It’s My Birthday! + Lessons I’ve Learned

It’s my 25th birthday! Talking about growing up, lessons I’ve learned and being an adult.

This is 25. It sounds young and old all at the same time. I’ve done so many things and yet it feels like I’ve done nothing at all. It’s very strange getting older but I honestly love it. I’ve learned so much as the years have gone by. I’ve accomplished so much. I’ve grown up to be the woman I am today and I’m so happy about it. I’m a little bit wiser, a little bit more care-free, and a little bit more myself. I love getting older. I love learning lessons, the hard way, or the easy way. I love gaining more perspective. I love having more knowledge. This only happens as we age so why is everyone afraid of getting older?

As women, we are told that at a certain age we are no longer beautiful or we can’t do certain things anymore. We can no longer dress a certain way, act a certain way, or do certain things. We’re told our dresses are too short, our heels are too high, or our makeup is too heavy. We’re asked when are we having kids, if we’re having kids, when we are getting married, or if we’re getting married. Society somehow convinced women that at 30 all of this must be done, then we will be a “real woman” (whatever that means). 

My best advice to my younger self would be to not listen to others around me. I’m in charge of my own timeline. There’s no set age where I have to get married and have kids. I slowly learned that nothing good happens when you listen to society’s opinions.

Growing up, I was constantly thinking about what I looked like and how I presented myself to others. A couple of years ago, I decided I’m living for me and no one else. I no longer put on makeup when I leave the house because I’m worried about looking unpresentable. I no longer dress a certain way to look good for others. I love myself bare-faced with sweatpants on as much as with makeup and a dress on. I live for me, dress for me and act for me. All of this comes with age, so I can’t wait to be 30 and thriving!

At age 25, I know who I am, I know what I stand for and I love myself unconditionally. I won’t let other’s views of the world change my own. I won’t let others put me on a timeline of when things should happen in my life. I’m going to follow my own path and experience life the way I want.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shein

Jacket: Forever 21

Lessons I’ve Learned:

Don’t care what others think of you: People will love you for who you are if they truly love you. If they judge you, laugh at you or question your personality, drop them. You are who are and you shouldn’t change for anyone.

Eat healthy & workout (your body will thank you): Had to learn this the hard way but thankfully learned early. Your diet controls your whole body and mind. Be kind and thoughtful to your body. It does so much for you, reward it with yummy fruits and veggies.

Self-care isn’t selfish: Taking one day out of the week for yourself is necessary for a good recharge. Saying no is okay. Rescheduling is okay. You’re your number one priority.  

Plans change but that’s okay: What you wanted to do 5 years ago isn’t what you are doing now and that’s okay. Everything happens for a reason. Keep going and work hard at whatever you are doing at the moment. Your time will come.

You have to love yourself before you can love others: This is a hard and never-ending lesson but very necessary for a relationship. They can call you beautiful all they want but you’ll never believe them unless you tell yourself first. When you’re secure and happy with yourself, you won’t need anyone else (unless you want to).

Until next time,

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