Yall. I've been 25 for an entire month and a blogger for a whole year...is this real life?!
I'll be honest, leading up to year 25 I was streeeessed and I couldn't really tell you why. Maybe because I've had this idea of what my life would be like by now since I was 15 years old. Or maybe because everyone had me convinced that after 25, "it's all down hill from here."
Whatever the reason, it was all lies! 25 will be my year of purpose, endurance and reflection. Let's start here.
I want to share with you 10 things that I've learned about myself and life that prepared me for Chapter 25 (and the rest of my life).
Everyone has their season, MIND YOUR'S. -- Don't get caught up in the ugliness of comparison. You are exactly where you are meant to be; rest in that. Many times, especially in the age of social media, we are so focused on what everyone else has going on that we miss out on the things that are meant for us. Don't be that person.
"NO" is a complete sentence. -- You do not owe anyone an explanation beyond that. Give one if you choose; but, you are not obligated. I spent a good portion of the last year saying "yes" to things and people because I wanted them to be happy...all the while, I was physically and emotionally drained. Let's be more protective of our time.
Work-life balance doesn't really exist. -- I thought I had it figured out when I had the structured comfort of school. I've tried to find and compare different definitions of balance; however, none of them make sense because that "balance" looks so different for everyone depending on what season they're in. It's important for you to figure out what works best for YOU.
Anxiety is rooted in fear. -- That's it. That's what I learned. I realized that when I start new things that are in alignment with my purpose, I feel at peace; however, anxiety always creeps back in because I am not used to experiencing peace when it comes to change. I have allowed anxiety (fear) to control my life and my heart for way too long. This is the year that I take my peace back...for good.
I love vulnerability, until it's time to be vulnerable. -- It's REALLY scary to open yourself up to people and give the raw and pure version of yourself. I'm constantly Vulnerability is required for relationships to last and thrive. It's required for great leadership. Vulnerability is a requirement if we want to reach out fullest potential because it pushes us out of our comfort zone...this is where greatness happens.
I'm not as smart and capable as I think I am. -- I'm even smarter and more capable than that. I know that sounds braggadocious; but, I spent a good amount of the last year speaking down on myself and pushing my gifts away because I didn't feel like I had what it took. I was wrong and so are you. You are brilliant beyond measure and you can do anything you put your mind to (that is in alignment with your purpose).
Boundaries are NON-NEGOTIABLE. -- People can choose whether or not they want to stay in my life and abide by those boundaries; however, me setting them is non-negotiable. I have had to force myself to put boundaries in place for all of my relationships and I need you to do the same.
Seasons change and we should too. -- In order for us to grow, we must be willing to adapt and change along with the different seasons of our lives. Seasons change so that we can be planted and rooted in something that will aid us in that growth process. The Bible says in John 15:2 that "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. Every branch that continues to bear fruit, He prunes..." So, this means that there will be times when we must be pruned and removed from certain people, certain jobs, certain relationships, in order for us to walk in purpose. Stop carrying around dead things!
For my 25 and up friends, what life lessons prepared you for your 25th+ birthday? What do you wish you'd applied before hitting this stage of your life?
Blessings and Imperfections,
Bre
