27 Life Lessons I've Learned in My 27 Years of Life

My 27th birthday has come and gone this year, but having just celebrated my husband's 27th birthday, I feel like it's still relevant to share with the world!

1. Show up

In life, in your relationship, just be present! It's easy to get lost in the world of social media but it's important to go out and experience things as well. Don't just like those events on Facebook and Instagram, go to them!

2. Take the photo

Don't do it for the gram, do it for yourself. On days when you're down, looking back on your favorite memories is a great pick-me-up. It doesn't have to be only the fun days or special memories either; the nostalgia that hits when I see pictures of my old places, hairdos, and outfits is just as great!

3. Set time aside to visit your family

They're getting older every day just like you are, so appreciate the time you have together, answer their phone calls, remember that phones work both ways, and don't forget about them.

4. Good manners and etiquette go a long way

Please, thank you, excuse me, have a nice day; it takes zero effort.

5. Know your worth

This also applies to more than one thing. Don't waste time in relationships that don't appreciate you. Don't give too much to a job that isn't paying you what you're worth. Your time is not free so don't let people think that it is!

6. Having a good time does not always mean having to spend money

This past year I have discovered the wonder that is spending time outdoors. I used to be the kind of person where perfect weather meant going out for expensive drinks and crummy weather meant going shopping. Now I have embraced bringing drinks out to the lake with me, going to community events to people watch, going on bike rides, basically anything outside can be done without spending money!

7. Always carry cash in your car

I know the world is going cashless, but sometimes you forget your wallet, or your phone with your Apple Pay is dead. Some smaller businesses will even charge you a fee for paying with a card! Make sure to stash a $20 bill in your car for emergency gas or a run-in with your favorite street vendor!

8. There is no such thing as overprepared

I used to just go out with just my phone, but now I can't imagine leaving the house without my emotional support water bottle, some just-in-case Advil, a snack, hair ties, and so much more, not to mention the emergency kits that live in my car. There is even one just in case the day is beautiful and we decide to hit the lake!

9. Emergency savings are not one size fits all

All of the guides say to have savings worth about 3-6 months of your bills, but to people living paycheck to paycheck, setting aside that much is near impossible.

Just start small and do what you can. I have an account that saves $1 every time I swipe my card. It doesn't add up to too much, but that small amount of savings has helped me with random small expenses like my car registration, credit card payments, and more. I also set my own "minimum" to always have at least $50 in my savings account at all times. Tailor it to your needs and limits, and you'll be grateful to have it!

10. Invest in some wardrobe staples

Thinking quality over quantity in the times of fast fashion is critical to helping Mother Earth here. Put the extra money into those "timeless" pieces that go with everything like jeans, blazers, little black dresses, formal black shoes, etc.

11. Good insurance is a lifesaver

Unfortunately, I've had the great pleasure of hitting my car about three times now, and each time I've been so grateful that I only had to pay a $250 deductible and was fully covered. A $1,000 deductible is a financial wreck that no one needs.

12. Drinking water really does help a lot of health problems

Do you really need scientific facts to prove that this is sound advice?

13. A good sleep routine is essential

It's as annoying as putting a toddler down to nap, but creating a good sleep routine is good for your health, and there is a ton of science that I will not quote to prove it! And this does not have to include an entire skincare routine either; just keep it as simple as finding 8 hours a night that work for you!

14. Exercise is important to prioritize

As a 27-year-old that had to have pelvic stents placed at 26, I can confirm that sitting really is the new drug! Now, I am not out here running marathons or lifting weights every day but I have definitely found more ways to stay active on a regular basis. My personal favorite right now is paddle boarding!

15. A dead phone can be a dangerous thing

Personally, I have no sense of direction, so every time I've been out with a dead phone, I have had to buy a new charger because I had no idea how to get home. If you're somewhere where there is no store in site, you do not want to be stranded. Plan accordingly and have a portable/car charger if you're going to be out a long time and use your phone sparingly.

16. Have at least one signature dish

If you master one dish, then you'll always have something to bring to potlucks that people look forward to! No more just bringing chips and cookies for you!

17. Never stop learning

A lot of professions require continuing education credits to stay in your field but that does not mean that just because yours doesn't that you shouldn't keep learning! It can be for fun, professional development, or even just to learn random facts. Youtube is a great start but you can also find free courses online, through your library, or even convince your employer to pay for it!

18. Do not let anxiety win

There have been so many opportunities in the past where I let fear stop me from attending events or meeting new people because of my anxiety so this past year I have worked past it to put myself out there and have had so many unforgettable experiences because of it!

19. Travel well and travel smart

Do your research, and soak it up as much as you can!

20. Network. Network. Network.

LinkedIn can be your best friend but it doesn't have to be the ONLY way you network. Some of my greatest connections have been made by simply interacting on social media or telling someone that I liked their articles. I promise it will make their day to hear from you.

21. Stay on top of pop culture references

Knowing a general amount of pop culture references is a great way to connect with new people and keep a conversation alive!

Long are the days when people just talked about the weather, now they want to hear all about the new Netflix or Hulu show you're watching. The pop culture topics go far and wide and even include things like recent celebrity deaths, births, and local happenings. My favorite way to stay on top of this is to follow news outlets on social media and skim the headlines!

22. Do not care what other people think of you

Adopt a Phoebe Buffay kind of thinking (pop culture reference!); there is no point in worrying about what strangers think about you because when you're out - you only see them for what seems like a second, and then you'll never see them again! So rock the outfit you want, enjoy the treat, and dance like nobody is watching.

23. Do not judge others

Going off of #22, let people live their lives. If you don't like what you see, just look away! Just like your mom once told you, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. This goes for your facial expressions too.

24. Give back to your community

I'm not talking about monetary value here. Pick up any garbage you see on your walks, also don't add to the garbage. Show up for community events to show your support. Take advantage of your community resources so they keep offering them, a little goes a long way.

25. Be kind

There is MN nice, but there is also just being a decent human being. It is easy to turn away when you see someone struggling or to focus extra hard on your phone to ignore it, but lending a helping hand does not cost you much more effort.

26. Breathe

For someone who does not have asthma, I am very bad at breathing. It's been the root of many of my anxiety attacks, but its also been the only thing I've gotten out of any meditation session I've ever tried. So take a deep breath, count if you must, and take a second to ground yourself and just take in the moment.

27. Always forward

Apparently, this mottos origin is French, Toujours En Avant! I picked this one up during my time in the army. As one of my most grueling life experiences, I can say the motto did help. There was no turning back, backing out, or flat-out quitting, so I took those teachings into my civilian life as well.