Oats & Rows

fitness / food / travel

What I’ve Learned in 25 Years {Birthday Thoughts}

by

Today is my birthday, marking my first day in my “mid-twenties.”

IMG_5680
Now while I love celebrating other people’s birthdays, I’ve developed a sort of apprehension when it comes to my own.  I know many of you may be rolling your eyes reading this (probably half the people I know would be giving me major eye roll right now), but being a natural worrier and over-thinker, another year older (not to be confused with BEING old) has me analyzing what I want to accomplish and what I still “need” to do.  

However, as much as I over-think about the next year, 3 years, & 5 years, I can’t help but think about how great these moments are.  Yeah, growing up is terrifying.  You realize that the plans you make for yourself don’t usually happen. But, thinking about WHAT and WHO you have in your life are all that matters.  Over the past year, I’ve maintained many important friendships,

IMG_7074

IMG_6224

IMG_5558

IMG_4210

IMG_4738(throwback!)

IMG_4572
IMG_6824

Formed new relationships,

IMG_5826


IMG_5138

Remained close with my parents and family,

IMG_4042

IMG_5169

IMG_4251

Checked a half marathon off my bucket list (!!) …

IMG_3608

On top of all of these things, I am happy and I am healthy.  I have a job that I enjoy.  I have a great support system made up of friends and family.  I feel like I have a better grasp on this whole “adult” thing 😉

Reflecting on this past year and almost another year down in Charlotte, there are many things I’ve learned that have been things I’ve struggled with over the years.

1)  It’s okay to NOT KNOW.  It’s okay to not know what job you really want to be doing.  It’s okay to be still figuring things out, even if it’s not at an age deemed appropriate by society.  You are on no one else’s schedule but your own.
2)  Everything happens when it is supposed to happen.  This is something that I have a hard time accepting occasionally, but it is so true.  Timing is everything, and you are always where you are supposed to be.  Even if it’s somewhere where you don’t want to be, you are there because it is getting you to where you are meant to be.
3)  Do something that scares you.  It’s so easy to get lost in the day-to-day shuffle, and I’ve realized I want more than just my routine.  I’ve decided to go into nursing, which is exciting yet mostly terrifying.  In my opinion, doing something that scares you helps you live your life to the fullest.

I’ve struggled with not knowing what I wanted to go to grad school for – because I thought you had to go right after college.  I struggled with rejection – having my heart in NC but couldn’t find a job.  I’ve struggled with waiting for the right moment for something – when I should have just taken the plunge.  I’ve learned that everything that should happen for you WILL happen for you.  With age comes experience, and with experience comes lessons.  Not sure what this next year will bring, but I can’t wait to find out.

Bring it on!

Questions:  How do you feel on your own birthday?  What is your most memorable birthday?  

Comments

  1. Happiest of birthdays to you! I hope you have some fabulous cake and celebrate all week long 🙂 Great words of advice – I’m always hesitant to celebrate my birthday because I find that although it is a time of reflection it can often times lead to a period of comparison. So I try to remind myself that on my birthday to celebrate things I have done, not what I “should’ve” done 🙂 Have a FABULOUS day 🙂
    Jamie recently posted…Pick Me Up #MIMMMy Profile

  5. ‘Everything happens when it is supposed to happen.’.. this is something I try to live by on a daily basis. We may not know or understand the path that God has created for us, but if we just TRUST everything will be okay.

    Happy birthday!! Wishing you a fun and memorable day!

  7. Happy Belated Birthday!

    If it helps, I’m in my late thirties and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

    Also, don’t be afraid to make a change. A couple years ago, my Hubby scrapped his full time job and is in school now to become a pharmacist, so don’t be afraid to switch things up if you’re aren’t happy with your original plan.

    • Thank you, Meghan! It’s definitely something I tell myself most of the time, but I definitely have a couple low moments where I dwell on it a little too much. Have a great weekend!