Since it is my birthday month and we are all cooped up inside with SocialDistancing (well…you should be anyways), I wanted to write a post of all the things I have learned in the past 28 years of life.  I did some reflecting on everything that I have learned and experienced.  Some of the lessons learned were rough and some of them still to this day make me want to laugh so hard my stomach hurts.  In the past 28 years, I have lost close family members and friends, graduated from high school and college, had some shitty jobs and ones that I have loved, relationships-some bad and some good, I have gained friends and lost some along the way, and learned the importance of taking care of yourself.   Here are 28 things I have learned in the last 28 years.

1. Call your family more often, especially grandparents.  They will not be around forever and you will one day wish you can call them up.   They also have the best advice.
2. Try to be the first to apologize even if it is to apologize for how your words or actions made the other person feel.
3. Prioritize your mental health!  I honestly cannot stress this enough.  TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.  Spreading yourself thin does no good and not seeking help when you need it isn’t either.  With this, make sure your circle is a group of people you can openly talk about your struggles with no judgement.
4. For the love of god, if people treat you like shit.  They do not care.  End of story.
5. Check in on your friends and loved ones every now and then.  Sometimes a quick how are things going is exactly what the other person needed.
6. There is a fine line between expressing your opinion and being an asshole.  Don’t be an asshole.
7. I know everyone is busy but make a conscious effort to spend time with your loved ones and friends, even if this requires making plans to meet half  way or drive an hour or to see them.  For example, college friend of mine have been opting to meet half way to see each other on a regular basis.  This not only saves on the gas and travel time, it makes making plans to see each other a lot easier.  Plus exploring a new city and trying new things makes the visits more memorable.
8. Never turn down a drive on a gravel/back road with the windows down in the summer with your friends…ever.
9. You will never be everyone’s favorite or cup of tea.  Although this is a hard one to learn, it is perfectly fine. 
10. After losing two classmates of mine that I have known my whole life, I have learned that death does not have an age limit.  Truly live life to the fullest and always tell your friends and loved ones you love them.
11. Build your own life and identity.  Relationships are fantastic but make sure you have your own hobbies and own memories too.
12. Plan a vacation with your friends!
13. If given the opportunity to travel; take it.
14. Do more yoga or lift or run, whatever activity you love to keep your body moving.  
15. Do not stay in a relationship that does not serve you.  Relationships should bring out the best of you, not the worst.
16. Treat your body well; drink less and eat better.  Trust me, you will feel a lot better. 
17. Find friends who also share the same love for true crime podcasts.
18. Coffee (Or a hot vanilla latte) on the beach during sunrise makes the coffee taste so much better.
19. Learn how to handle your finances.  Seriously, stop spending money on stupid shit you do not need.  I have downloaded Mint to see where I am spending my money and have noticed I swipe my card less.  And if any of my co-workers are reading this they are rolling their eyes…as I have brought this up to anyone who will listen to me.
20. Learn how to forgive others quickly.  Holding grudges only hurt you.
21. Take time to show your appreciation for others.  Even if it is a simple thank you, a high five, or bringing them a cup of coffee.
22.  If your car is making a noise, more times than not there is a reason for it so go get it checked out.
23. Motorbikes do not belong up trees.  Who knew right?  haha.
24. Learn to enjoy the slow weekends with no plans
25. Say “Yes” more often to plans but learn when to take time for yourself  
26. When all else fails and you feel lost, call your parents.
27. It is okay to not be okay sometimes. 
28. Mayo is disgusting.  And you will need to order every sandwich without because everyone else has a strange love for it.  Good luck.  

Now, I have definitely learned more lessons in the past 28 years and  tend to learn things the hard way in life.  For instance, if you slide on ice on your knees eventually you will slice your knee open and get stitches. 

I have not perfected the art of blogging yet, but with all the free time with the Social Distancing and staying at home, I will have a lot more time to dedicate to this.   Stay safe and until next time.  ♥