The first half of my twenties is complete and I must say that it has been a journey. My life is not what I had imagined or thought it would be but regardless I am grateful. To be honest I can’t really say that I was the biggest planner so most of the last five years has been me just trying to figure my way through adulthood. I have learned many valuable lessons that can apply to anyone, regardless of age.

1. I feel closer to my purpose than before.
   Through all of my past experiences I am now feeling clarity with my life. Really within the last year things have become more vivid and I love the feeling. I talk more about this journey in Discovering Life’s Purpose. I don’t want to make it seem like I was lost. I was simply navigating through adulthood the best way I knew how. The freedom of being an adult comes with challenges and trying times. Everything up until this point is creating a better me and I am grateful for it all.
   
   
2. Evolving is beautiful and necessary for growth.
   In my experience, this happened without plan. I started to notice changes within myself as I shifted my thoughts and questioned the decisions that I was making. I learned to become more in-tune with my mind and body to really try to discover what I want for myself.
   
   
3. No matter how hard or bad things get you will get through it.
   I have faced many situations these past several years that I didn’t think I would be able to overcome during those moments, but I did; all by the grace of God. I did not allow my past to define me or to keep me stuck. When you are going through trying times you might find yourself so consumed with what’s wrong that’s it’s hard to have a positive outlook. I used to always say that I was a realist but I have been working to be more optimistic. If you are struggling with something right now don’t give up. The outcome can turn out to be far better than you expected.
   
   
4. Life moves so fast.
   Maybe it’s just me but I feel like each year goes by quicker than the one before. Knowing and grasping this; I want to take advantage of my opportunities as much as I can.
   
   
5. Blessings can come when you least expect it.
   During the times when I was at my lowest I could not focus on much more outside of that because that was my life. I was so consumed in the negative that I didn’t fully recognize or appreciate the good in my life. Learning to be grateful for even the simplest of things can be the beginning of a great transformation.
   
   
6. It’s okay to have a past.
   At some point in life you will go through things that you are not proud of. Regardless of what those things are; it should not stop you from living. Healing can be the outlet that you need to get started again. My own personal healing has been a journey in itself. I needed every bit of it. Start to heal from the things that are holding you back.
   
   
7. As you get older the meaning of love and support changes.
   As I have gotten to know myself more over the years my definitions of what love and support look and feel like have been reconstructed. By learning more about what I need for growth, I now only want to surround myself with people and things that best serve me. Remember to do what is best for yourself and your own betterment.
   
   
8. I still enjoy my own company.
   Alone does not equate to lonely. I have a great time by myself. The relationship that we have with ourselves is a precious one. We spend a lot of time trying to learn from others that we forget to look to ourselves. Sometimes we need to be our own teachers. I have grown so much by sitting with myself and just thinking about things. I go more in detail about this in How Self-Love Can Lead to Self-Growth. Self-love allowed me to stop accepting less than I deserve. Self-love is essential.
   
   
9. It’s great to just be yourself.
   I was never one to try to fit in or anything like that. In fact, I’ve never felt like I fit in and that never bothered me. This might resonate with any introverts; you’re not alone. We are all unique in our own ways which is beautiful. I’m at the point where I really don’t care to be anything but true to myself. Authenticity is a key to happiness.
   
   
10. I’m still a work in progress.
    This healthy girl journey of mine is just starting and by no means am I at the level of the woman that I wish to be. Looking back, I make myself proud and that’s all I can continue to strive towards. This journey will continue while I still have the time so I will make good use of it. May you also do the same.
    

I am nothing short of grateful for my life right now. With all of the wrongs in this world it’s important to hold onto happiness and whatever it is that brings joy. Some things and experiences are designed to bring us down. It feels good when you witness yourself overcome life’s obstacles.

All of my past experiences have been preparing me for upcoming moments that I will now start to experience going forward. With age comes the knowledge of life. Through trial and error we get better at it. We have the power to control the controllable and live the lives that we envision. If you lose focus or sight of what and who you are supposed to be keep trying and hold onto who you are.