23

I'm turning 24 tomorrow. Queue freak out.

 

I've been doing a lot of thinking (#psycho). I'm not one to be big on birthdays, or make a big scene, but I am one to be intrinsic and (overly) thoughtful. 

It's not really just that I am turning 24. It's more the timing that makes me want to reflect on the past year. Not only has a year of my life gone by in numbers, but I graduated college a year ago, I have been living on my own in my first apartment for a year, a year I have been an "adult," and I have worked at my company for a year. 

So no, 24 isn't that big of a deal. It's the timing that makes it one, for me. It's what I have learned throughout this year, it's what has happened. 

So much. 

I've traveled to NYC, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Montana - I've had my share of fun. I've made best friends and kept old ones. I've made life decisions. I've dealt with anxiety. I've cried. I've thought the world was ending. I've thought it was all about me. I've failed. I've succeeded. I've done stupid things. I've learned from them. 

This year, I was able to define my "why" in life. My motivation for my work, my relationships, and my success. 

This year, I've learned the true value of perseverance, patience, and hard work. 

This year, I've learned that confidence and authenticity are the keys to your success.

This year, I've learned that family is the most important thing. I've learned that even if they aren't saying the right thing, it's important to remember that they're there for you, saying anything at all. 

This year, I've learned that money doesn't buy you happiness. I've learned how to budget my money to put it where my values are (other than my binge online shopping episodes...which brings me to my next point...).

This year, I've learned that no one is perfect. I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. I've learned that it is okay if I am not perfect. 

I've learned that my entrepreneurial spirit is exhausting, I have learned to hone in on it to turn it into a wonderful zest for life.

This year, I've learned that nothing matters if you aren't true to yourself, your goals, and your desires... and I've learned it the hard way.

This year, I've learned that it's okay to take a different route, to not take the route you had always longed for. 

This year, I've learned that it's important to appreciate where you are, that the grass isn't always greener. 

This year, I've learned that people are the most important thing - relationships. 

This year, I've learned to always do the right thing, in business, and in life. 

This year, I've learned that everyone is confused. Everyone is lost sometimes, that's okay. It's kind of cool. 

This year I've learned the importance of balance - something I will continue to work on for a long time.

This year, I've learned that you can reinvent yourself in any place, at any time. 

This year, I've learned that it's okay to dream big, as long as you keep your realism and wits about you. 

This year, I've learned that everything happens for a reason. That your attitude is everything.

This year, I've learned that I have a pretty amazing life. That I have had a pretty amazing life so far. 

This year, I've learned that the best years of my life are still out there. 

And this year, I've learned to be okay with that. 

 

 

 

Anastasia Warren