My 27th birthday was this past Sunday so I wanted to reflect what I learned last year.
I have to say, as you get older birthdays are less and less fun. Why? Well, I honestly don’t know. Isn’t it so weird that when we were younger we always wanted to be older and now it is the complete opposite? I think as we get older we realize how great life really is and we just want it to slow down especially in our “fun” years. When I put things into perspective I realize how much more I have to live and give to this world so it does make me excited for the future. 26 was a really hard year but a great one too. My family delt (and are still dealing with) some health issues, I grew apart from some friends, while at the same time I grew in my career, traveled to new places, and became closer to my closest friends. Instead of listing many lessons that I learned this past year, I wanted to share with you some common themes in hopes you can learn from them too.
It is okay to be single when you see everyone around you get married.
When I was in middle school/high school I told everyone and wrote it down that I would be engaged by 23, married by 25, and having a kid by 27. Isn’t it funny how nothing goes as planned? (nervous laugh). All jokes aside, this really bothered me this year. I was beating myself up with the fact I wasn’t dating anyone and I felt like I was never going to get married and be a mom. It crushed me and it still does a bit but I am trying to be more positive and accept the plan God has for me. I feel like I am finally happy with myself and my career and I believe that is SO important before jumping into a relationship/marriage. I hope 27 has some great things lined up in this department but if it doesn’t I will be just fine!
Take risks in your career and be uncomfortable.
I am happy to say that this past year was a good one career wise. I worked my ass off and made a name for myself and it really paid off. I finally feel happy in my career and who I am as a young(ish) professional and as a woman in Corporate America. What I continued to learn this year is that in order to grow you need to take risks and feel uncomfortable. Do not become comfortable in what you do. You should be challenged every single day. Sure change sucks but at the end of the day you will be happy you took a risk since you are learning more than you could ever image.
Be spontaneous.
If you know me I am not a spontaneous person at all. Never have, never will. But this year I really tried working on it. I feel like I said “yes” to more things and that was a step in the right direction for me. From saying yes, I met some new friends and felt like I lived life a little more. I know this is something that I struggle with but I know I will get there eventually.
Stay true to yourself.
Be who you want to be and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! As you get older you realize who you are and what you want to achieve. This past year I’ve grown apart from a few friendships because we are at completely different stages of our lives. I have made a name for myself and continue to grow in my career while some are still trying to figure that out (which is totally fine, I still don’t know what I want to do) but don’t have that drive in them. It is difficult to explain but I realize I need friendships that lift me up and we lift each other up together.
What are some lessons that you’ve learned this year?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
