Last Day of 25.

Today is my last day as a twenty-five year old. I have survived multiple quarter-life crises and I've become stronger and wiser. Twenty-five was a HUGE year for me. I can truly say I grew as an individual.

I laughed a lot. I cried some nights. I challenged myself to do the things I thought I could not do.

I started graduate school and had one of the best years of teaching in my career thus far. I experienced some setbacks. I lost some friends. I gained some new ones. I met new people from all walks of life.

I broadened my perspectives and opinions. I deepened friendships and found new ways to cherish those good people already placed in my life. I learned about myself. Who I am. What I want out of life. What I think and feel. I dated. I let myself fall for someone. I got back out there.

I learned how to cook more meals. And how to budget my money. I dealt with loneliness. I celebrated my single hood. I learned how to love time spent alone. I went out on adventures with myself and only myself.

Most importantly however, the greatest experience/life lesson I had/learned this year was to be present. To make the most of now. To stop worrying about things beyond my control. To be happy. To give thanks for something - anything - everything each and every day. To find one thing to be thankful about each day - because there IS good in each day. To live simply. To meditate and pray. To take each moment - good or bad - as it comes. Because it's all happening for my greater good. To cherish those people in my life and to let them know I love them. To be kind and stay positive. And to live my life the way I want. The way I see fit. It's my life to live and I need to be happy doing so. No regrets.

I thank God for this 25th year of life. It has been my favorite by far! As I prepare to say goodbye to yesterday ... and I look forward to tomorrow. I feel different. I feel wiser. stronger. I know twenty-six will come with it's fair share of ups and downs. But I will take the lessons I learned this year with me - and make the most of now ... today and every day.

"I’m only twenty-[five/six]. I’m young. I’m learning. I’m growing. I’m succeeding and sometimes I’m failing. And this year, instead of wondering where I’ll be next year, I’m going to focus on making the most of what’s in front of me. Today. Here’s to hoping you will, too." - Matt Cheuvront