Top 5 Takeaways From my 25th Year
5 Valuable Lessons Learned at 25
I cannot believe I am 26! This feels so surreal and while I have been a bit anxious getting another year older, it’s been a wonderful way to reflect on the past 12 months. As a goal oriented person, I find so much value in reflecting and revising my dreams and learning from my experiences. 25 was definitely a pivotal year and changed me in ways I never would have expected. To see what I’ve gleaned, keep reading!
1: You Don’t Have to be Friends with Everyone
About a week after turning 25, I sat down with my therapist to set out goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. I am pleased to say I accomplished most of them with a few monetary goals needing to roll over into the new year. Nonetheless one of my biggest goals was intentional friendships and making more friends. Prior to moving back to Spokane, I was awful at meeting people and putting myself out there. It’s tough living in your hometown and not feeling settled or able to plant roots. Once I moved to Spokane, I was able to do just that but I still struggled with making meaningful connections at first. I also quickly learned that not everyone you hit it off with initially is good for you. I made some friends early on that proved to be toxic and one current friend I didn’t connect with at first! It’s crazy how people shift and evolve with us and it’s always okay to chose yourself in friendships.
This was also the year I met and became vice President of Gals Need Pals! This Spokane-based networking group has a main focus of helping women make friends and my goodness it has been working! I’ve met so many interesting women from these events and as I took on a leadership role it’s introduced me to so many fascinating entrepreneurs in the city. I also learned from networking that friendships don’t mean close buddies everywhere, instead you can be friendly to others and make a solid name for yourself. I take immense pride in my ability to connect with people and I have really been intentional with putting myself out there and meeting people even if we only connect for a short time.
2: Find a Home and Plant Roots
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This was finally the year I moved back to Spokane Washington, the first city that has ever truly felt like home. Living in Spokane has taught me to be resilient, has pushed me out of every comfort zone, and had fulfilled me in ways I didn’t think possible. This place can get a bad rep sometimes but I adore the big city and small town feel all at once. It’s also been incredibly easy to grow and evolve my brand out here as a creative. Our small business community is thriving and people are so willing to help one another out at different events.
Prior to moving to Spokane, I always enjoyed visiting and would go back to this area as a happy place when things got tough in Olympia and Tacoma. I went to college here but my experience as an entrepreneur versus a student has been night and day. Now I am meeting so many people, I get invited to the coolest events and I’m finally settling in to my own as a woman. It’s been amazing seeing the city evolve through the seasons and trying out everything Spokane has to offer. This has led me to some incredible friendships and memories and has kept me fulfilled in ways I wasn’t expecting.
If you are struggling where you are at and you are able to move, this is your sign to do so. I got my apartment 2 weeks into 25 and it was the best decision I ever made. My business exploded, my mental health improved and I finally feel like myself for the first time in years. I cannot express to you the type of joy and fulfillment that comes from such a decision but it’s really meant a lot to me.
3: Consistency is the Key to Success
I don’t think I can do a 25 recap without mentioning the giant change in my social media! When I turned 25, I had about 2,000 followers on TikTok and 10,000 on Instagram. Was it enough to be a full time influencer? Probably not but I was doing the dang thing. Not even a month into 25 though my Instagram jumped to 35,000 followers after a viral video talking about being midsize then another viral video 5 months later pushing me to 85,000 women. The midsize community showed up for me but only after I worked my bum off for 3.5 years posting every single day.
I got asked a lot how I grew so much and honestly it was because I refused to give up. I adore social media and my business, it can be so challenging yet the most rewarding thing I could ever do. By choosing to always show up, I’ve been able to make more online this year than ever before and help so many women feel great about themselves in their outfits. I never imagined my page would be this successful but it’s the greatest treat to come of this year.
4: Dating is Not for the Faint of Heart
This year I went on 14 first dates. 5 of them turned into second or third dates and one has stuck around! Going from completely single for 6 years to learning how to be with another person could be an entire blog post in and of itself. Nonetheless, online dating has been quite the experience. It’s a bit taxing but it’s taught me how to make a solid first impression and slowly let people in. This journey has certainly led to its fair share of heartaches as well and when you receive disappointment after disappointment it’s hard to keep going. One thing that has helped me at least is meeting people in real, everyday life. The latest mystery man I met at a wedding which was completely unexpected, it’s taught me a lot more than the apps ever did.
I also want to make note that I am no relationship expert and I struggle as much as the next girl to feel comfortable in her singleness. All of my friends are in relationships and I had 4 weddings to attend this year. It’s been rather difficult to navigate things alone but it’s taught me to be self reliant and I now have a much clearer view on what I want in a partner and what I am willing to put up with.
*Pro dating tip* if you are getting frustrated like yours truly, I recommend writing out what you want on a post it note and sleeping with it/praying over it if you’re religious. I did this back in July and while it may seem very picky it has helped me a lot when searching for a partner. I know my values and what I want him to possess and it’s keeping me in check as I navigate all of the highs and lows life throws at me.
5: You Don’t Have to Party to Have Fun
My final lesson has been a huge one, you don’t have to go out and party to have fun or be cool. My drinking and partying ways came to a head in June when I couldn’t remember how I got home from the bar. In college and for a bit post grad, I would go out constantly and drink a ton. Now I’ve explored sober-curious options and go to the bars maybe once a month. Finding friends that value sobriety and enjoy different activities has helped me a lot too. I used to hang with the party scene which was fine but I’m loving nights in and bowling a lot more. I also like waking up feeling great and not horribly hungover from the previous nights endeavors.
When you are starting to make lifestyle shifts like this, I also recommend telling a friend or two about it. This way they can ideally help you and join along for the journey. My friend Megan has been instrumental in this and will try strange mocktails with me! I also know a few other sober people in my area and that definitely has helped me not feel like I have to be crazy to enjoy myself.
Here’s to 26!
I hope this blog post gives you some insight to my psyche and understand a bit better my past year. For more, I shared this entire year on YouTube through my weekly vlogs. I think it’s so wonderful to document life and watch the ups and downs unfold. It’s also easier to reflect and take the lessons we gleaned from the previous year and adapt them to our future. I’m beginning to feel good about 26 and can’t wait to see what these next 12 months have in store! To follow along, also be sure to follow my Instagram and TikTok.
Until next time,
Lauren