I just turned 25!
In the days leading up to my birthday, I couldn't help but think about everything that I've learned so far in my life. 24 was a huge year for me, and I want to share what I've learned with all of you beautiful—and probably younger!—people.
1. You need to put yourself first!
Yes, it really took me until 25 to let this concept sink in, and —spoiler alert! — it's an ongoing theme throughout this list. When you're in your twenties, the world is yours for the taking. But how are you going to do that when you're concerned with everything that's going on around you...everything except YOU?!
I'm not saying don't be in a relationship; when you're in a healthy relationship, you and your partner will respect each other's wants and needs. Putting yourself first isn't selfish. It's a necessity.
2. Get — or keep — your shit together.
About halfway through my college career, I realized I had no clue about anything that was going on in my life. I started to feel unsure about everything and everyone around me, until one day, I woke up and realized I wasn't actually living the life that I wanted to be living. I was unhappy with my body, struggling with depression and anxiety, and my self-esteem was pretty much nonexistent.
On top of that, I felt directionless in life, and my dad was fighting Stage IV Melanoma. Somehow, I got through it all—I wouldn't have returned to Odyssey if I hadn't—and had a serious wake-up call. I realized that life was moving at full throttle, and I had to get my shit together.
If you already have your shit together, I'm so proud of you. Seriously. Take this internet hug, and thank you for being strong.
3. Don't take life too seriously.
I know, I know, I just told you to get your shit together. But there are ways to do that without losing your mind, being an anxious mess, or selling your soul to any and every addictive substance you can get your hands on. Like one of my favorite people GaryVee says, you need to audit yourself.
Figure out what you're good at and go from there. What do you love to do? Spend more time doing that and less time worrying about what everyone—your friends, your family, people on Instagram, or society— thinks. Hug the people that mean the most to you, and be brave enough to go after your wildest dreams.
We live in a world where anything is possible. You can literally do or be anything that you want. It's your life. Be grateful for every moment spent here.
4. Try to see the world in a different light.
There are so many ways to do this! If you say "hi" to a stranger at least once or twice a week, you have a greater chance of having a conversation that you never would've experienced otherwise. Get out of your head and interact with people that you normally wouldn't.
Another way to experience the world in a fresh way is to travel. Traveling has seriously changed my life! In the past three months, I've been to Washington, Idaho, and Arizona, not counting states that I had layovers in. Any form of traveling is an extreme way of getting out of your comfort zone.
I've gained a newfound love for both the Pacific Northwest and the desert. Both regions are so different than what I'm used to in fast-paced New Jersey.
5. Be brave.
When I was younger, I'd always play it safe. My friends would jump into the lake from the deep end dock while I sat back and watched. They'd launch themselves off of homemade wooden ramps made for us to catch air on bikes. Can you guess where I was?
I've learned that life goes on whether you play the game or not. You can take the fun route—sure, you have some bumps and bruises, but you'll also have stories. If you take the safe route, you'll always be left wondering, "what if?"
The day after my dad's funeral, I got on a plane, alone, to travel 2,000 miles across the country. I didn't know exactly what I was doing, but I made a decision to take a risk and be brave. At that moment, I decided to become new and whole again.
