5 lessons you'll learn in your twenties

Being a twenty-something year old is hard, y'all. We are faced with loads of decisions, adversity, confusion, expectations and (if we're being honest) most of us have no idea how to handle it all. Though I don't claim to be an expert on living life well during this season, there are a few things I've learned so far:

1. Your life timeline may look different than your friends', and that's okay.

Just to be clear - it is not a requirement to be married with a child by 25, or even married at all.  You may meet your soulmate at 16, 24, 35..or *gasp* you may decide marriage ultimately isn't a part of your plan. THAT'S OK. We are not a one size fits all society. What works for me may not work for you. Never feel guilty for living life on your own terms.


2. You may not find your dream job immediately after graduation.

 
Obviously, this isn't the case with everyone. I have a few friends who, upon graduation, were whisked away to a big city with a wonderful job, and that's awesome for them! But it's not always realistic. Sometimes you have to work from the ground up (yes, even with that super expensive degree you just earned). Embrace the journey now and you will be a lot happier in the long run.


3. It's important to associate with people who are wildly different from you.

Your twenties are a time of growth and change. As a 24 year old semi-newlywed, I can admit that I continue to evolve and change every single day, both as a wife and an individual. Making an effort to get to know people who are not like you in culture, religion, race, and background will only aid in your own self discovery. The more you discover about others, the more you learn about yourself. 


4. Critical people are everywhere. Don't be one of them.

Get ready, you guys. "Mean girls" (and boys) still exist in adulthood. In fact, I would wager more people complain and criticize in adulthood than they do in high school. There will always be someone who can find something to dislike about your life, job abilities, or marriage. Train yourself now not to care. If you know you're doing everything to the best of your abilities, you have nothing to feel self conscious about. Also, train yourself to not join in when people are talking badly about others. It does nothing but hurt your own reputation and conscience.


5. Choose adventure over a new Kate Spade Bag

There, I said it. That spontaneous trip to the Grand Canyon is far more valuable than any expensive clothing item. I love fancy clothes, shoes, and accessories just as much as the next gal, but I've realized that a lot of these items are purchased because we want our peers to perceive us a certain way. I want to spend money on things that enrich my life and grow me as a person, and as much as I hate to say it,  a lot of my fancy overpriced purses have done nothing to shape me into who I'm meant to be.


What are the greatest lessons you learned in your twenties?


Love love love,

Today, I am thankful for...

Hi, Monday. So nice for you to drop in...yet again...even though no one invited you...

But I digress. This post is about thankfulness, and gosh darn it, I'm going to be thankful on this typical Monday if it kills me.

Today I am thanking God for...

1. Kyle's new job

Today, Kyle is starting a brand new position in the town we currently live in. This job is exactly what he prefers to do with his accounting degree, is only ten minutes from our home, allows plentiful vacation days, AND includes a pay raise from his old job. We are so excited about the opportunity and know it's a blessing from God. This job will give us more time to enjoy each others' company, and I am SO thankful for that chance.

Yes, that is Kyle's thumb in the corner. We're selfie slobs!

2. The confusion of being a 20 something year old 

Yes, you read that right. I'm thankful for the confusion. When I was a kid, people told me being an adult was tough. I heard that a million times. What I didn't hear about was all the choices that surrounded you constantly. What career should you take? When should you have kids? When should you buy a home? Where should you live? Should you get a pet? Should you join a gym? What type of cable should you get? and good Lord, you are actually forced to pay money for those ugly green trash cans?! It can get pretty overwhelming. What I'm beginning to realize is that I am in an extremely transitional time in my life. There are so many choices, and I rarely know the correct route to take. God is teaching me to rely solely on him in all of my decisions; he is teaching me to have faith even when I am lost, which is pretty often!

3.  Lifelong Friends

This weekend, one of my best friends, Hannah, is celebrating her bachelorette party. I am so excited to have a girls' weekend and be reunited with some of my favorite people. Living in a new town and away from your loved ones, it's really easy to lose touch with your childhood friends. By the grace of God, I still maintain close relationships with these people despite us being five hours apart. It's been a huge blessing, and I'm incredibly thankful to have strong friendships that withstand the distance.

4. This beautiful, lovely, ah-maaaaazing sunshiney weather

Y'all, this weather is bringing me to life. I haven't felt this happy in months! I think it's really easy to get into a funk in the winter. It's too cold to really do anything outside, the weather is kind of depressing, and you spend most of your evenings bundled up in jackets and toboggans. Now that the weather has finally warmed up, Kyle and I are spending pretty much our entire weekends outdoors, and I am loving every minute of it.

Does this make me look redneck? I think this makes me look redneck.

What are you thankful for today?