8 Things I’ve Learned by 28

Yay! It’s my birthday! This birthday is so special this year because I have another person to celebrate with and I officially hold a new title – mama! It is so crazy to think that this time last year (plus two days) is when Tony and I announced we were pregnant! Meanwhile, I’ve got a baby who started holding her own bottle (and actually took a bottle!) today and is trying to sit up on her own. Crazy how life changes so quickly!

This year I am turning 28 and I’m not sure if its because I love even numbers, but I feel so content with the number 28. I have loved my twenties and love the life we’ve built during this time. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things and I’ve picked 8 of them to share with you today!

1. Letting go is important. If you know me in real life, then you know that I love to plan and don’t do well when those plans change. I’ve really been working on that and realizing that not every moment of life can or will go to plan. Letting go and living in the moment is so worth it.
2. Step back and soak it in. I’ve always been like this but especially as a I grow older, I try to remind myself to soak in a moment or memory. I’m often quick to take out my phone and document something (hey I’m a photographer – I can’t help it) but I always try to take time to put it away, and really soak in moments that I want to remember.
3. Put your phone away. There isn’t much to say about this. Live your life, talk with your friends, and spend time with your family.
4. You can still be “figuring out your life” in your twenties. AND your thirties! AND your forties! AND… okay you get it. I was one of the few that knew what I wanted to do in life when I was young. I had dreamed of being a teacher my entire life and when I went to college, it wasn’t even a question! Once I graduated I started blogging, then taking photos, and learning the ins and outs of running a business and I realized I loved that too. I love that I know my life will always be evolving and I can’t wait to see where my passions bring me!
5. Bad things can happen to good people. In my twenties, I’ve gone through some tough stuff! I have learned even more about how fragile human life is, how easily it can be taken away, and how important telling people you love them is. I’ve learned that “things that happen to other people” can happen to you and rock your world. It has made me stronger and has made me appreciate every moment I am given.
6. Going to school after undergrad is HARD. Last year, I finished my masters in education.  I am SO proud of it and am so glad I did right before Emmie was born. It pushed me to balance a full time job, being married, having a small business, going to school, and preparing for baby. It was difficult but I’m so happy to be done!
7. Being a mom can be isolating and can also bring you closer to others. The first few weeks of being a mom were the hardest for me and I felt like I was inside a bubble. It was easy to stay inside my bubble but I found that as I reached out to more moms, it made me realize everything I was feeling was normal and being able to confide in them meant the world to me. Thanks to all my mama friends.
8. Building a life is beautiful. When I look back on the last 8 years, so much of my life has changed. I have graduated from undergrad, got my first job, moved to a new town, got engaged, got married, graduated with my masters, started a business, and had our sweet Emmie Mae. Building a life with Tony, a family of our own, and creating this life is beautiful. It’s easy to forget day in and out of everything we’ve built but I am so proud and can’t wait to see what the future holds!