Today, I'm 25.

Today is my twenty fifth birthday. Can you believe that? A quarter of a century. As a kid I never pictured myself at this age. I saw my childhood (obviously) & I saw myself as like a 40-year-old. Nothing in between. 

Yet, here I am. & here are you. & today I'm 25. 

Your twenties are hard. You'll go through a lot of ups and downs. I hardly have anything figured out about myself, my life, or my future. But, I have learned a few lessons over the years & I wrote them down. Take a read if you're bored at work ;D 

Sending you tons of love on my drive home from Buffalo. Thanks for being a part of my past 4 years. 
PS. If you're up for a trip down memory lane… I've linked my birthday posts from 2014, 2013 (n/a), 2012ish, 2011 & 2011 (Two post day, aww. I was so excited about being 21).

xox 

  • Love yourself. You are your only permanent companion.  Accept your quirks. Celebrate your strengths. Don't be so hard on your weaknesses. Play up your good stuff & accept the other qualities. You aren't perfect. & that's okay. Perfection is boring, anyway.
  • Confidence is the most attractive quality. 
  • French press.
  • Stay modest. Remember where you came from. Try to put others before yourself. What you put out into the world is what will come back to you.
  • Train your mind to see one small happiness every day. Write it down at night. It will affect your entire life.
  • The best book you will ever read is Tiny Beautiful Things. Send it to all of your friends. Read it once a year.
  • Learn how to cook. It is cheaper than eating out  & it is lovely fun. 
  • Accept help. So many people want to see you succeed. Help others, whenever you can.
  • Drink two Nalgenes of water every day. It clears your skin & will help you feel good on the inside.
  • Treat yourself.
  • Eat dinner with your family as much as possible. 
  • Wear whatever you want. You can pull off any fashion trend if you do it with enough confidence.
  • Always be honest. In all your relationships. With others & yourself. At work, at home, with friends, with loved ones. Always.
  • The bad days will help you appreciate the good ones. The long days at work will help you appreciate the easy days lounging in the sun. 
  • Celebrate. 

Photo by Lydia Phillips at Mintwood Photo Co.