Yes, today is my birthday. Today is my 25th birthday! I’ve made it to 25 years. And in those 25 years, my life has taken some twists, turns, ups and downs. Some moments I’m so very proud of, others not so much. And there are more moments that I look back on and go, “Wow, this is really my life.” Well, before I get too emotional, I want to talk about the 25 things I’ve learned in 25 years of life.
25. Not everything is going to work out the way you want. And that’s ok. I haven’t done much in my life yet, but I’ve lived long enough to know that some things don’t always work out. Before, I’ve felt defeated that some things didn’t work out the way I wanted. But then the most interesting things happen when new things appear.
24. Friends are great, but family is better. I’ll admit, I don’t have a lot of friends. In fact, my two closest friends cant even celebrate my birthday with me until the weekend. But my mom, dad, and other relatives can, in any way shape or form. Friends come and go, but family can always be here to stay.
23. Family is great, but friends are needed. Also, I’ll flip the script; family is great to have, but when you don’t have a good family or members who aren’t as supportive, a safe haven of friends is good enough.
22. “Me time” is very important.
21. There’s no such thing as a “dream job”. Back when I first got into college, I was so sure that I would become the best writer/journalist/producer/etc. But then a lot of personal issues happened, and I’m now in a place in my life where I’m not sure what’ll happen next. But I’m having fun finding my way, different avenues to try where I know I’ll belong. The dream job BS is no longer on my radar, because it doesn’t exist.
20. College isn’t for everybody. My dad still thinks that education and a college degree is most needed to succeed in life. But that’s not for everybody, especially where mental health and learning disabilities are concerned. There is more than one way to achieve something.
19. It’s ok to change it up a little bit!
18. Ask for help if you need it.
17. Communication is key.
16. Podcasts are my new best friend! I’m still a YouTube junkie, but I’ve been into so many incredible podcasts lately, like Black Girl Nerds; For the Culture Podcast; Alright, Okay; Grace Helbig’s Not Too Deep; Trini Trent Radio. I find that they more expand on social issues than videos do. Also, I don’t need to sit and watch a podcast if it’s just audio. I can listen and relax while doing something else.
14. Budget everything.
13. Facebook is the devil, Twitter and IG are where it’s at! I love me all of social media, but I’m more attached to Twitter and Instagram. Sorry, Facebook!
12. Use that block button!
11. You’re never too old to fangirl/be apart of fandoms.
10. Don’t separate the art from the artist.
9. Meditate and /or pray.
8. Take care of your mental health.
7. Talk about your mental health.
6. Love who you love.
5. Be your own biggest fan.
4. Anxiety will try to kill you, but it won’t. I have anxiety (mostly anxious moments) where I’ve felt like my world is ending. But when the moment passes, I’m okay again. Not completely whole, but better than before.
3. Diversity matters. Correct representation matters.
2. It’s not where you come from, it’s where you belong. Ok, so I stole this line from The Fosters but it’s true. You could have the roughest background, or hardest upbringing, and still come up on top. I was born premature, I wasn’t even sure I would live. But I’m still alive!
1. Love yourself.
I didn’t really have big plans for my birthday, so I thought this post would serve as a present to myself! Here’s to 25! 🎉
