25 Things I’ve Learned by 25

I’ve had a lot of mixed feelings about turning 25 this year. It feels like the end and beginning of something. I’m somewhere in between settling down and having a family, yet wanting to be in my twenties forever and having no strings attached (except for my lovely hubby). So I have compiled a list of the 25 most important things that I have learned before I have turned 25.

 

  1. Family is important. More than you know. I don’t know where you come from, or what your family life is like, but if you have a family, in laws, or a group of friends that are your family, cherish them. You don’t know how long that you will have them for, so spend time with them, love them, and appreciate them.
  2. You make time for the things (and people) that you want to make time for. I am busy. I work a 45 hour workweek, plus I have hobbies, friends, travel, etc. I am busy, always up to something. But I make time for the things that I value and the people that I care about. I expect that of others as well. Yes, you can be busy, but everyone can prioritize what you care most about.
  3.  Life’s short, just eat the cookie. And that extra slice of pizza, and maybe the fries too.
  4.  Always say that you love someone if you do. Never leave someone you care about on a sour note. Don’t go to bed angry.
  5.  Real friendships are not one-sided. If the friendship causes you more harm than good, then it was never a healthy friendship to begin with.
  6.  Apply to that job.  Even if you don’t think that you are qualified enough, apply anyways! You never know what could happen or what’s in the cards for you. Send that email, make that phone call, contact that friend of a friend.
  7. LinkedIn is actually the most useful thing ever. I have gotten scouted for my last few jobs from LinkedIn. It is a great way to connect with people in your industry, and a great way to make employers come to YOU.
  8. It’s always nice to be asked or invited. Doubt that they’ll make an appearance? Invite them anyways. They always say no? Keep asking. Nothing feels worse than being left out or not being thought of.
  9. Invest in good shoes. I have tons of shoes that I rotate and wear occasionally, but I have a few good pairs that have lasted me years and have been worth the extra cost.
  10. Treat Yo self. Buy yourself a bunch of fresh tulips, grab a LUSH bath bomb, or get a manicure. You probably did about 10,000 things this week that make you deserve it.
  11. R E S T. It only took me about 23 years to learn this, but it is OKAY to take a day off! Whether it be a sick day or a mental health day. Nobody can tell you that you cannot rest.
  12.  Do what you love.  My parents and husband have always told me to do what I love. They have always supported my passions and career moves, whatever they have been. I went to a conference this year, and one of the speakers used a quote that has stuck with me. “Do what you like, for as long as you like it.”
  13. Don’t be afraid to go alone. Since hubby works weekends and I don’t, I have learned to be a lot more independent. I have attended a lot of events not knowing a single soul. Guess what? Chances are that someone else is alone there too! A genuine compliment goes a long way, and I have made some amazing friends from being at these events solo.
  14. Text him first. I can’t speak for the rest of you, but I incessantly texted Simon when we were teenagers, and hey- I married him! Be bold!
  15.  It’s okay if not everybody likes you. Yes, I know a lot of people and have great friends, but I am also very aware that not everyone likes my bold personality. But guess what? Why would I change myself to impress a few people who don’t really matter that much in the grand scheme of things. It’s hard to not care about what others think, but eventually, you realize that you don’t need those type of people in your life. True friends like you, for you.
  16. Thrifted winter coats are a bloggers best friend. These cold Canadian winters are a damper on my OOTDs. Instead of wearing the same expensive winter coat in every photo, I have taken to thrifting for winter coats in the fall. This year, I found a half dozen stunning, barely worn coats at secondhand stores this year. Those coats got the most amount of compliments, and were all $20 and under.
  17. Put your phone down. I am an avid Instagrammer, but I try to put my phone down in certain situations; a chat with a friend, a dinner date or family game night. Nothing feels worse than trying to have a deep conversation with a friend and they can`t put their phone down for 10 minutes.
  18. Master a few good dishes. You don`t have to be a Top Chef to impress your friends. Learn and perfect a few signature dishes, and your dinner parties will forever be memorable.
  19. Network, network, network! Whatever your field is, connect with people! Via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even Snapchat, make contacts wherever you go. You never know what type of connections they may have for you, and how valuable you can be for them!
  20. It all comes back to Faith. For me, personally, it all comes back to my Faith. In hard times, I lean on my Faith, and in good times I praise God for my successes.
  21. Find the lip colour that works for you. Hot pink isn’t always the best on everyone, so find the colour that looks the best on you, and rock it.
  22. Learn how to properly mix prints. Pattern on pattern can be a huge hit or a total miss. When you master how to achieve it, the looks will pay off.
  23. Marry your best friend. Whether they’re your best friend to begin with, or just become your best friend through dating them, marry them. Trust me on this one.
  24. Press on nails go a long way. Can’t afford to constantly get your nails done, only to have them be ruined? Two words. Press. Ons.
  25. Always pay it forward. Enough said.