25 Years of Learning

I turned 25 yesterday. Felt like a big milestone - quarter of a century and all that jazz. I'm not usually one to make birthday goals, but this year I actually had a few. I've hit most of them, but more importantly I've done a whole heck of a lot of life reflection.  I want to spend my whole life learning, especially about the beauty of people and the joys of life. Though 25 may still be young, it has done me well, and I look forward to the next 25 years of learning.

Here's a list of 25 things I've learned in 25 years:

1. Your parents are so much smarter than you thought

We all know that, and finally learn to appreciate it when we're older. Just had to get the obvious out of the way.

2. Keep trying new foods

I grew up hating natural peanut butter and vegetables (and a host of other things - picky eaters FTW!) Now, I could eat a jar of natural PB in one sitting, and the vegetables...well I've added at least a few new ones to my palette!

3. Stop wearing clothes you don't feel fabulous in

We all have outfits that make us feel amazing, and outfits that make us feel uncomfortable. Maybe the waistband cinches our love handles too tightly, or the shirt creates a uni-boob (come on, you know the uni-boob look). Why do we wear these things? Because we feel guilty owning things we never wear? That's my problem. Why I bought it in the first place, I'll never know. But my clothes don't have feelings and won't feel left out if I keep choosing the other pair of jeans. Give them away, donate them, or throw them out.

4. Learn to enjoy your job, or find a new one

It doesn't need to be your dream career for you to enjoy it, either. Find the things that you really appreciate about where you work, and stop griping so much about how much better it could be. Even being in my dream job, there's things I wish were different, but it's a waste of energy focusing on the negative.

5. Fail videos, especially ones with kids, will always be hilarious.

6. Drink more water

Seriously. This isn't just mom or fitness advice here. I'm up to six litres a day, and my insides have never felt better. You definitely don't have to drink that much (unless you want to join me in the pee-every-half-hour club) but drink more than you are right now. Your body will thank you.

7. Smiling at people and saying hello as you walk by isn't actually that scary

For some reason, despite living in a small town my whole life, I've always had a weird fear of this. It probably comes from insecurities and feeling like I don't have the "right" to talk to certain people - what?? It's really quite freeing and wonderful once you pick up the habit.

8. Having nice legs for summer is a fruitless effort if you live in Manitoba

Mosquitoes = red bumps, bruises, and scratch marks. Just give up the dream. 

9. Friendships are going to come and go

And that's really ok. Sometimes those people will still be in your life, but your relationship will look totally different. That was a really tough one for me, but I'm learning to really value the close friendships I do have, and be at peace with the ones that have drifted.

10. Being on the same "team" as your spouse is a fun, worthwhile adventure

Some couples like to have their own hobbies, friendships, and goals, and that works wonderfully for them. But for Justin and I, we've discovered one of the best things we can do for our relationship is to go after and do the same things. We've always had the same large social group, musical tastes, hobbies, etc. but this year we took it to a whole 'notha level with our fitness goals, house building plans, business endeavors, and new relationships. When we're on the same team going for the same thing, we are a force to be reckoned with. If that works for you, I say go for it! 

11. Candy Crush is a soul sucking black hole

Get out while you still can.

12. Getting up early isn't as awful as you thought

I hate early mornings with a fiery passion, but with my morning cardio sessions, I have learned to appreciate them. It gets easier every time - promise.

13. Mentors are incredibly valuable

I have someone I meet with every few months who simply listens to what I have to tell her, asks challenging questions, and gives beautiful Godly advice. It's like a therapist I don't have to pay for and we drink tea and sit in a hot tub. I have gained so much wisdom from these times and I highly recommend finding such a person in your life.

14. Long distance best friendships are really difficult, but entirely worth it

Two of my very best friends moved away indefinitely this year, and it was very hard. I fought it at first, and didn't like anything about it. But I've come to appreciate the new relationship we've developed, and have done a lot of traveling recently! It's a different kind of loving someone, and I'm enjoying it.

15. Somebody out there wishes they had your body type

So stop complaining about yours. This is an entire post on its own, so I'll leave it at that for now.

16. I will probably never like coffee

I've tried it in every form and a Coffee Crisp is still the closest I'll get. I blame my persistent sweet tooth and disdain for anything remotely bitter.

17. Sometimes it's entirely worth it to stay up late and get very little sleep

Sometimes it's far more worth it to go to bed early get a good nights rest. Know the difference.

18. Memes are hilarious

I hope they never die. I couldn't go back to a life without them.

19. Telling someone they are beautiful doesn't make you less beautiful

As females, especially, we are often so reserved when it comes to complimenting others. Self-esteem issues and all that nonsense. Think about the last few times someone complimented or spoke words of life over you. You remember it, don't you? Now go be that person for someone else.

20. Stop eating foods that make you feel like garbage

This isn't a gluten-dairy-sugar-free rant by any means, but it is a suggestion to figure out which foods (if any - you might be a lucky one) make your insides feel like they're turning inside out. I've had stomach issues my whole life, with the best suggestion from a doctor being "eat Activia yogurt". Once I got on a meal plan that eliminated some of those food items, I feel like I have a brand new stomach! I still indulge here and there (and pay for it later), but for the most part, avoid the foods that cause pain and discomfort.

21. Grammar is really important

The internet will mock you mercilessly if you don't get it right. Thank you tiny weird elementary school for having an entire class dedicated to this important item for me. I knew how to use semi colons by grade three. (Please don't judge me if you find any typos...)

22. I think about food more than what is socially acceptable

I don't understand when people forget to eat or only eat three meals a day. I'm ridiculous, I know.

23. Surrounding yourself with quality people is essential

You become who you spend time with. I am very thankful for this truth, because I'm surrounded by some of the best human beings around. I inundated with love from and for them. I wouldn't choose anyone else.

24. You are capable of more than you think

Last year at this time I was still only dreaming of having a body I was proud of. I never thought I could actually do something about it and achieve some pretty huge goals. Now, I'm on my way to a fitness competition, have seen amazing changes, and gained a lot of insight in the process. I would have never believed I could do half of the things I've accomplished, and have learned to not let fear and doubt stand in the way of my dreams! *insert cheesy music

25. God's grace and love is overwhelmingly powerful. 

There is nothing that compares and I need it each day to survive and succeed. I'm so glad I discovered that early on.