A Quarter of a Century

Adelaide McCormick
Oct 9
3 min read

Today I am 25...and I thought I would feel different.

25 feels like it should be a big birthday where you wake up and you are more mature. You feel like an adult. Life is working out for you. 25 is when everything has settled and you can actually enjoy your big day. It is when you are moving forward in life instead of barely keeping your head above water because you are not just some kid cosplaying as an adult.

In fact, it is the total opposite for me this year. I feel like I am so small and floundering. I feel like a kid who is waiting on that one special text because I have a little of un-crushed hope left. I want to reflect on the first quarter of my life, but in a lot of ways it hurts. It hurts because the best years have been the most recent and those probably won't ever be able to be reminisced upon. I wanted today be light and happy but I just really can't feel that way right now.

Here though are 25 lessons I have learned over my 25 years:

Family is always going to be there for you...even when you don't always want them to be.
Making everyday worth living, even in a small way, makes a huge difference in the long run.
Try to make someone else's life a little bit better than how you found it because in turn your life will be a little bit better.
Don't give up hope when things seem all wrong.
When you want to get yourself a treat, do it. Love yourself.
Wear light up shoes!
Always have a good book because a book can take you to incredible places.
Give meaningful gifts. Pour your heart out into anything you give to others because it is always worth it.
Your home reflects your mind, so try to keep both manageable.
Laughter is worth any wrinkles.
Have friends from all different walks/stages of life to get great advice.
Let people in especially when you want to push everyone else out. That is when you need them the most.
Find skin care that works for you.
Try to find cozy activities for all seasons.
Do the things that scare you!
Have open and honest conversations with people you love. They just want to help you.
A smile costs nothing...and a fake one can turn real.
Your clothes should make you happy and comfortable, they shouldn't tear down your self esteem.
Find a few good hobbies to keep yourself entertained.
Unplug occasionally, even if it is just for a few minutes, to reconnect with the real world.
Do the "kid" stuff even as an adult because it is fun to find joy in the simple things of life.
People come into your life for a reason.
It is hard to see it in the moment, but everything is for a reason.
Keep reaching out because at the end of the day, you will hold onto the doubts that you didn't do enough if you don't.
Keep loving big, no matter what. Love is the best gift we have to give and receive, so don't take it for granted.

Thank y'all for helping me to ring in the next 25 years. I am sure that they will be filled with more highs and more lows. I am excited to share them with y'all!