26 Things I Learned Before 27
Today I turn 27.
This past year stretched me, softened me, humbled me, and rebuilt me in ways I did not expect. I did not learn these lessons from one dramatic life event. I learned them slowly. In quiet mornings. On long walks. In therapy. In uncomfortable conversations. In peppermint tea nights. In sitting still with myself.
Here are 26 things I know now that I did not fully understand before.
Here are 26 things I know now that I did not fully understand before.
1. A regulated nervous system is more valuable than any material item.
Peace in your body is priceless. I would choose that over anything money can buy.
2. If you trust yourself and listen to your gut, it will not let you down.
Your body knows before your mind does.
3. You can do anything you set your mind to if you are willing to work for it.
4. If you truly did your best, that is enough.
Even if the outcome was not what you hoped for.
5. People love in different ways.
You cannot expect them to show up exactly how you would.
6. A dog’s love is unconditional.
Pure. Steady. Healing.
7. Life feels better when you are surrounded by nature.
Sunlight, trees, fresh air. It shifts something inside you.
8. Being active is something I never regret.
9. Annual checkups are annoying but important.
Future you will be grateful.
10. It is better to walk away from something that is burning you out than to stay and lose yourself.
11. Confront the people you care about.
Hard conversations protect relationships.
12. Give someone the benefit of the doubt the first time they mess up.
13. You can be understanding and still choose distance.
It is okay to step back from relationships that no longer serve you.
14. Sometimes life really does get better when you move.
Environment matters more than we admit.
15. Friendships after college require effort.
They deserve intention.
16. Your brain is not always right.
Not every anxious thought is truth.
17. Reading heals.
Any genre. Any season of life.
18. The right therapist can change your life.
19. Journaling and somatic practices create safety in your body.
20. Always keep peppermint tea nearby.
21. You are your best gut doctor.
You know what feels right and what does not.
22. Surround yourself with like minded people.
23. Affirmations help.
Even when you feel silly saying them.
24. You can start over at any time.
You do not have to wait for a Monday or a new year.
25. Embrace your entire self.
Every layer. Every softness. Every ambition.
26. Pray every day.
Trust that you are being guided. Courage, strength, and love are always available to you.
Goals for 27
If 26 was about learning, 27 is about embodying.
This year I want to practice mindfulness. Not in a performative way. In a real way. Slowing down. Being present in conversations. Not rushing through meals. Not living in the next thing.
I want to keep showing up for myself. Even on the days I feel unmotivated. Even on the days anxiety is louder. Even on the days I doubt myself.
I want to choose regulation over reaction. Presence over pressure. Consistency over perfection.
I want to build a life that feels steady on the inside, not just impressive on the outside.
Twenty seven feels grounded. It feels intentional. It feels like choosing myself again and again.
And that feels like growth.
