26

Today I am 26! I am very blessed to have made it this far and I am happy to share with you a few things that I have learned along the way as I reflect on my path to 26.


  1. Don’t be afraid to let go. Be confident that God is leading you and giving you favor.
  2. Pray and/or mediate. Often. You will need it for daily living. It will bring you peace.
  3. Keep genuine honest friends by your side. Life brings more relationships than we can nurture. Very few people are ordained to be permanent fixtures in your life, but those that are meant to stick around will always be there.
  4. Do whatever YOU want. Just do it.  People will talk about you no matter what you do so just do what you want. You will be much happier.
  5. Love hard and keep an open mind.
  6. Tell your mom and dad that you love them every chance you get. They are getting older and won't live forever. 
  7. You will most likely hate your current job and/or not even know what type of job you want and that’s normal.  It’s just a stepping-stone, and you will figure out your next step in due time. Just continue to actively work towards the job that you really want.
  8. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. It's exhausting.
  9. Travel A LOT. Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy everything this world has to offer. It’s really quite beautiful. I can now say that I’ve visited four other countries. (Canada, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Mexico) Next stop: Europe.
  10. Make time for the things you love to do.
  11. Expand your palate and try/cook different foods.  Chinese food doesn’t count. 
  12. You deserve someone that believes the sun shines out of your mouth. Nothing less. Repeat this to yourself.
  13. Boston has the best lobster rolls and clam chowder.
  14. Be friendly to everyone. You never know if the person sitting next to you will change your life.
  15. Go to a therapist. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. 
  16. Buy yourself some fresh flowers every now and then.
  17. Don’t take it personal.
  18. Be vulnerable. The world wants to see the real you. Some will love you and some may hate you but you will finally be able to live freely.
  19. Wear lipstick to the grocery store.
  20. Don't let your desire to be with someone cloud the reality of incompatibility.
  21. Don’t assume. Clarify.
  22. Embrace your natural beauty. I've learned to wake up in the morning, pick out my fro and go, and I still feel fabulous. You do not need straight hair to feel beautiful. No matter what your hair looks like if you feel confident everyone around you will feel that energy too.
  23. Drink more tea. Add honey instead of sugar.
  24. The ones that hurt you can't always heal you, and they most likely can't recognize or reciprocate what's valuable to you.
  25. Ladies let's Lean In. Don't let fear stop us from reaching higher goals and embracing leadership. Let's support each other. Climb that ladder.
  26. Let it be.