So since it’s my birthday (shout out fellow Libra’s!!!) and I am officially a quarter of a century old… I thought I’d share with you 25 Simple Little Things that I love, that I’ve learned, and that I hope to achieve along this crazy little thing called life. Enjoy!
Things that I love:
1. My friends and family
This one is very cliché… I realize… but if there is one thing in this life that everyone needs, it’s a strong support system. I am so in love with my true friends that encourage me daily, that send me funny animal videos when I’m having a crummy day (there’s nothing a cat video can’t fix), that make the effort to be there when I need it most, and that help keep a friendship alive despite distance between us. I am also even more so in love with my sweet family. I am completely convinced that I was blessed with the absolute best family out there. Not only are they absolutely hilarious, they are also so selfless and giving. I can’t even begin to voice how amazing my parents and even my little brother are. They are 100% my best friends and I couldn’t function without them in my life.
2. This quote:
“Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.” —Emily Dickinson
3. Food
Before you say “duh… who doesn’t love food…” hear me out. Yes I love the literal aspect of food- ice cold ice cream, a savory charcuterie board with a nice glass of red wine, spicy sushi rolls- the whole shebang. BUT what I love most of all is getting to share it with others. Food is such a great social event and the older I get the older I grow to appreciate sharing these special times with special people. There is nothing better than good company mixed with good red wine.
4. Being a blogger
Starting my blog, regardless of how many followers I have or how many likes earned per photo, has been one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. Not only has it been such a fun creative outlet for me (which I highly recommend everyone find for themselves!!!), but it has also introduced me to some pretty incredible people and has helped bring me out of my shell in more ways than not. Obviously the goal is to grow my blog, but it has been fun as heck along the way.
5. Texas
Texas has and always will be my home. I absolutely LOVE traveling the world visiting remote areas, trying new foods (here I go again with food…lol but for real), and seeing new sights. But there’s just something about coming home, throwing on a good pair of sweats, and settling into your couch at home in Texas that is home. Love my state Y’ALL!
6. Gilmore Girls
I have spent many, many hours watching TV, Netflix, movies, you name it but there are few shows that compare to Gilmore Girls. I don’t know if its the dry, sarcastic humor, the wonderful relationship between Lorelai & Rory, or the fact that the show is family-oriented and appropriate (which is so hard to find nowadays). I highly recommend watching it if you haven’t already.
7. Matchbox Twenty
Aka the greatest band that’s ever lived. My dad got me hooked on the band from the moment I could walk and I have loved them ever since. I go through music stages and get interested in different stuff every week, but Matchbox Twenty will forever be A THING for me. Whenever I am feeling a little homesick, I’ll play the whole CD and there’s nothing that puts a smile on my face than belting out a little “3 AM”
8. My relationship with Zach
Its rare that you find someone, especially at such a young age, that you cant live without. I found that in Zach at the age of 12, and have been with him ever since. I don’t think a lot of people get it, and thats 100% fine with me, because they don’t have to. He’s so kind-heartened, appreciative, and loves me the crazy Type A way that I am (he’s Type B so it just works). He always reminds me to let loose when I need it and has been THE MOST supportive person through my starting a blog (he’s the best photog!)
9. Organizing stuff… everything
I might be the biggest weirdo for admitting this but y’all I love organizing. Like walking through an unorganized space gives me so much anxiety and I find it SO FUN to organize a space, even if it isn’t mine to organize. Overcrowded closets, messy pantries, that junk drawer everyone has… I will gladly organize it for ya because I am so weird like that… but thats me! haha
10. Cheering for my football teams
Football weekends are the most fun. On Saturdays I cheer for my good ol’ Baylor Bears and on Sunday I cheer for my Dallas Cowboys. I realize my teams might not be star teams right now (but they will be in a few years you just wait!!!) I might be the Cowboy’s biggest fan, probably. Also, Sic ‘Em Bears!
Things I’ve Learned:
11. Looks don’t mean a thing if you don’t have the personality to go with it.
I have met countless individuals throughout my 25 years of living, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, its that you have to be kind to people. Looks can only get you so far. I have met some of the prettiest girls that I envy so much and then meet and instantly regret it because their attitude is pitiful. Be kind to people because kindness is way more beneficial than a pretty dress or a bright white smile.
12. Save money at a young age
Its REAL easy to want to spend money. We are all guilty of it, me included. I think as I get older, especially in the blogger-world, I see other girls my age traveling to lavish places, eating lavish foods, and wearing top-notch designer pieces. I am inclined to want to do these things too, but if theres anything my dad taught me, its that saving will get you so much further. Sure you might miss out on a trip (and I am all for the occasional trip/ designer item because life is WAY too short), but it might allow you to retire sooner and live a more lavish lifestyle later in life. Get a 401k, invest, save where you can, and you’ll be good.
13. People don’t really care THAT much
I have always been one to care what other people think. I don’t know why, I think it was just ingrained in me. But the older I get, the more I realize that people don’t really care THAT much about what you look like, the way you walk, what you order at a restaurant, what car you drive, etc. It’s not worth worrying about.
14. Call your parents.
This is so simple. Regardless of your relationship, give them a ring every now and then. I guarantee you will make their day and you’ll walk away feeling a lot better too.
15. Serve the Lord while serving others
You’re on this planet for a reason, figure that out and do good with it. Learn, pray, and serve the Lord in all that you do. If you are one that is struggling with your faith, I highly recommend starting a bible study. This could be a personal study or one with a group.
16. Travel, but travel wisely
This bounces off of #12, but traveling is important as long as you are doing so wisely. For me, taking a trip a year is about what I plan on doing. This is based off of wanting to save for other things in life, work schedule, etc., but traveling is important. Not only does traveling widen your perspective on life, its fun and it allows you to blow some steam which is so good for your health and your soul.
17. Start taking good care of yourself, NOW!
This might have different meanings for different people, but do it. If you are struggling with a disorder, seek help. If you are sleeping with your make-up on at night, wash it off and invest in a good-quality facial scrub. If you are struggling with your weight, don’t “start tomorrow,” do it now. You can do it, and you WILL do it. For me the biggest thing is skincare. I was one that always baked in the sun (ok sometimes I still do this), spent time in tanning beds, occasionally slept with make-up on, didn’t frequently wash my make-up brushes, used cheap shampoo…. the list goes on. Recently I have stepped up my game and have tried to completely do a 360 on my skincare routine because early aging is SO real.
18. Invest money on the things that you really need
Its easy to want to cheap out on a good pillow, or a bottle of shampoo, or a hair dryer, but these items are likely items that you use daily. Invest in the items that you use consistently because it will either make you happier or healthier and will benefit you in the long run. I spent too much time using a lousy pillow and after switching my neck and back thanked me and I was much happier all around.
19. Get more sleep while you can
I’m horrified at the lack of sleep I got in high school and college. I would stay up until 2-3 am, wake up at 6:30, and do it all over again the next day. This is so bad for your mental and physical health, so make it a point to get a few more ZZZ’s when you can.
20. When someone asks you if you want to try a new food, always say yes.
This is always the case, unless you feel it might be unsafe or inedible of course (LOL). I have said no a whole lot but I am making a pact that if it is something new that I’ve never eaten, I’m taking that bite whether I want to or not. It’s important to try new things and you might just learn something about yourself when you do so.
Things I hope to achieve/ work on:
21. Achieve: Success
This is a pretty cliché one too, but everyone wants it, yet no one REALLY knows how to achieve it. Everyone measures success differently, but for me success will be to get married, have a family, work hard and have the ability to occasionally do lavish things with those I love. Success, for me, will also mean having the ability to give back to those less fortunate.
22. Work on: STOP taking control over everything
I am SUCH a control freak because hello… Type A personality. One thing I hope to work on in my second half of my twenties will be learning to relax and let others take control every now and then. I have a unrealistic mindset that I can do it all on my own, that I don’t need help or that others can’t do something as good as I could do. This is simply unrealistic and I am working on this.
23. Achieve: A good girl tribe
I have good friends. Really good friends, actually. But these friends are scattered all over Texas + other states, and so ever since I moved to Dallas I have honestly lacked a good girl group. I am one that is reserved when it comes to going and meeting new friends because I’m honestly such a homebody, but this is something that I want to achieve.
24. Work on: Spending more time on my blog
This is something I absolutely LOVE yet I only spend a minuscule amount of time on it due to work, friendships, traveling, etc. I am going to make it a point to spend time every single day working on improving my blog and my brand.
25. Achieve: Learn something new
I think its important to keep learning as long as you live… 20’s, 50’s, 90’s, doesn’t matter we should all be actively utilizing our brain for creative things. I want to learn something new. I haven’t quite figured out what that might be, maybe learn to surf or learn to speak another language, haven’t decided. I will definitely let you know when I figure that thing out though (taking rec’s!!!)
I hope this post has taught you something, inspired you, or at least make you giggle a little. If I have done any of those things then I call this a pretty successful post. These are a compilation of just some of the things that have made me the woman that I am today and I wouldn’t trade the struggles, the times of weakness, the laughs I’ve shared, for anything.
xo- Lauryn