what i know at 25

i'm turning 25 on Tuesday. that's kind of a big deal. i remember growing up and thinking that a) 25 was so old and b) that 25 was so far away. i also thought that i'd be rich and famous like all those 25 year old actors/actresses i was seeing on TV/movies. or at least wildly successful.
and if i'm comparing myself to those people, then no, of course i'm not successful.
but i'm successful in my own way: i've graduated with a bachelor's degree. i have a full time job. i'm not living off of my parents. and i'm much different than i was 5 years ago. and much different than i thought i would be at 12 years old, looking forward to my 25th birthday.

here are some things i know at 25. (idea copied from here)

perspective is everything. it can make or break your happiness.


reflecting on past memories and mistakes might bring some tinge of sadness, but in the end, you realize how much better off you are because of them.


God is good.


even at 25, you're still allowed to goof off, be silly and immature, and act like you're 12 (or 5) years old again.



being a grown up isn't all it's cracked up to be.


sometimes all you need is a good cry, a deep conversation, and a reassuring hug (or the offer of a hug) to help you feel better.


you need to take time for yourself. don't let the pressures of work/school/friends/family take that away from you. separate yourself from the stresses of life and lounge about for a day, or two, or three.


being alone doesn't mean you're lonely. but sometimes you are. and sometimes all you need is a friend to realize that and call you up to do something.


feeling wanted is one of the best feelings in the world. and it doesn't even have to be in a romantic sense.


the best things in life include: music, books, friends/family, and conversation.


there are always going to be people out there that try to downgrade your abilities: you don't need them. get rid of them, and you'll be better off.


you need someone who will call you out on your BS. and someone (maybe the same someone) who will let you call them out on theirs without starting WWIII.


women deserve to be treated with respect, even if they're not being ladylike. men who do so, even if they have no motive other than doing the right thing, are a rarity these days, and you should treasure them. nice guys should finish first.


love is blind. but that's what makes perspective so important. don't lose yourself in the sight of a charming man/boy (because if he's charming, there's a chance that he's not yet a man) because he could have ulterior motives that will leave you heartbroken. but you'll recover, and you'll be stronger because of it.