On Turning 25

To be completely transparent, turning 25 sounds pretty surreal to me. I feel like I was 15 years old just yesterday. When I was younger, I also thought people who were 25 were real adults…hahaha. Let’s all take a moment to laugh together. My fellow twenty-somethings, I’m sure you understand.

But in all honesty, my mom had two kids, a house and a husband by the time she was 25, and as a naive teen, I expected to be in the same boat. I looked at my parents like they were “real” adults and genuinely trusted in them and thought they were the best, most knowledgeable people ever. I still look up to them that way, but I have a lot more respect for them now because I better understand how much they were learning and navigating through life in those years. And they did it with kids in tow. Amazing.

I understand that no one really feels like the “real adult” in charge, and that we’re all just learning this life thing together no matter what age you are. I’m really content with where I am and proud of my life. I have a great job that encourages me to learn new things and expand my abilities. I moved into my first solo apartment, and have become comfortable with spending time with myself and getting to know myself deeper. I’ve traveled to two new countries this year that I’ve completely fallen in love with. I have an amazing, kind, patient boyfriend who supports me in everything I do. I have a loving, crazy, hilarious family who makes me smile every day. I teach and practice yoga and workout in a way that makes me feel good and brings so much joy into my life. Seriously, I am #BLESSED.

It’s so tempting to paint pictures for how we think our lives are going to unfold and then, as my grandmom always reminds me, “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” No matter how much planning I put into my life, I will never be in full control. God has a greater plan, and everyday my type-A self becomes a little more at peace with that. I fully believe and trust that I am where I need to be at this stage in my life. I know that is what is meant for me will come to be, and what is not meant for me will pass me by. It is all a part of God’s greater plan, no matter how hard that can be to accept in the challenging moments.

I know that I have so much left to learn and experience in this lifetime, and I’m so excited for what’s to come, it makes me giddy. I also recognize that although I’m so excited to hit future milestones, I need to enjoy what’s around me right here, right now — not just taking a look around and being grateful, but to soak it in, let in seep into my bones, because I will never have these moments again. I know one day when I’m married, in a house with kids running around, I will think back to the young woman, living in her tiny apartment, learning new things about herself everyday and smile. And probably envy her amount of downtime lol. Life is such a gift, I don’t want to take any of these moments for granted.

To take a look back on the last year, here are a few major things I’ve learned:

• You don’t have to do things just because other people are doing them. The cycle classes, the matcha lattes, the going out every day of the weekend. If you don’t enjoy it, skip it.
• Eat the freaking bread. Don’t try to fill up on more vegetables. Your body is smarter than you think, honor what it is craving.
• Get uncomfortable. Read about politics, educate yourself on your privilege. It feels uncomfortable and messy. Lean into it. You can only do better when you know better.
• Don’t be afraid to be a novice at things. Whether it’s lifting, rock climbing or blogging, don’t be too embarrassed to try because you might suck. No one really cares if you do suck, and learning new things is FUN.
• Laugh more. Stop being so hard on yourself and smile more often. It’s hard to laugh when you’re constantly in your head. Embrace the belly laughs.
• Share your story. Even when opening up about your anxiety feels awkward and scary and weird, it may resonate with a few people. Get vulnerable.

That post felt good to write. I love reflecting on a year — it’s crazy how much evolves. Each year just seems to be getting better and better. Thank you for the love and support this past year.

Cheers to 25,

Morgan