27

I am quickly approaching my 27th birthday (on the 15th) and in an attempt to put a positive twist on getting another year older, I thought I'd share 27 things, some serious some not, I've learned over the past 27 years :)

1.  Always love with all you have. A lesson I've been taught over and over from my father.

2.  Never take your family or friends for granted.

3.  Music is an incredible thing – a great coping mechanism and a link to great memories.

4.  “Be generous, with your time, with your love, with your life.” My daddy and I watched the TV show ER religiously when I was growing up. This quote is from an episode of that show when Dr. Greene speaks to his daughter for the very last time. It has always stuck with me.

5.  If you can’t be kind, be quite.

6.  Never be afraid or ashamed of who you are.

7.  People-pleasing will only eat away at your own happiness; this is one I know all too well. If someone choses to leave your life because you stop bending over backwards for them and start standing up for yourself then let them go, they aren’t meant to be there in the first place.

8.  Try new things but don’t do so at the sake of your morals or happiness.

9.  Set boundaries!! As a therapist I often joke about how much I love boundaries but it’s true. I heard a quote the other day that pretty much sums up what I teach when I talk about boundaries – “Givers need to set limits because takers rarely do.” - Rachel Wolchin

10. Make yourself and your happiness a priority. Doing this isn’t being selfish, it’s necessary.

11.    Play! You are never too old to play. 

12.   Go on vacations, as many as you can.

13.   Tell your loved ones that you love them every chance you get.

14. Sometimes chocolate is the solution.

15.Don’t sweat the small stuff – but the trick is figuring out the small things from the big things. Another dad-ism.

16.Take time to savor the beauty in the world. I've lived in several different states and each one has been beautifully unique. I can remember waking up every day in Utah and just being amazed at the beauty of the mountains that surrounded us.

17. Never underestimate humidity and the heat index, especially when training for a run. Trust me and don’t try to be a hero – you will throw up.  

18. Laughing with your best friends can be on of the greatest forms of therapy.

19. “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.”- Kurt Vonnegut. This quote speaks directly to my soul and embodies my goal in life as a therapist and as a human.

20.EXERCISE. It’s important, good for you and it makes your mind and body happy J

21.Dance; especially in the mirror or kitchen when you’re by yourself, it’s therapeutic.

22. Indulge in things that make you happy.

23.Challenge yourself.

24. LOVE YOURSELF <3 

25.  Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

26.  Don’t be afraid to fail or screw up, that’s how we learn.

27.  Be open minded and try not to judge. Everyone is fighting their own battle.