I wrote a column for my 21st birthday that kind of became the big one in my college bubble. So much so one of my fellow newspaper editors felt it needed to be framed. It's found a wall on every home I've had since.
When I finally talked myself out of bed, I went straight to it and, damn it, if it doesn't still ring true.
I challenged myself in every way possible last year and reflecting back on the six years between then and now that's all I've been doing, sometimes I definitely buried myself in the covers but I always knew I'd get out and face it, eventually.
I started believing in myself again when I was 26. I spent a couple years taking a good, long (really long) look at myself and yelling into the mirror "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING RIGHT NOW?!" Last year, I answered it.
If you haven't been keeping up, I started giving a shit about myself, not giving a shit and most importantly started being myself.
I put myself out there. In so many ways. Dangled on those branches I never would've let myself dangle from before.
I got lighter, both literally and figuratively. I stopped carrying everyone else's baggage and put away my own. Magically and mysteriously the numbers went down on the scale, too.
I continued to question, but I sought answers and let them be when I found them. I didn't toss and turn nearly as much as I used to. I found peace in the direction I was heading in even when it felt like I had a blind fold on.
I started writing more both for myself and for others. I started talking more and saying how I felt and learned more about delivering it in a way that people would actually hear it.
I invested in people that were worth investing in and called a loss and moved on from those who weren't.
I bought myself a car and got a promotion, too. Both of which brought on different challenges, but I've faced them. As far as work goes, I learned if I believe in myself, others will, too, and if they don't they'll get themselves out of the way.
I don't know what challenges and surprises 27 will bring. I'm ready for them. If I've learned anything so far, it's that nothing is ever finished. Every day has to be better. The battle is never over. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. If you're gonna get what you want, you better make your move. And it's all happening. Always. Just fucking let it.
