24 Things I've Learned as a 24 Year Old

1. The wind may get taken out of your sails but have faith, it'll come back at just the right time.
2. Friends and family are more important than any laptop, piece of jewelry, etc.
3. Eat real food - it'll do you wonders.
4. Own who you are.
5. It's ok if that changes over time too :)
6. Don't be afraid to try new things. After all, if I had succumb to my fears, this blog wouldn't exist!
7. TAKE ADVENTURES!
8. Travel! You can have just as much fun in the next town or city as you can across the country or ocean.
9. The power of a compliment lasts beyond anything I've come across this year. In fact, when I replay one I received last summer, I smile just the same as I did when I was first lucky enough to receive it.
10. Find a mentor. Or a few. The things you will learn will make you a better person, whether or not you realize it in the moment.
11. Be proud of where you come from. It might even be ok if you slowly start turning into your parents. For me, I wouldn't be as organized, dedicated, or willing to take a stand for something if it wasn't for my parents. Plus, there's no denying we're related when you see us :)
12. You're never to old to play like a kid!
13. Don't let yourself get too depressed about something. It may suck for the time being but eventually, you'll tire of feeling that way and look for the good in things.
14. Look for the good in things! There may be an unexpected silver lining just waiting for you.
15. It's ok to look out for yourself. If you don't, who will?
16. It never hurts to ask.
17. Quarter-life crises don't have to come at 25. If fact, if it happens at 24, you may be setting yourself up for an even better 25!
18. Yes, you might be old enough to have a child. That fact does not preclude you from acting like one every now and then :)
19. Own what you know. Don't be afraid to be confident in your abilities, even if you don't have a degree in it (unless you're a doctor or something...)
20. Learning what you don't like is just as important as learning what you do like. If everything is always roses, you won't know how to cope with adversity.
21. Don't burn bridges. People from your past will still be willing to help you out. I'm serious.
22. Do something that makes you slightly uncomfortable. It'll expand your horizons.
23. Kill 'em with kindness. Whether it gets you on a plane to escape a blizzard or brightens someone's day, being mean is far less effective.
24. Love who you are and even if you don't love everything love what you can. Constant scrutiny just isn't worth it!

Here's to an even better 25!