25 Life Lessons I've Learned While Traveling the World
I turned 25 years old this month. I am officially a quarter of a century old, have a fully developed frontal lobe and am far too old to date Leonardo DiCaprio. Leading up to my birthday, I believe I went through the five stages of grief. I’m not entirely sure what exactly I was grieving, but this birthday felt daunting to me.
Denial: How can I be 25 already? It feels like I just graduated from college.
Anger: I have not achieved everything I wanted to by the age of 25. This is not fair!
Bargaining: If I book a trip, then maybe I can cope with being officially closer to 30 than I am to 20.
Depression: I think my life has already peaked… now I am one year away from worrying about real adult things like getting my own health insurance.
Acceptance: 25 is so fun. I am so lucky to be in a time of my life where all I have to worry about is me.
The first five years of my twenties were fabulous. I moved across the world (multiple times), fell in love, graduated college, became an aunt, met countless people from around the world, went on a few solo trips, worked on a banana farm for a bit (not so fabulous), traveled to five continents, grew my career and learned a bit more about myself (cheesy, I know). I am trying to turn a new leaf on this whole “getting older” thing. I am deciding to be reflective instead of spiraling, so in honor of my 25 years, I am looking back on 25 life lessons I learned while traveling the world, since my time abroad has taught me more than any classroom ever could.
Closed mouths don’t get fed
Sometimes the best plan is no plan
Be kind, it’s gangster (read this on a sign in Indonesia and it’s so true)
When you eat healthy, you actually feel better…groundbreaking!
You’re (mentally, emotionally, physically, etc.) stronger than you think you are
Alone time is IMPORTANT
If a compliment comes to mind, just say it! The world needs more good vibes
Always have a snack on hand… in case of emergencies
Success looks different to everyone
Journal more and take more pictures! You think you’ll remember things, but you won’t
It’s better to go alone than not at all
Call your mom more
Anxiety screams, intuition whispers
If something feels off, it probably is
A “hi, how are you” or “where are you from” can go a longgggg way
Your way is not always best. Be open-minded!
It’s never too late to learn something new
In the words of Billy Joel, “Slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time.”
Walk to places more. You’ll notice things you usually wouldn’t and you’ll get a bit of exercise
A little money can go a long way if you’re smart. Money comes back but time doesn’t!
A smile is the same in every language
Food is fuel, not something to be scared of
When feeling sad, mad, confused or lost, watch “Friends,” it’ll always make you feel better
Your bad days could be some people’s best days. Perspective and gratitude are everything
If your dreams don’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough!
Here’s to the next fabulous five years of my twenties. May they be filled with more love, laughter, and lots of fun.