I know I know, 25 years old?? I still have so much life ahead of me. And you are right- I do! But, if you would have asked me 10 years ago where I thought I would be at 25, my life is SO not it. In my life, there has been joy and sadness, success and struggles, some of the best memories, some of the worst mistakes made but oh so many lessons learned! At the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

When I was 15, I would have said, “25, that is so old!” I would be a nurse, living in my hometown with a husband and maybe even two kids. FUNNY, right? I had some serious JOKES! My life could not be more opposite. Single, living on my own in the city, working a corporate job, no kids but I do have the best little pup!

While my life isn’t at all what I thought it would be, I have learned so much more in this time on my own. Growing and living life in the city- shaping myself into an independent and strong woman. Now, that doesn’t go without many meltdowns, anxiety attacks and nights spent alone wondering how I got here. But God is faithful, always has a plan and always will- even when the happily ever after doesn’t seem so close.

So, while I will be happy to answer the questions from Instagram- where do I shop, my skincare routine and if I will go to dinner with you (guys- I might say yes if it doesn’t come from an Instagram DM 😉)- I think for now I want to share 25 things that I have learned and that have made me who I am today. Good things can come from a quarter life crisis- right?! Or we can make it a celebration!

HERE WE GO!!

1. Tell your people you are thankful for them.
2. It never hurts you to be nice to others, so why not just do it?
3. Do your thing if it makes you happy- haters will alwayssss be there.
4. Your life doesn’t have to be picture perfect; not everyone’s perfect looks the same.
5. Vulnerability is a STRENGTH- there is no need to always have it together.
6. Know when it is best to sit down & shut up.
7. Love hard- even when you may not get that love in return. And that’s okay.
8. Go ahead and get the puppy because they are so worth it.
9. Sometimes tequila is the answer- not always, but sometimes it is and sometimes it’s wine.
10. Dress up for you. Put on your makeup for you. Shave your legs for you. You are amazing.
11. Stop thinking about THAT guy because he sucks.
12. If someone isn’t there for you, keep your distance. Find the Christina to your Meredith.
13. Tell your parents thank you and that you love them. Call just to say hi.
14. Keep on praying even if you feel like you don’t have an answer.
15. Eat the cookie and to hell with the calories.
16. Forgive- that goes for yourself and for others.
17. In the tough times, be empathetic and not sympathetic. Be there for them instead of just being sorry.
18. It’s okay to have the nights to stay in alone. There is value in the quiet moments.
19. Take care of your skin- wrinkles are a real thing.
20. Sweatpants and fuzzy socks are a wardrobe staple.
21. Buy the ticket and take the trip- there is so much more value in memories rather than things.
22. If you fail, try again.
23. Listen to the stories your grandparents tell you whether it is on Christmas or a Wednesday morning.
24. Be generous and stay humble.
25. Have faith that even though it isn’t what you thought it would be, you still have so much to be thankful for. Love, life, friendships, people, snuggles, memories and wine- the journey is beautiful.

Life is a mess. A colorful, crazy, wonderful, tearful, challenging and rewarding mess. So, take your losses but count your blessings- because if 2020 has taught us anything, you never know what tomorrow will hold. Peace out, sunshines! Here’s to the next 25! XOXO

All photos by BLK Photo and Co.- Brittany Kennedy