22 Things I’ve Learned in 22 Years

As I’m celebrating my 22nd birthday in a quieter way than usual, I’ve had time to reminisce on all that I’ve learned during my time on this earth. They may seem small and silly to some, but I like to think the minor details have a huge influence in the way someone’s life unfolds.

1. Mornings aren’t as bad as I once thought. I used to dread waking up early but now, I actually prefer it. I love seeing the sun rise, enjoying the quiet before my family awakes, and spending time with my son while he is his happiest. Don’t get me wrong, I love to sleep in when I can, but it seems like those days are long over for me now that I’m a mom.
2. Exercising is far more effective when you do it because you love your body rather than hate it. I always thought that I needed to get into shape because I needed to fix my body, but now, I make it a priority in my life because I love my body and want to take care of it. This was huge for me.
3. Take lots of pictures, even if it gets on people’s nerves. Find the balance between being present and pulling out your camera/phone to capture the moment. One day, you will be so appreciative that you have those memories to look back on.
4. Marriage is hard. It’s not always 50/50. Some days, I need Chase more than he needs me and vice versa. Sometimes it’s 80/20 and that’s okay. We show up for each other and that’s what maintains our strong relationship.
5. Some friendships are temporary. Every season in your life will bring different people. It’s normal to be sad when each chapter ends, but some relationships are only meant to be short lived. It took me a while to learn this. I don’t carry any harsh feelings for friends that I have lost touch with. I know that we are all in different phases of life but could still reconnect today and pick up where we left off.
6. It’s okay to sit in silence to be alone with your thoughts.
7. Life is all about balance. Eat healthy meals and have a guilty pleasure for dessert. Do your homework and then binge watch Netflix. Do what you need and don’t feel guilty for following up with a personal desire.
8. Book the dang trip.
9. Don’t blame others for your own shortcomings. Admit what went wrong and learn from it.
10. Ask for help when you need it.
11. Study hard, even when you don’t have the motivation. It WILL pay off.
12. The more dogs… The better.
13. Put your faith first in all aspects of your life. In your marriage, in your job, in your friendships, in your home. My faith has saved me and my marriage many times over.
14. Make your bed every day. It sets a great tone for your day and is proven to help you be more successful and settle anxiety. Nothing feels better than crawling into clean, perfectly folded sheets at the end of a long day.
15. Do what scares you. This blog is living proof of acknowledging the fear and going for it anyways. My motto for this blog is, “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
16. You can never rewatch Gilmore Girls too many times. or Friends.
17. Stop worrying so much about what other people think of you. I still have to remind myself daily of this because I’m the world’s biggest people pleaser. At the end of the day, you can only do what is best for you and that is enough. As long as you are happy with what you are doing, the opinion of others don’t matter. Don’t allow the judgement of others into your headspace when it’s not warranted.
18. Wear sunscreen.
19. You have to water your plants to keep them alive. Who knew?
20. Having emotions doesn’t make you weak. It takes great strength to admit that you are suffering, in pain, need a break, or want help.
21. If you don’t love yourself first, you cannot accept the love others are offering you.
22. Spend extra time with your family. Go to your Aunt’s house, spend time with your Grandma in the kitchen, watch TV with your Grandpa, go shopping with your Mother-In-Law, let your Sister-In-Law teach you how to solve a Rubik’s cube, and rock your baby until he’s asleep because one day he won’t need it. Cherish the days of your baby relying on you. Each day they grow older and need you a little less.

I feel like 22 will be an amazing year. I’m so thankful for everything that year 21 brought me. I was pregnant with my son, gave birth, became a mom, my husband deployed, I lost a dog and gained a new one. What a year to remember.

What are some things you have learned over time? I’d love to hear them! Thanks for being here.

Xoxo, Vi