Today, I turn 26.

I am now closer to 30. Ok, now don’t go rolling your eyes saying “You’re still so young!”

This is coming from the girl who had a mid-life crisis at the age of 25. I’m talking a full-on melt-down in the car on the way home from a nice, quiet weekend away at our cabin with my sweet husband, Jonah.

What was wrong with me? I was 25 years old, married to the love of my life, had the BEST friends, a “great” job (see this post to read more about my job), just launched Living Well With Nic, was graduating from IIN in a few weeks, and managed to only have one grey hair.

But instead, I felt lost and uninspired.

“I thought my life would look completely different at 25,” I told Jonah.

I just thought my life would be more fulfilling, you know?

I have this tendency to always feel like I can do more. Or be more. I never settle or get too comfortable.

And when one thing in my life is not going as planned (that one thing being my career), I fixate on it and devote all my energy into “fixing” it. But what if the situation isn’t meant to be fixed? What if the situation is there to teach us something?

Think about it.

We have a choice – we can continue to dwell and live in that negative emotional space, or we can acknowledge the pain as a fact, and see the good that it created in our lives.

I completely shifted my mindset after having this realization that things don’t happen TO us. They happen FOR us.

Challenges are just a part of life and everyone experiences them. It’s about how we choose to view them that makes all the difference.

So what does this have to do with my 26th birthday? I decided to spend my birthday a little differently this year and reflect on my last year of life. I compiled a list of 26 things I learned this past year that I hope can inspire you!

1. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. This quote sums up my feelings exactly: “For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last, it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.”
2. Don’t allow the voice of your fears to be louder than the other voices in your head. Fear kills dreams, that’s it. Don’t be afraid; those feelings of being scared and doubting yourself? Those are just made up. Fear doesn’t exist unless we choose to create it.
3. Keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how big or little, just DO something! One small action a day adds up to big results.
4. Your thoughts are powerful, make them positive. It’s true, your thoughts become your actions. So think big, tell yourself you’re really great and you’ll be golden.
5. Learn the art of listening. Want to know how to show someone love and compassion? Listen.
6. Remove the word impossible from your vocabulary. Ever notice that this word spells “I’m possible”? 🙂
7. Gratitude is the foundation of a full life. If you want an abundant life, start practicing daily gratitude. It’s life-changing.
8. There is no such thing as failure. Our fear is supported by an illusion that it is possible to fail, and that failure means we are worthless. The reality is that there is no such thing as failure. Whenever we attempt to do something and fail, we end up doing something else. You cannot fail, you can only produce results.
9. It’s in losing yourself that you find yourself. The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are, and the second greatest is being happy with what you find. It’s truly a beautiful thing.
10. Listen to what your body and soul are saying. In the stillness and quiet is where you find all your answers.
11. Prayer is powerful. God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God’s will, God responds powerfully.
12. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. When you’re frustrated, let it out. When you’re happy, celebrate, When you’re sad, cry. Give yourself permission to feel deeply.
13. Ask for help and guidance when you need it. Whether it be from God, a spouse, family, or friends. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
14. Read on a daily basis. It’s not only good for your brain but good for the soul.
15. Detox things from your life that no longer serve you. Clutter, relationships, food, habits. You don’t have time for that.
16. Eat something green every day.
17. Drink lots of water. Your body will thank you.
18. Carve out me time. Do something that lights you up on a regular basis. Take yourself out for coffee, curl up in a comfy chair and read a good book, get a massage. Hanging out with yourself is a great way to tap into your inner voice.
19. Rise with the sun. Watching a sunrise is the most magical part of the day. Plus, waking up early has incredible physical and mental health benefits. You’ll find yourself better aligned with the world around you
20. Surrender it all to God. Your worries, fears, anxiety. Give it all to God, and He will bring you peace.
21. Move your body. Find different forms of exercise that you enjoy. Our bodies were meant to move.
22. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you. Find people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions, and bring out the best in you.
23. Journal on a regular basis. The act of putting pen to paper is more powerful than you think. It’s the best way to let your thoughts flow and clear everything out of your head. Try it first thing in the morning.
24. Success is based on perspective. I used to think success meant having a high paying job at a well-known company that made my parents and friends proud. I was so wrong. Read more about that https://www.livingwellwithnic.com/leaving-my-corporate-job-taking-the-leap-part-1/here.
25. Be completely and unapologetically YOU. The world is waiting to see your weird, quirky little self. Be authentic and you will be a magnet for others.
26. Vulnerability heals. Being real, open, and vulnerable invites people in and allows them to relate to you on a much deeper and more intimate level. Let down your walls and connect. It’s surprisingly liberating.

xo,
Nicole