Year 25 is almost over. And my, what a year it has been.
It’s official: in less than two weeks, I will be turning another year…wiser. This past year has brought with it so many memorable moments, big changes, awesome risks and exciting new adventures. I’ve learned so much this year, it’s hard to condense it to just one list of 25 things–but I’ll try my best.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of 25 things I learned in year 25:
1. Sometimes, all you need is a few good friends, a karaoke machine and some great music to bring in the next year of life.
2. Speaking of which, keep your friends close—you’ll need them and vice versa.
3. You CAN do hard things.
4. “It doesn’t matter when you bloom, just as long as you bloom.” Take your time.
5. In all things, ask God for guidance on how to approach it. Approach Him. Ask Him.
6. If God’s not in it, it’s not worth it.
7. Don’t let fear or anxiety fuel your actions.
8. Dance is a universal language. Do it more often.
9. It’s easy to give up when things seem hard or discouraging. You don’t have to give up—you can keep going and trying. But if you need to, it’s okay to walk away too.
10. If something is important to you, keep at it.
11. Having a vision is important. Without a clear goal in mind, everything you do will seem fruitless.
12. Home is a refuge.
13. Do not be afraid to ask for what you need.
14. You’re worthy and valuable as you are. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
15. On dating: be open and honest about how you feel. If you’re not interested, be upfront and honest. Don’t lead them on or avoid them due to feeling uncomfortable.
16. Dear black girl, you are beautiful.
17. God is doing a new thing in your life—He makes a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:18-21).
18. You’re talented. Truly. You have been gifted with the ability to create and that is a calling worth pursuing.
19. Stop running away from things that remind you of previous hurt. Avoidance won’t heal you—confrontation will build you up, so that when the time comes, you’ll be strong enough to face the past.
20. You can never truly expect the unexpected. But when the unexpected happens, you will be able to handle it.
21. Be a good steward of your money now. Your future self will thank you for it later.
22. Dads are people too. Be patient with them. Spend time with them. Laugh with them as often as you can.
23. Moving out of state will be different than expected, but you will grow in ways you never thought possible.
24. Musicals are magical. Learn all the words to your favorite ones, and sing them loudly in your car.
25. Learn to replace the lies that you’ve let yourself believe about who you are, what you’re worth and what you can do—with the truth about who God says you are.
“If you don’t know what God says about you, you will believe the lies of the enemy. We need a generation that loves the word of God, that knows what God says about us. So then we can rise up and be who God has called us to be and do what God has called us to do!”
– Christine Caine, Passion 2018 Conference
p.s. this tradition has been going 5 years strong, y’all. Take a look at the past posts I’ve done in honor of turning yet another year older:
Here’s to 26, love.
Here’s to more love, joy, laughter and growth.
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.”
Isaiah 43:18-21
12 Comments
jen
This list is awesome. Got my eyes a little watery on a few of them.. especially the ‘dad’s are people too’ .. hit close to home. Thanks for the reminder, and keep doing these lists. I think they’re so cool, and we have so much to learn from each other.
Leighann
Thanks so much, Jen! I so appreciate your encouragement. And, yeah–that one has been super important to me too as of late. I’m so glad it was relatable to your own life. I very much appreciate you reading.
Kio
It’s awesome that you’re not only living, but you’re learning and sharing that wisdom with us. I hope that your birthday on the 17th is celebrated the way you’d like. I hope that you continue to be surrounded by love. 💕
Leighann
Kio! Thank you so much–yes, ma’am. I hope in sharing what I’ve learned, others will take away insights to keep in mind going forward–and also just to celebrate the growth that’s happened this past year 🙂 thanks for reading, girl! Miss and love you.
Cleo
Great post!!! Definitely a reminder of what I learned as well.
Leighann
Thanks so much, Cleo! Glad it was relatable to you!
Comfort Nnana Kalu
This was a great list and just so relatable. I will be approaching 25 next years so it’s great to see what you learned!
Leighann
Thanks so much! I’m so glad it was relatable and gives you something to look forward to!
Victoria
Great post! I can definitely relate. Even at 30 I’m still learning some of these or reminding myself of them. Thanks for sharing. X
Victoria | http://www.spokenreveries.co.uk
Leighann
Thanks, Victoria! I’m so happy to hear that this post was relatable to you–and gives me something to look forward to!
Michelle
You honestly inspire me, and I am so grateful to have found your blog when I did. GREAT LESSONS!! I Hope you enjoy your birthday when it comes 🎉🎉🎈🎊🎁🎂 and have an amazing year being 26 and also that the good Lord may continue to bless you because you are a blessing xx
Leighann
Wow, thank you so much, Michelle–you’re so sweet and thoughtful for saying that. I really appreciate your encouragement and readership. Thanks also for the birthday and year wishes! I am so grateful for you, sis!