10 Things To Accept Before Turning 28 That Will Make You Feel Better About Getting Older

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Life is fast.

[LITERALLY] this may sound cliche, and I still have yet to realize it myself, but it’s so true. If you don’t take initiative of this in a decent amount of time life WILL smack you in the face when you least expect it. It still feels like yesterday being 7 years old, obsessed with Harry Potter (not much has changed there) and not having a care in the world. Responsibilities? What are those?

You will learn who your friends are whether you appreciate the timing or not.

Life doesn’t go on your time, everything happens whether you’re wanting it to or not. People reach different points in their lives at different times; some may go down different paths. Sooner or later you will be able to recognize those that are mere acquaintances and those that are true friends. Get over the whole “keep your friends close, and keep your enemies closer”–it’s seriously not worth your time. It will lead to more struggle than peace.

Figure yourself out, know who you are.

Be comfortable. Eat that burrito dear, no need to be ashamed. It’s OKAY to be single. Cherish your own presence. Make your family and friends your priority. Be confident. Learn to love yourself, and not worry about what other people think of you. Now don’t take this the wrong way, and take it out of context–there’s no reason to be rude, or a bitch. Just flat out b e y o u r s e l f. I promise you, that’s the most beautiful version in this world. BUT at least make yourself somewhat presentable when going out in public, do us all a favor.

It’s never too late to start planning.

Please try to know what you want to do or at least have a general direction. Each person has too many unique qualities to sell themselves short whether you have found your way yet or not. I have yet to finish college because I didn’t give this enough thought nor did I take it seriously enough that it would be beneficial to have an idea of where I wanted to go. And here I am, just about all of my friends have graduated, have a real job, and I’m stuck in school with a younger crowd. It is what it is, you just have to adapt and overcome.

Find a passion.

Whether it be reading, writing, dancing, painting, NETFLIX (always a winner)…everyone needs to find that one thing that can be your comfort because life will throw you curve balls and you will need that safe place to venture. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten lost in a book or a good show on Netflix with some wine when I’ve needed to decompress. You will learn to cherish these moments, and they in turn help you find YOU. The most important thing in life is gaining the ability to enjoy your own thoughts, your own presence, this shows your strength as a human and your independence. Don’t be afraid.

Be active, go on adventures.

Get your ass in the gym, stop saying you’ll start for your New Year’s Resolution. Sure it will last a few months, then you’ll go right back to eating that pizza (trust me I’ve been there before). Find something that you enjoy–I’ve recently taken to Yoga and I am slowly forming a love for it despite how many times I fall on my ass. Be independent because in the end you’re all that matters to make your life what you want. Go on trips; have fun…the world is your oyster–there’s certain times for seriousness and no smiles.

Hold back the “I’m sorry.”

Each time you find yourself about to say it, ask these three questions:

What am I sorry for?

What mistake did I make?

Did I hurt anyone in any way?

If you can’t respond with a yes or give a legitimate answer to any of these, then you shouldn’t be apologizing plain and simple. Try to stop the inadvertent apologies as hard as you can, not only will it build YOUR confidence but it will increase the meaning when you actually do NEED to apologize.

Don’t hold grudges.

I will reiterate LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Yes you will get angry, cope and get over it. It will only give you more stress, and gray hairs for that matter if you let things get to you. Don’t get mad at strangers and speak your mind as much as you may want to–they didn’t do anything to you, you’re just having a mood. If someone upsets you, experience it, understand, and walk away. As hard as it may be at times (and I know it can be) just brush it off.

You’ll feel better and stronger in the end. Oh, and don’t get mad at your friends unless they just do something incredibly messed up. They’re your friends for a reason, and more than likely that reason that you’re upset with them just turns out being these kind people trying to help you and save you from that awkward situation.

Stop being crazy.

No I’m not talking about alcohol, it pretty much always makes you crazy. You will do things you normally wouldn’t like relating yourself to a grasshopper. Just stop reading into things, let life play out–you really can’t control it anyway. Don’t sweat the small things, don’t always think people are upset, don’t get mad if things don’t work out. As much as I hate to use the cliche statement…EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. The things you experience make you who you’re supposed to be in this world even if you don’t see it right away.

I’ve been through some interesting situations, no I didn’t realize they would help me in the end, dealing with those things SUCKED and I didn’t think I would get through. Yet I have come to the realization that said situations helped me meet some of the best people in my life, along with helped me become someone I wasn’t back then. There is always room for growth, so don’t sell yourself short by being crazy darling.

Learn to laugh, smile, and make a fool of yourself.

BE YOU. Who gives what people think. Say the funny things that you’re holding back. Send the funny SnapChats. Be weird. If people want to be in your life, they will laugh, smile, and make a fool right back. With your true friends, it’s a no judgement zone–that right there is an amazing thing to experience. And so I leave it at that.