25 Things I’ve Learned in 25 Years

I turned 25 this year! 🎉That is still super crazy for me to say, but 25 has been off to a relatively good start. It has actually been a while since I have openly celebrated my birthday with people other than my immediate family. I am really glad I did, because it reminded me of how amazing my community is. I am currently editing this while practicing social distancing and it has been a time of both stress and heavy reflection. But these posts are still one of my favorites to write each year. They allow me to reflect on the year and how I’ve changed. 

Here is what I learned this year!

1. Be proud of your achievements! It’s not bragging to be proud of your skills and achievements, so don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
2. Try new things. Explore things outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
3. Always try to choose to be understanding. I heard my friend tell another friend this during a tough time and it struck home. 
4. You have no idea what you are capable of. If you don’t at least try you won’t find out.
5. Growing up is scary, but you should embrace it. There is so much life to live and you’ll appreciate it more when you do.  
6. Be flexible with your time and goals. Unexpected things happen in life, both good and bad, so be ready to re-adjust. 
7. Finding your passion can take time. And you are allowed to change your mind. Don’t feel obligated to conform to expectations of how your life should be.
8. Change is inevitable so it’s better to just face it instead of hiding from it.
9. The only person you need to prove something to is yourself.
10. Appreciate each moment before it is gone.
11. Know what you can handle. Stop taking on too much and know when to delegate things to someone else.
12. You can’t avoid your problems forever. No matter how far you run so just make a game plan and start to face them.
13. Your community is there for you even when you feel alone. Don’t self-isolate. Reach out for help.
14. Don’t be easily offended by the words and actions of people. People have their own problems, and often that is what they are actually reflecting. 
15. Take more photos. Print them out. Make a digital collage or physical photo album. Just don’t let your memories be forgotten in your camera roll when it can be out and remind you of happier times.
16. This life is yours. No one else will live it. So take advice in stride and make the decision that’s best for you.
17. Learn how to take a compliment. This one is particularly hard for me, but try to appreciate the kind words describing you. 
18. Stop beating yourself up for what happened in the past. It’s gone now so all you can do is learn from it. 
19. Making a mistake doesn’t make you dumb. You’re human and humans make mistakes and that is how they grow.
20. Just stop comparing yourself to others! It doesn’t help anyone, especially not you.
21. Don’t be afraid to fail! Failing at something is not always a bad thing. It’s just a reason to get up and try again. 
22. Trust your gut, always. Honestly, my gut rarely lets me down. 
23. Don’t hide from your feelings. They are there for a reason so feel them. Feelings help us to process what is happening to us. Whatever you are feeling – there is a reason for it so don’t invalidate them either.  
24. Indulge more in what makes you happy! 

Here is another year of growth and learning, even in times of uncertainty. 🥳

-Tatyana x