Whoa, I am 27!

"The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected."
-Robert Frost

In honor of my 27th birthday (which is TODAY, by-the-way) I've decided to post 27 different things I've learned about life.  Some of these things may be serious, some fun, some funny and some plain crazy.  But, that's the thing with life, it's absolutely unpredictable.  And, for the sake of birthday fun I've posted some pictures of my first birthday.  It's insane that those were taken 26 years ago.

1.) Forgive.  Seriously, let go of all your grudges.  You are only tormenting yourself.  Exhale and let go.
2.) Wear sunscreen.  That whole "let's be tan" thing.  Forget about it.  Protect the skin you're in.
3.) It isn't all about the benjamins'. Promise you.
4.) Never try to put on your stalkings with your ring on.  Never.  Unless of course you are going for the "I don't give an eff' look".
5.) Laughter is the center of all happiness.  If you can't make me laugh, well, you've got to go.  Sorry I'm not sorry.
6.) As the years go by I realize how much I hate getting older.  Not because of myself as an individual, but because of my loved ones (they are getting older too).
7.) When you lose someone the pain never goes away.  Never.  You learn to live with it.  It becomes a part of you.  But it never goes away.
8.) It is perfectly okay to let your guard down.  It's far too exhausting keeping people out.
9.) Headbands are always going to give me a headache.  It doesn't matter how much I try to deny it.
10.) If you want to eat that cookie.  Eat that cookie.  I won't tell.
11.) My family is my rock.  My foundation.  They love all of me (I know this).
12.) Never go to bed mad.  Especially when you are married.  Never.  Talk it out.  I don't care that it's three in the morning.
13.) Kiss, kiss and kiss some more.  But, do it like you mean it.
14.) Shake it off.  In the end it is all little things.
15.) The most precious thing in life is time.  At the end of the road all you will yearn for is more time.  More time to laugh, more time to love, more time to live.
16.) Guys, it is absolutely not okay to go outside in your undergarments.  Under no circumstance shall you do this.  No, not even to get the newspaper.
17.) Trends are for drones.  Wear and do what you want, when you want.  Be an individual.
18.) A manicure is always a must.  Always.  No excuses.
19.) Own a doggy.  They are  the definition of unconditional love.
20.) Individuals that do not want children are not strange.  It is perfectly fine if you choose not to start a family.  Kids aren't for everyone.
21.) Wear lipstick.  Even if it is just to the grocery store.  My grandma does it and she is fabulous.
22.) Some people are just not going to like you.  Don't take it personal.  Actually, don't take anything personal (life is too short, remember?).
23.) It doesn't matter how old you are, if you want your car to smell like Christmas cookies all year round it-is-just-fine.
24.) Never stop loving.  Love. Love. Love.  Love with all the inches of your body with all the fibers of your soul.
25.) If you do have children don't name them Zipper.  You were a child once too.  And, children, they can be cruel.
26.) Never forget to leave the house without deodorant.  This is no bueno, for real.
27.) You are in charge of your happiness.  No one but you.  Seek and you shall find.

This list could probably go on and on and on.  I have learned so much over the years and continue to do so every day.  My best advice is to always be open to all the possibilities.  You will be much happier when you let go of all the expectations the world has in place (I haven't quite mastered this skill yet). All I can express is gratitude.  Gratitude for one more year of life.
xoxo