You've Got This: My Guide to Surviving Your 20's

Look, I'm no expert on life. This year I'm turning 27 and sometimes I feel like I'm just learning the same lessons over and over and over again. Lately I've been thinking a lot about this strange decade I happen to be in - my twenties. I feel like it's this magical and frustrating time when you are figuring out who the heck you are, what the heck you want to do with your life and who the heck you want to spend it with. Although I'm obviously far from perfect, I do think there are a few things I've learned:

- If a "friend" is sucking the life out of you, you don't have to spend time with them!
- Good eyebrows are important
- Healthy living is a way of life and you have to commit to it every single day
- Build a strong support system and lean on people when you need them
- Seize every opportunity to have an adventure and see new places
- It's okay to have about ten billion quarter life-crises. Carry on, warrior. 
- Stand up for what you believe in every single day. It's worth the fight. 
- Worrying about the future is pointless and exhausting, but I suppose you're going to worry anyways so get some essential oils
- Fall in love with yourself
- Adopting a pet will enrich your life far more than exhaust it (although there are moments of exhaustion)
- Be kind. Be soft. Be gentle. Be patient.
- Make goals 
- Remember to Whom you belong and owe everything to
- Every job you have will have its frustrations and pitfalls
- Talk to your mother every week (or in my case, every day)
- You have a beautiful heart, follow it

In looking back on these past seven years, I don't think I would change a thing. Sure, there were trials. There was sorrow, broken hearts, disappointment, sickness, death and all-consuming worry. All of these things led me to exactly where I am right now and for that I'm grateful. At this moment I'm closer to becoming a better version of myself. I'm more confident and full of life experience.

I think the pictures say it all. 

                                                                                                                    Love,   Whitney