Celebrating 25 Years Old - Reflection & Realization

This past weekend I celebrated turning 25 years old (June 14)! When considering how I wanted to celebrate, I instinctively said I'd go to NYC or Chicago (as always), however, I decided to expand my horizons and to visit a place I've never gone before - Cleveland (photos included throughout article)!

Traveling to Cleveland was a nice getaway - definitely not NYC or Chicago - but I'm glad I took the liberty to seek a new experience because it unveiled a few realizations while away from home. Traveling to a new destination and also turning 25 years old has definitely urged me to reflect on some of the most important things I've learned throughout my 25 years on Earth.

There really is no place like home.

One of the realizations I had while traveling to Cleveland is that while many cities may be bigger, better, and have more to offer - there really is no place like home. Home is more than just where you were born or where you grew up, it's where family/friends are, it's where memories reside, it's where familiarity and comfort rests, and it's where the cornerstone of your foundation for who you are today is laid.

When they say follow your passions - they're absolutely right.

Now 25 years old, I'm really understanding the phrase, "follow your passions". I realize how much joy and excitement I get while getting the opportunity to do things or go places I'm passionate about. I've also experienced the feeling of doing things or going places I'm not passionate about and how that negatively affects my overall happiness and motivation. More recently than ever, I'm realizing that when people say to follow your passion, they're absolutely right.

I'm also at point in my life where I feel I don't have to do and/or accept every opportunity that comes my way - I can be a bit more selective in how/where I expend my time, energy, and effort. In younger years, I accepted a lot of responsibility and opportunities with the mindset of "this will be great experience", "this is a great resume builder", or "this will help expand my network and reach", however, while there were definitely benefits that came from those experiences, I also simultaneously realize the feeling of unhappiness in the midst of carrying out the responsibilities/opportunities I accepted but was not passionate for.

Be kind. Be empathetic.

"People may forget what you said and they may forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel."

Throughout my 25 years of life, I've realized the importance of just being a good, genuine, kind, and empathetic person. Life is short and people matter - I've learned that because life is fragile, it's important to make it matter on how we entreat people. People can be here today and gone tomorrow, I can be here today and gone tomorrow; so important for me to live the legacy I want to leave behind by being an example.

Being alone (and content) is beautiful.

Throughout the late-teens and early-20s it can be easy to get caught up on having a lot of friends/acquaintances, being out on the scene, and always being surrounded by people, however, I've come to find immense peace, tranquility, and strength in being in the presence of just myself by myself. I've realized that I'd much rather have 1 or 2 really close friends rather than a slew of "friends" and acquaintances. At 25 years old, I find so much solace in remaining home alone and enjoying the company of just my pup.

It's okay to be selfish.

The word selfish has such a negative connotation but I think being selfish in certain aspects can definitely be a positive thing. It can be easy getting caught up in doing things, going places, and/or being surrounded by people out of peer pressure or feeling like you have some sort of duty to do so. I've come to realize that my overall happiness, peace of mind, and personal brand is mine to protect. It's okay to block out anything or anyone that will negatively affect any aspect of your life and overall wellbeing. At 25 years old, I am very protective of my overall wellbeing and am selective in how and with whom I expend my time, energy, and effort.

I think this point even relates back to following your passions. Life is short and you never know when you'll no longer be on Earth to live this life - it's okay to experience and/or take a leap of faith and to immerse yourself into whatever you're passionate about. Don't live life lending all your energy and effort into the passion/vision of someone else having never sparked or ignited the fire that burns within you.

All in all, I've experienced a lot and learned a lot in my 25 years of life. I'm appreciative of being able to reflect on what has passed while looking forward to what is to come. Cheers to 25 and beyond!