25 Lessons Learned by Age 25

A quarter of a century old and never been happier! I definitely don’t have all the answers to life and do not proclaim to, however I will always trust God’s plan for my life. I’m so thankful for this beautiful life. I’m sharing 25 lessons I’ve learned by age 25!

1. Trust God. Trust his timing. Trust his plan for you. Trust the unanswered prayers, because while we may not understand they turn out to be for the best in the end.
2. Stand up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to kindly say back to someone that you’re proud of where you’re from, your beliefs, your work, etc. Don’t let people tear you down.
3. Balance your relationships. While you may not be able to spend the exact amount of time with everyone, try to still spend time with your family, significant other, and friends.
4. Stand up for what is right. You’re not going to agree with everyone and everyone is not going to agree with you and that is ok. But, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe.
5. Be proud of your roots. Growing older and traveling out of Eastern Kentucky, I hear way too often “Where are you from? I hear an accent.” Yes, I have an accent and I’m not going to try to change that. I’m proud of where I’m from and the community I grew up in. There are truly no better people.
6. Leave a toxic environment. If you’re doing something day after day that is truly not making you happy and you’re letting that energy affect the relationships you have with others in your life, don’t be afraid to leave. I promise you will be happier.
7. Block out negativity. People will gossip and question and think of anything they can to try to bring you down. Just ignore it. If they have time to talk about you, you should feel pretty special. You’re probably doing something amazing.
8. You are worthy. Never doubt that you are worthy of love. You are worthy of happiness. You are enough.
9. Your mom is probably right. No matter how much you want to disagree with her growing up, just know that most of the time she is right. So listen.
10. Be a leader, not a follower. In college, you are more than likely to encounter parties, drinking, etc. Choose to be you! I promise it is ok. Everyone feels peer pressure, but stay strong. In the end, those people will respect your choices.
11. Don’t be afraid to make big decisions. By age 25, you will make at least one big decision. Do what’s best for you. It ‘s not always easy, but pray about it and follow your heart.
12. Money isn’t everything. You will probably graduate thinking you need to land a job that will make you tons of money. You may be thinking you need that dream car and dream house before age 25. Keep working toward your goal, these things will come in time. I actually took a small pay cut and accepted a job that I love doing. I will choose happiness over money over and over again.
13. Your metabolism will slow down and it sucks. I was that person who once ate a whole pizza and two burgers without stopping. I ate all the time and never gained a pound. Trust me, your metabolism will slow down and it is not fun. I still eat whatever I want, but I now balance. Balance is a good thing.
14. Work to make your dreams reality. If there is something you love and are passionate about, work for it. Find other jobs that relate to that to help you grow and learn. Find time to make it happen. Whether it’s on your lunch break or you’re staying up until midnight, what you put into it is what you will get out of it.
15. Stay active. It’s not easy, especially in college. You always feel like you could be studying or doing something fun with friends. Working out will be the first thing you want to move to the back burner. Don’t do it. Make time to at least do something active.
16. Mange your money wisely. You now have bills. Know how to manage your money. Pay bills on time, save, and treat yourself on occasion.
17. Connections are everything. You will meet lots of people. Make a connection with each of them. You never know when you may encounter them again in the future.
18. Always say “I love you.” No matter how big of a hurry you are in or how aggravated you may be, always say “I love you.” Whether you are in person or over the phone, those words mean so much to family, significant others, and friends.
19. Laugh. Laugh with others. Laugh at yourself and some of the crazy things you will do. Laugh things off.
20. Be yourself. Never try to be someone you’re not. Don’t be fake just to fit in with others. If someone doesn’t like you for who you truly are, then they don’t deserve you.
21. Be honest. Sometimes you have to tell people what they don’t want to hear, but you must be honest. Trust me when I say that you may be honest with people and they may not believe you or may be oblivious to what you’re saying. But you must always give the honest truth, no matter how hard it may be.
22. Communicate. Communication is key in everything throughout life. Don’t hold things in or have secrets. Talk about everything with at least someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, significant other, or family member. If you don’t have anyone that you think would listen, talk to me. I will listen.
23. Surround yourself with people who want what’s best for you. It’s ok to distance yourself from people who doesn’t want what’s best for you. Your family, significant other, and friends will always support you and want what’s best for you.
24. Don’t compare your life to other’s. Everyone has a different timeline. Some people may get a job before you. Some people may buy a house before you. Don’t compare your timeline to theirs. Be happy and do what’s best for you.
25. Be the person who can brighten someone else’s day even on the days that you can’t brighten your own. Always be the person who smiles, even though others may not reciprocate. Negative energy will only bring you down more. The more you try to help others, the better you will feel.

Thank you all for always hanging out with me. I am so thankful for your support. Love y’all so much! XOXO -Sara