In 28 years…

I remember endlessly discussing the controversial age of 26. A somewhat ambiguous age, it always seemed to spark debate over whether it fell amidst the dreaded late twenties, or laid calmly in the mid–twenties safety zone.

I settled on calling the debatable age an “upswing” to 30.

Now, only one week away from 28, there is no denying it. I have officially entered my late twenties. Life is still undetermined for me here, but I’m riding out my journey with a smile on.

In 28 years, I have learned…

• The world is small.
• Excuses and reasons are two different things, and now I can more easily distinguish one from the other.
• My siblings and I are more alike than I realized.
• Life usually does not need to be as serious as we make it.
• I’m smarter than I give myself credit for.
• People are generally good.
• As hard as I try, I will never be perfect…and that would make life boring anyway.
• I feel better when I exercise.
• Politics can be unattractive and confusing, but the issues are important.
• I can only give one person so much before needing to keep the rest for me.
• I’ve gained more from spirituality than religion.
• No one fancies a complainer.
• Forgiveness is a process, but holding grudges is generally a waste of time.
• The quest for inner peace is undervalued in Western culture, but shouldn’t be.
• The combination of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream with a glass of wine improves most bad days. Nom nom.
• Racism still exists in 2012.
• Most people are stronger than they realize.
• Everyone needs a support system.
• I like technology more than I hate it.
• Change is a large part of life.
• I believe in Eastern medicine more than Western.
• Mistakes are not failures.
• Social awareness does not come naturally to all people.
• Listening is typically more valuable than speaking.
• We can change someone’s day just by inquiring about it.
• It’s all relative.

In 28 years, I’ve seen…

• 4 continents, 6 countries, 38 American states and 300+ cities.
• 16 houses and apartments that I’ve called “home”.
• Good and bad, but mostly good.
• My glass half full.

Now that I’m 28, I…

• Need more “me” time.
• Am glad I chose a young adult life of travel and inconsistencies to riches and stability.
• Realize I have seen more of the world than many will in their lifetime.
• Recognize my fortunes.
• Am less afraid to speak my mind.
• Care less about missing nights out.
• Am gradually seeing my next phase of life creep around the bend.
• Realize how close I am to 30.
• Appreciate my friends.
• Recognize change in me from year to year.
• Fear regret more and rejection less.
• Can still down a beer like a champ, but also long for weekend nights when I can sit on my couch with Chelsea Lately and a pair of sweatpants.

In the next 28 years, I hope to…

• Carry out more of my Bucket List.
• Be alive.

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” -Satchel Paige