, and if people don't like that... it's on them.

{your familial relationships are so important}

I learned this so truly this summer when my plans changed and I ended up being home for the whole summer. your parents birthed you, raised you, and sent you out. they love you unconditionally (I hope).take time to spend with them and your siblings if you have them. the absolute most important people to me is my family, I love them more than words can say.

{target is heaven on earth}

okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little... but seriously, the place is amazing. you can find nearly anything you need. I spend too much time there. it's wonderful.

{i'm a big kid now}

life is moving. I'm growing and changing and real life is starting soon. I'm so excited for everything that God has for me in the future, and I can't wait to get started. 

// Thank you, beautiful and handsome people for reading this! Here's to my twenty second year being wonderful! What have you learned this year? //