It’s officially here again. Somehow time keeps passing and I keep getting older. Today I’m officially 28 years old. Let’s just take a moment for that shall we? . . . Okay I think I’m good now. Year 26 of my life was a bit traumatizing. A lot happened in a short span and I never could have seen it coming. So my hope and prayer for 27 was that it was be better. And it didn’t pretty well.
So for this year, I’m dreaming a bit bigger. I’m sure anyone who is over 30 will laugh but somehow 28 just feels way too close to 30. Like it’s a bit scary. And it’s never the age that’s the fear. It’s the idea that you aren’t where you thought you would be by that time. See? I’ve already learned so much in 28 years!
I’ve seen this done a few different ways. And I’m big on reflecting on where you’ve been to appreciate where you are now. But I’ve never really thought to look back on the last 28 years of my life. Today I’m going to do just that. Here is all the wisdom I’ve gained in my 28 years of life so far.
1. My mother was right. See? I wouldn’t be a wise 28 year old if I didn’t admit it. And I’m not sure what all she’s right about. If I’m honest, it was probably a lot of things. But let’s not tell her I said that. I’ll never live it down.
2. Time is the most valuable thing we have and can never create more of. I think when you lose a parent, this one sinks in a bit more. The moments that you would do different or how you wish you would have spent the time. It’s a luxury no one can afford.
3. A little kindness goes a long way.
4. I will never be able to decide if I want my hair long or short. So I’ll just keep cutting it and trying to grow it.
5. Dogs are the best thing to ever happen to us. I can’t imagine my life without Bear. He’s my favorite thing.
6. I would rather have 5 amazing friends than 50. Yep, I know everyone says it. And social media makes us all feel like we need a million friends. I’m grateful for the ones I do have in my life. They’ve been there for the best and worst parts and I can’t imagine life without them.
7. Travel as often as possible. And if you’re me, preferably with friends because that’s more fun! It’s become my current obsession and I can’t wait to see where I’m able to go over the next year.
8. You don’t have to spend money to have fun. Some of my favorite moments have been doing random, free things with friends and laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe.
9. Sometimes you outgrow people and that’s okay.
10. You’re never too old to make a new friend.
11. Every job, every situation is the opportunity to learn something you might need down the road. Take the time to soak it all in.
12. You don’t have to be the same person today that you were yesterday.
13. You will always be with you. Learn to love you. Learn to spend time with you that person is not going anywhere.
14. Your path is your own. Don’t be afraid to take steps that are right for you and not someone else. Just because all your friends are getting married or flying around the world doesn’t mean that’s your path. And whatever path you take is meant for you. Own it. Learn from it. And love it.
15. Sometimes God doesn’t give you the things you think you want most because He knows better. And eventually, you’ll be able to see that too. But it doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly frustrating at the time.
16. Nothing is fair in life. One of my least favorite phrases is when someone says it’s not fair. Yes, well lots of things aren’t fair in life. It is what it is and we have to learn to move past it.
17. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith every now and again. When I made the leap into film, it was the scariest and best decision I ever made. And I wouldn’t take that back.
18. Be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams. If you want it, you have to find a way to make it happen. No one else is going to do it for you.
19. If you love someone, tell them. Send an email, write a letter or send a text. They need to know it.
20. And along with that, people can’t read your mind. If you want someone to know something, TELL THEM.
21. The world’s standard of beauty is always going to be changing. And until you learn to love yourself where you are, you’ll never be satisfied.
22. I am and will probably always be a sunshine & beach gal at heart.
23. You’re never too old to learn something new. And if you can, you should always be looking to learn. I never would have started Savee & Savory or What Savvy Said if I didn’t take chance. If I wasn’t brave enough to learn something new, I wouldn’t have found something I never knew I would love so much.
24. It’s okay to admit you want something more for yourself or that what you thought was your dream isn’t anymore. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s okay to look for a new path.
25. Being single doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. And being in relationship doesn’t mean you’re doing something right.
26. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to grow.
27. I am and probably will always be in love with film & tv. And I’m so grateful for the time I got to work in it. It’s something I hope to get back to some day.
28. Everyone around you is an opportunity to learn something new. Maybe it’s about yourself. Maybe it’s simply about them. Take the time to listen to what people say instead of focusing on what you’re going to say back. You’ll hear things in a completely new way.
I know most of these things probably sound like fortune cookies. And I don’t always focus on them in my own life. But if I could sit down and have a face to face conversation with each of you, this is probably what you would hear. If you’re one of my close friends, you’ve heard them all at least once and are probably expecting a few more. So cheers to 28. It’s going to be the best yet!
