I’m Feeling’ 22!

Another year older already and I’m not sure if I am actually feeling’ 22. Physically, I still look like a middle school child and action-wise I am still acting as if I am 18. Can 22 come back to look for me another year? I still need to learn how to adult and become a better person haha. I know I say this every single year, but being 21 has brought my so many amazing memories, people in my life and the year I truly grew the most.

People

I can never stop talking about the group of people I have in my life. I’m always wishing I can give them all awards for making my life amazing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of them missing. I chose quality over quantity and it made life so much better. Having a large group of friends didn’t matter to me. Instead, I made sure to hone in on the relationships that already existed to deepen them. Every single friend has brought a different characteristic into my life. From the motivator to the inspirationalist, I am able to fulfill my dreams because of their push. One big thing I noticed this past year was that conversations between these amazing people and I transformed from conversations about petty things to conversations about life. To be able to sit down with these people who have so many different takes on life is beyond fascinating. So, thank you to my friends who have made 21 FABULOUS!

Distance

The year of 21 definitely has be going home more often. While some people can’t wait to fly away from their nest, I find myself continuously returning. I am continuing to build my relationship with my family and each year I learn something new. With my parents, they will forever be my best friends, mentors and listeners and in the year of 21, I further solidified my relationship with them. Their opinions mean everything. With my sister, who is all the way in LA, I’ve learned understand and love her through the distance, even though it’s been so hard. Watching her grow and flourish on her own so far away has made me so proud, but realize that distance is okay. And lastly, for my brother, who have become a man in the past year from taking on more responsibilities in the family. I love you all more than words can describe!

Me-Time

In the year of 21, I also made sure to include a lot of me-time. While relationships with my friends and family deepened, I really wanted to deepen my relationship with myself. I got to understand myself better in so many areas. I established times set aside only for myself, whether that be reading, writing my thoughts or meditating (attempting to). These moments of alone time has really made me appreciate who I am, see my own growth and target areas I can work on. So often, we are tougher on ourselves than anyone else, but I’ve learned that taking time to appreciate yourself is just as important. The year of 22 is going to also focus on a lot more of self-love and me-time!

Just Go For It

And lastly, I learned to just go for it. No matter how many people are holding you down, you need to rise above it all and just go. In part, I think I stopped being as afraid of failure. I swear if you try to let go of that failure, it will bring you farther. Stop letting roadblocks stop you! If you see them on a real road when you’re going somewhere, what do you do? You think of another route or just go around them. You don’t sit there in your car forever waiting for that roadblock to disappear or turn back around to go home. So go for whatever you wanted to. I wanted to grow my blog and to turn in into more than a hobby on the side for my friends/family. And I’ve been working really hard on it even though I’ve heard may nay-sayers. Block out the negativity from the criticism you need. Just go for it!

when you can’t decide what you want to eat on your birthday hahaa

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All in all, I’m very excited for turning 22 today. I know I will forever stay a child at heart, but I want to continue learning and growing. I am forever thankful for the people in my life who lift me up higher than the sky. And I want to thank YOU for being here through an entire year of my growth and ranting. Now off I go to celebrate being 22!

A million and one thanks for reading — until my next lil’ thought then!

xx Jen