I recently just turned 26. What’s funny about this is that for half of my 25th year of life, I thought I was 26. I told people that I was 26, until one day (almost exactly 6 months into being only 25), I realized I had been lying to myself and others for months. If that’s not a great lesson in what it’s like to be alive during COVID where time feels irrelevant, I don’t know what is.

I feel very blessed to have had the life experiences I’ve had to this point. Each and every day, I’m learning more about myself, others, this big ole world, and the God who’s given me all of it.

Since life feels heavy these days, I wanted to take a few moments to encourage you and reflect on the season of life I’m in. I hope these thoughts or pieces of advice resonate with you or someone in your life.

1. There are a million reasons to NOT do something if you let yourself think about them. Don’t give in. Take a risk. Just because something feels scary doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
2. It’s okay to fall short sometimes. You can’t be all things to all people.
3. Take care of yourself. No one else will.
4. Doing things virtually is sometimes better than not doing them at all. Other times, it’s better to give your eyes, mind, and body a break and to say “no” to a Zoom call or phone chat.
5. Motivation isn’t legit. We all have to do things we don’t want to do every single day. Do them. (Example: I will never desire to do my taxes. But I surely will reward myself with a big bowl of ice cream after I do them.)
6. Thank-you notes always and forever will mean a lot when you receive them.
7. A “no” now doesn’t mean a “no” forever. However, if you know it’s a “no” forever, say it.
8. The best people in your life will love you for all of who you are, not just the easy-to-love parts.
9. Placing your identity in the things you do or have done is not healthy (work, school, accomplishments). Take time getting to know who you are and nurture that.
10. If you feel lost in your spiritual life, remove some of the distractions in your daily life. You’d be amazed at how often God shows up and we miss Him.
11. A standing desk (especially with dual monitors) is a blessing.
12. Your morning routine seriously sets the tone for your whole day. Make this a priority, even when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.
13. Stop putting things off. If you can’t accomplish something within a few days, you probably will forget about it. Reply to the email, pay the bill, call someone back, etc. Just do it.
14. No one is perfect, nor will we ever be. Show up. That’s all you need to do.
15. Be quick to admit when you’re wrong or apologize when you need to. 
16. Find something outside of work to dedicate time to that brings you a sense of purpose and/or joy. 
17. Even if you stink at growing plants successfully, it’s a lot of fun to try to keep them alive.
18. There’s no such thing as “work-life balance” because work is a part of your life. It’s all “life balance” and it’s up to you to ensure what parts of your life take priority within each season of your life.
19. Before you get upset about something that someone shares with you, take time to absorb, ask questions, and ensure you understand where they’re coming from. Preemptively getting frustrated with someone just because you weren’t fully listening is something we can all improve upon.
20. Giving grace to others, whether or not you think they “deserve” it, is probably the most important thing that you can do for other people.
21. Everything needs moderation. Except ice cream – you should eat all of that.
22. Telling someone you’re thinking about them is not weird. Showing people you care about them is what life is all about.
23. If you accidentally trip over an inanimate object, don’t apologize to it. That’s a silly habit. (And you will look bonkers in public places.)
24. “Busy” and “tired” are not good answers when someone asks you how you are. Consider how you are actually feeling and remember that most people are busy or tired most of the time.
25. Stop acting like it’s all about you all the time. Find ways to serve others in big and small ways each and every day.
26. Laugh. A whole lot. Every day.

Some of my favorite moments from year 25 that happened to be photographed (many more not pictured):

Here’s to you, 26, and all of the small & large moments that will bring you to life.