26 Life Reflections
from a new 26-year-old
In honor of turning 26 this past Tuesday, I wanted to share 26 things I’ve learned in my lovely life experience.
Some of these might seem repetitive, but I like to think they complement each other.
This list is in no particular order. Do with these what you will.
I can use my thoughts to create the life I want.
Changing my perspective makes a huge difference.
I can decide to be happy.
Similarly, I can decide to be happy. It’s not always easy, but it is that simple.
The little moments matter.
Embracing daily joyful moments makes life feel special and fun.
I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Worrying about all of the problems in the world is unsustainable and helps no one.
I can let go of things that don’t serve me (beliefs/objects/etc).
Holding onto old thought patterns and objects that don’t bring joy just weighs me down.
My parents were right about a lot of things.
It turns out they actually do know a lot and have my best interests in mind (but I might regret admitting this).
The annoying advice is often true.
It’s unfortunate, but that advice we don’t want to hear (go to bed early, take a deep breath, etc) actually works.
My life is so much better now.
I have grown. But I still miss the past sometimes, and that is okay.
I am resilient.
I am capable of a lot more than I give myself credit for. Even though life feels scary sometimes, I can handle more than I realize.
Realistically, I won’t be able to pursue everything that interests me in this lifetime.
That sucks, and it’s okay to mourn that.
Things I dread often turn out to be fine (or even enjoyable).
I have spent so many days in anxious anticipation of something that turned out way better than expected.
Thoughts don’t have to mean anything.
What matters is how I react to my thoughts.
Feeling anxious does not mean that something is wrong.
Feelings are not facts.
Decision paralysis is very real.
Just take the first step and build momentum.
There is no right moment to start.
Waiting to feel ready keeps me stuck.
Small steps over time are the best way to complete intimidating projects.
Seriously. This strategy is so effective.
Done is better than perfect.
I don’t want to let perfectionism prevent me from acting.
Remember to reflect and to practice gratitude.
It’s too easy to forget how far I’ve come.
Leave work at work.
It isn’t realistic to keep my work life and my personal life 100% separate, but I strive to maintain that boundary to the best of my ability.
Balance is essential.
This is true in all aspects of life. Too much of a good thing is not good.
Family is so important.
It’s nice to have people who love and care about you. This can be biological family and/or found family.
It’s okay if other people don’t understand me.
My life only has to make sense to me, not anyone else.
Some things aren’t worth the time and effort.
I don’t have to waste my precious time on things that aren’t worth the energy.
It’s nice to have goals, but I don’t have to try to “fix” myself constantly.
It’s also good to appreciate and be content with where I’m at.
Being around organized people helps me stay organized
This is something I’ve recently realized and become very appreciative of.
None of these realizations are absolute truths.
I can only reach conclusions based on who I am in this moment. My beliefs might change as time passes.
That’s on learning and evolving!
I hope you take something away from at least one of these!