What I learned at 26...

When I used to picture myself in my twenties, I always saw my life far more put together. I imagined I’d be engaged and on a strong career path. Never did I imagine staring down my 27^th birthday with a job I feel like quitting, an endless string of heartbreak that keeps repeating itself, an apartment with zero cabinet space, and still no idea what I want to be when I grow up.

I definitely haven’t mastered the “perfect” relationship or even really figured out what I want in life, but what I have learned is that every single attempt at something, whether it be a relationship, a job, a paper for Grad school, or re-hanging the curtains in my room that keep falling, is absolutely worth it.

What “26” has taught me:

•  Mistakes are going to be made. A lot. But admitting them and accepting them makes you a better person than trying to be perfect all the time.
  
  
•  Sometimes relationships aren’t perfect and they’re not going to last, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept blame for them anymore than you have to place blame on someone else. Things
  can be broken without it being anyone’s fault.
  
  
• Not everything requires your comment – That’s a hard one for me! I’m a talker and I always need to have the last word, but sometimes silence is a better answer. Ruminate in it. What does it tell you?
  
  
• You can miss your ex, without wanting to be with them. Never let emotions rule your decision making. Don’t let alcohol do it either.
  
  
• You can keep going back to someone and repeating a mistake over and over again, without it meaning you’re stupid. There is nothing wrong with having a heart and it holding so much love for someone that you keep running back. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Some lessons are harder to learn than others.
  
  
• Never feel bad for falling in love. Even if they don't love you back. Don't be ashamed of how quickly you fall. There is beauty in vulnerability. That openness will serve you someday.
  
  
• You can love parts of someone, without fully being in love with them. If they make you cry more than they make you smile, let them go.
  
  
• Cry if you want to. No matter what the reason. Grab some tissues and let those tears fall.
  
  
• You’re not always going to agree with your employer and professionals in your field. No matter where you end up, keep your integrity.
  
  
• Stop staring at your chin. Enough said.
  
  
• Losing a pet is truly like losing a family member. Never be ashamed of how much you need to grieve. Give yourself the space to be sad. And remember, it's okay to find a new friend.
  
  
• Never fight angry. Always take a timeout before trying to communicate issues with someone. Spewing hateful words and name calling back and forth is so miserable for all parties. Give yourself room to breathe and be clear and concise about your feelings, and don’t forget to give them room to respond. There’s nothing more regrettable than situations getting ugly. This goes for friendships or relationships. Breakups don’t have to end ugly. You still liked that person at one point. Don’t forget why.
  
  
• Always keep wine in stock. You never know when you might need a glass... or the bottle.
  
  
• Weight means NOTHING. There will always be people who find you attractive no matter your shape. Just remember that your opinion is the only one that counts. But don't discount those compliments!
  
  
• Not having all the answers doesn't mean you're not smart. It just means there's still more to learn. Whether you're 15 or 50. Be humble, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
  
  
• If you write to express yourself and deal with your emotions, don’t forget who you’re writing about. I know my ex boyfriends inevitably have found their way across my page at some point and there’s nothing I regret more than moments I hurt their feelings, even when I was angry at them. No one deserves passive aggressive messages on public platforms and it truly pays to be mindful. We’re all human. They deserve your respect too. Be expressive. Be reflective. But above all, be kind.
  
  
• And finally...  It’s okay to NOT be okay.

Life isn’t about mastering everything perfectly or having it all figured out in your twenties. It’s about trying and aiming for things, and as long as you’re still moving, you’re living… and you’re doing it.

                                                             Here's to 27! *Cheers*