Twenty Six.

26 things I’ve learned in my short 26 years.

I wish for things at 11:11. It was when I was born. I pretended at one time that someone wished for me, and that is why I was born there.

Random I know, but it’s what I thought. And sometimes I still think of that.

So, although it is only 26 years, I have learned a lot. Here’s 26 things I’ve learned over the last 26 years (ok maybe not all 26 because I can’t remember all of them):

26. Writing 26 things is difficult. But worth it. It keeps me focused and in the moment. Understanding my own life a little better. Thanks for letting me share. 

25. Find a book you can read over and over and over again. It’s the one you carry in your bag when you have a moment to spare. I have a stack of them still, and I will always pull one out, sometimes just flipping to my favorite part. It’s your go-to book.

24. Smile. Everyday. No matter what. It changes not only your world, but others and that’s what matters most.

23. Travel. Whether it is to the next state, or another country, get out and see some of this beautiful world.

22. Pay it Forward. Even if nothing has been done for you, start a trend. Pay for someone’s drink in line behind you, help someone carry their groceries to their car, compliment someone. Take the time to do things for others. You will never regret it.

21. Pick your signature drink in coffee, alcohol, anything. Pick it. And know it is ok to change too.

20. Be a continual learner. One thing I learned from my Grandpa was to constantly seek knowledge and education. It can come in so many forms. Learn yourself: to change your tire, your oil, jumpstart your car, to cook a gourmet meal, the perfect golf swing, why the Roman Empire was the way it was. History, Math, English, Science, World knowledge, it is so powerful and astounding. Keep learning, it is ever-changing.

19. Sit in bed and watch the season of your show. It is lazy and sometimes awful, just don’t do it all the time. But know you aren’t going to die if you put some things off. Only if you put it off forever will it come back to bite you.

18. Keep your most precious possession from when you were little. I still have the baby blanket my Grandpa made me. And the stuffed bear my mom gave me. I have them on my reading chair. Constant reminders of the love I have in my life. And to stay a little youthful.

17. Buy the coloring book. And the biggest pack of crayons you can afford, and sit down and color. Color when you are stressed. Color when you are happy. COLOR. Even when you are 26. Try it for a procrastination habit as well.

16. Be happy knowing you are enough in this moment.

15. Be outside as much as you can!

14. Know it is ok to do things on your own. It is encouraged. Go to the movies, to dinner, camping. Try it out. It isn’t as scary as you may think.

13. Be quiet for an entire day. Turn off your phone, your computer, your iPad, your brain. And just be within yourself for a little while. Get things done in the quiet solitude you create.

12. Eat the chocolate. Drink the milkshake. Eat the hamburger.

11. Eat the fruit. Eat the veggies. Eat the salad.

10. Treat yo’ self. Thankfully Tom and Donna taught me that. 

9.  Wear the goofy outfit. And dance the dance. Always dance. And laugh, definitely laugh. 

8. Take pictures. Write things down. But more importantly, CREATE THE MEMORY.

7. Don’t limit yourself, especially when it comes to your friends. Have friends who are age 7 and friends who are 70, and everything between before and after. Everyone teaches you something. The 7 year old can teach you how to share, and the 70 year old can teach you how to laugh.

6. Stand for something. Anything. Even when you stand alone, you’re standing.

5. Read as many books as you can. Borrow them from friends, from the library, dig in the bookshelf. Reread them as many times as you want, because each time is new and different and fun.

4. Know that heartbreak is not the end of the world. There is always something beautiful to cast your eyes upon, as long as you keep your head up. And while your heart may always have cracks, just know it means you are alive.

3. Be open to things. You can stick by your values, morals, ethics, and beliefs truly. But know there are so many things to know, learn , experience.

2. Trust and believe in yourself. You’re the only real constant at times. So be there for yourself.

1. Love without abandon: fiercely, loyally, unapologetically. No matter who or what it is.