"What's My Age Again?" Part 1

With my 23rd birthday quickly approaching, I can't help but reflect on my past. I can't believe how much growing up I've done, literally and mentally. All of those mistakes I made weren't really mistakes after all. They were more like life lessons. The heartaches and disappointments...they all happened for a reason. Come to think of it, even when my mom gave me advice, she always ended up being right. We don't need to let her know I said that. These can't all be coincidences, right?

So let's recap a few things I've accomplished, learned, or that I'm still the process of discovering.

Travel

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list."


Rumor has it, the perfect time to travel is in your twenties. Well, let me put the rumors to rest! YOU NEED TO TRAVEL IN YOUR TWENTIES. Actually, travel whenever your heart desires to explore. I have added so many new places to my "been there, done that" list. I've gambled in New Jersey, explored Massachusetts, and walked my feet to death in New York all within the last year. I do not plan on stopping either. I've come to realize that it's true what they say, "travel is the only thing you buy by that makes you richer." These next few years are about finding yourself, so don't be afraid to do something for you! One of my biggest fears was travelling alone, but I've quickly overcome that. Sometimes you just need to give into your fears. You just might be in for a beautiful surprise.

Love

"And then my soul saw you and it kind of went, Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you."


Not that I've become some expert on love...but I've had my fair share of heartaches, as well as butterflies in my stomach. I suppose the best advice I could give from what I've learned is to not be lazy in love. The only way you'll stay in love is to fall in love with your partner, over and over again. Sometimes that takes a little more effort than desired, but when you find the right person, it should never feel like work. I'm such a hopeless romantic. I always have such high hopes when I'm in love. I suppose I get to thinking that if I would go to a certain extent for someone, they would do the same for me. That's not always the case. Actually, sometimes that is the problem. Just because their best isn't exactly on the same level as your best, doesn't mean they aren't in love with you. I've had to learn that the hard way. Love with all that you have, but don't let that change the person you are. People will come and go in your life and sometimes you need to realize when to be the one to let go. You deserve someone who is proud to have you at their side. DO NOT SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE. When you do realize that you have everything you could ever ask for, be sure to appreciate it.

Finances

"Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life."

Let's face it, you're officially a grown up. Deep breath. You have a grown up job and grown up bills to go with that. Hardly anyone takes you seriously because you're "just a kid", but you can't be afraid of that. I have learned that with a little hard work and knowing the right people, you can get just about anywhere. Granted I'm not a millionaire...yet, I can handle what's on my plate as of now. Be sure you know what your priorities are. You probably don't need new shoes when you have an outstanding credit card bill, just saying. Take care of the things that are necessary, and save a little fun money for when you really need it. You know, sometimes you can say no when your friends ask you to go out. It's absurd! I know! In the end, you'll be glad you did it. For my 23rd birthday, I've gifted myself with a new car. I'm not sure if I was more excited about the car, or the fact that I was able to purchase it for myself. I think that was the real wake up call. Ring ring. You're an adult.



to be continued...