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25 Things I've Learned Upon Turning 25

1. There is no master list of things you should have done by the time you turn 25. Everyone has their own list, their own goals and expectations for getting older. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing or has already done. Life is not a competition. You just do you and forget the rest. Move at your own pace. Things will happen when they're supposed to happen, or when you make them happen, and not a moment sooner. Just accept it and move on. You've got a life to live.

2. Over the past year you've gotten a lot better at learning to love yourself, but you've still got a long way to go. Keep going.

3. Honestly, who gives a shit what other people think of you. The only thing that matters is what you think of yourself.

4. Resist, girl. Stay angry. Don't accept what can be changed. Never stop fighting for what's right.

5. Growing up is scary, it always will be, but it's a lot less scary when you've got the right people by your side.

6. If you don't want to go to the party, don't go to the party.

7. As Dad has always said, sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do. Becoming an adult comes with lots of responsibility, but there are fun parts too. Focus on the fun parts.

8. Wear what you want to wear. Say what you want to say. Be whoever the fuck you want to be.

9. Getting a job can be scary, but once you finally find something that fits it can be incredibly empowering and big confidence boost. And making a little money doesn't hurt either.

10. You write, therefore you are a writer. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently.

11. Skirts are fun. So are socks that curse.

12. Just because you have a little money now, doesn't mean you need to spend it all. Start saving up. A little frugality never hurt anyone.

13. Book mail is the best mail.

14. Medication isn't the right choice for everyone, but when it is, when it helps, it can open up your life in ways you once believed impossible.

15. Online shopping is just the best.

16. There is no such thing as too many books, only not enough bookshelves. 

17. Never apologize for taking care of yourself. Never apologize for being different. Never apologize for changing when everyone else stays the same. 

18. Goodwill is full of great stuff (sometimes) and not so great smells (always).

19. This year has shown you that people can be a lot dumber and a lot worse than you once thought, but they can also be a lot smarter and a lot better too. Focus on the better ones.

20. You can't be in control of every situation. You don't need to be. Learn to let go every once in awhile. Give yourself permission to just be. 

21. It's time to stop messing around and actually finish something. Pick a story and stick to it. Write through the blocks. Don't wait for inspiration to strike. Create your own.

22. Live each moment as it happens. Never take anything or anyone for granted. You are one lucky girl. Never forget it.

23. Hold on tight to those you love and love them fiercely. Make sure they know how much you care. 

24. You're gonna get older. It can't be stopped. May as well try and enjoy yourself along the way. Never take yourself too seriously.

25. For the most part, 2017 has been a giant dumpster fire of awfulness, but that doesn't mean there aren't still good things and good people in the world. Find the good things. Find the good people. Hold on to them. Surround yourself with them. And most importantly, be one of them.

Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year. May 2018 be infinitely better than 2017 for all of us.

- Sam