Turning 25 is a major milestone, you've learned a lot during over the last few years and it's always a great time to reflect on what's changed and how you've grown. Turning 25 is not the end of the world, it's just the beginning. Here are the 25 life lessons I have learned.
You're never stuck in one place.
The world is a huge place and there is so much out there to explore. Sometimes you may feel like your trapped somewhere because of a relationship or a job that you hate when the truth is you're not. Get out there and see the places you want to see or live somewhere new and exciting. Life is short, take a risk, because you never know what could happen.
Your group of friends gets smaller
Since graduating from high school and now college, my group of 20 friends has dropped to a solid three. As you get older you realize that quality outweighs quantity and that those who matter will always be a part of your life's journey.
What's meant for you will be
We all have goals about the lives we've envisioned for ourselves, but sometimes things take a different route. I've learned that I can't be jealous of what other people might have because I am right where I am meant to be.
Life is short
Life is short, and it's important to remember that we only get one. Live your life to the fullest each and every day. Travel, take that vacation you deserve, eat that piece of cake you're craving. Whatever it is, do it.
Don't settle
We are all worthy of amazing things and if there is one thing you learn as you grow older — it's that you never need to settle. Look at your life and think about the things you want, and the kinds of people you want in your life. Be proud of yourself and don't settle for less than what you deserve.
It's OK to ask your parents for advice
As we grow older you might think it's embarrassing to call your parents and ask for advice on life's many challenges. I'm here to tell you that it's not. Our parents have been through a lot and have probably faced many of the same dilemma's we have. There are no better people to go too than your parents — you'll get honest and good advice.
Time heals all wounds
From heartbreak, losing a loved one or being rejected from your dream job. We all have something that has caused us to feel some kind of hurt or sadness. Time heals all wounds and six months from now you'll be in a different place.
You rarely go out
Remember in college when you could party three days straight? Welcome to 25 where staying in, ordering a pizza and watching Netflix on a Friday night is your new normal.
It's OK to not be OK
Emotions are a powerful thing and mental health is important. Some days you may be super happy and other days you might be super sad. Whatever emotion you're feeling, just know that it's OK to not be OK sometimes. Life is hard and we are all facing different challenges.
Time with family becomes more cherished
Part of getting older is the reality that you start to lose the ones you love. Family time becomes more and more cherished and you want to spend as much time with your family as you can.
You learn to speak up
Time is precious and nobody has time to not speak up about the things that they want. I've learned to speak up about the things that I want or want to see changed because no one knows unless you say something.
Sleep doesn't exist
With working full time, working out, maintaining relationships and friendships, you quickly learn that sleep does not exist.
Believe in yourself
No one believes in you more than you, so stop doubting yourself and appreciate the things that make you who you are.
Hobbies are important and help distress
Finding a hobby is so much fun. It gives you something new and exciting to try while keeping acting doing something you love.
Patience
Patience is the key to success — all good things take time.
It's never too late to start over
Starting over is a good thing. It allows you to assess what you want and what you don't want. If there's an area in your life that you think needs to change, reevaluate what is going wrong and come up with a plan to make that change.
Trust your instincts
Your instincts and your gut never lie.
Taking care of yourself is important
Self-care is important because no one is going to take better care of you than you. It's important to eat right and take those mental health days from work when needed.
Dreams don't work unless you do
I have found that people tend to want a certain kind of lifestyle, but don't want to work hard to get there. Every CEO or big person in charge has gotten to where they are through hard work. If you want something work hard and go for it. Don't give up because something may seem challenging.
Don't be too hard on yourself
You're doing the best you can. Don't beat yourself up over things you can't change.
You might not be as far in your career as you want
Graduating from college and finding a job are two very challenging things. At 25 some of us might just be starting our careers and some of us may be way ahead. No matter what side of the spectrum you're on be happy to have a job. Work hard in whatever position you're in and work your way to the top.
Life isn't over
Turning 25 is a milestone and the best parts of life are just beginning.
It's OK to not have a plan
Everyone expects you to have your whole life planned out when you turn a certain age, but the truth is you don't have too. Life brings a whole bunch of twist and turns and sometimes having a plan isn't always the best. Come up with an idea on where you see yourself but don't get too caught up on not having a plan.
Happiness is key
Since turning 25 I've learned that happiness is key. If it doesn't make me happy then I need to reevaluate.
You learn to be thankful
Turning 25, you learn to be thankful for the years you've had on this earth so far, the relationships you've made and the adventures you've had.
You learn that you might not be where you want to be right now, but you are where you are supposed to be.
