It recently dawned on me that my birthday is coming up in a few short days. Then what really hit me like a ton of bricks is the number going along with my birthday: 25. I started to question, as if I had a choice, if I'm ready to be 25. Am I responsible enough? Have I really shown myself I can be an adult? Ready or not, my birthday is coming and to prepare myself for this somewhat monumental age, I brought together a list of what this past year of being 24 has taught me for the upcoming day.
Your health is in your hands
I have had a plethora of doctors appointments this past year. The one common theme in all of them was that I was the one scheduling them. It hit me, my mom does not have to take days off just so I can get a yearly checkup. These important appointments revolve around my work schedule.
Budgeting is important to learn
Paychecks are cool to get, but have you tried saving them up for a bit to pay for important necessities? Sure there is the weekly gas fill up for the car, but what about when you realize you need new tires? Oh, might as well add on a tire alignment to that bill while were at it. So many times I was not prepared for such important bills that came up this past year due to my thought process of "I'll just get another check next week." The check next week does not fix car problems now.
Drinking should not be your plans
I'll be the first to admit it is nice to let loose and have a couple drinks. What's not nice is allowing it to dictate plans you make. I have wasted so many days and months this past year from simply wanting to "keep the fun going". That so called "fun" has lead to many a fights, terrible headaches, and missed opportunities. I am not trying to make these same mistakes in the year of 25.
You Only Have to Make Sure You're Happy
It has been a hard lesson to learn, especially for someone like myself who is a people pleaser. I'll admit it, I'm still trying to figure it out. After the ups and downs I've been through this past year, I realized I was so focused on how others saw me I was not even thinking about how I view myself. I would not say I am happy with myself and the choices I have made at times. If I can be honest with myself though and have the drive to better myself that should be what matters the most.
It's ok to mess up
My absolute biggest take away from being 24, is that it is never to early to reach your rock bottom. Some people, don't go through terrible times, kudos to them. Not even a week after being 24, I reached my absolute lowest point. Honestly, it sucked. I hurt family, friends, people who mean the most to me. Throughout this past year and having to dig my way back up from that though, I have found a strength and persistence to become a better person. That’s something I haven’t seen in myself in a long time. Sure terrible times suck, and it may be shameful and emberassing to some. I can honestly say though, that After reaching my rock bottom I know what I want my 25th Year to look like.