Twenty-Six started for me at 3AM as my dear husband woke me to wish me a "Happy Birthday," sealed with a kiss as he left for work. Half asleep, I smiled wished him a happy day, and went back to sleep. Four hours later, Remington woke and was ready to take on his day which began with a few sing-a-longs as I adjusted my eyes and allowed my coffee to cool. Three cups of coffee, an episode of Botched, a few episodes of Alvin (we share the TV) a few gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, an hour of playing, and an hour of snuggling while eating Cheerios from the box, and a two hundred and fifty Facebook birthday wishes later I bring you Twenty-Six, Lexi Pollock edition.
I honestly freaked a little last night before bed knowing that today I would officially be closer to thirty than twenty, but knew this was just another year to be "brand new." So, this year like many other, I plan to take all of the lessons I have learned in my first twenty-five years combine them and like always work to be the best version of myself for myself as well as those who surround me. Part of my birthday gift to myself was to take the time and write out twenty-five life lessons I have learned in my first twenty-five years as a document of growth, self reflection, and encouragement/inspiration for my future self as well as my readers. So, without hesitation let's get this birthday party started.
The truth is, in writing this I realize how much more I even have learned in my twenty six years of life. Things from "never drink alcohol on an empty stomach," to " don't use orange under toned bronzer all over your face," or one of my favorites, " don't cook pizza on the cardboard." Of course we have those other lessons we consider "the hard way" such as "not all garage doors have automatic detection , they can still shut on your car," and " the cop won't care if you had a great day, were jammin' to Britney Spears on a back road, and got new shoes which caused you to speed.. you're still speeding." I could truly go on and on and on about all of the things I have learned. However, I feel these 25 points cover a broad range of things I am truly so passionate about and believe in now that I am the ripe old age of 26. Now, before I go I want to challenge you to take some time, to assess who you are and want to be. Assess what you believe in, what you have accomplished, where you are going, and where you want to be. Make a bucket list. Dedicate your year to something. Shine your shine in all of your forms, and never stop loving this crazy thing called "life."
Cheers to another amazing year! XO. Thank you for playing a key role in my life.
PS: You are never too old for Barbie cake, thanks momma.
I honestly freaked a little last night before bed knowing that today I would officially be closer to thirty than twenty, but knew this was just another year to be "brand new." So, this year like many other, I plan to take all of the lessons I have learned in my first twenty-five years combine them and like always work to be the best version of myself for myself as well as those who surround me. Part of my birthday gift to myself was to take the time and write out twenty-five life lessons I have learned in my first twenty-five years as a document of growth, self reflection, and encouragement/inspiration for my future self as well as my readers. So, without hesitation let's get this birthday party started.
- None of us got to go to the store to purchase our features, so don't be so hard on yourself, or others. Embrace originality and stop judging, it solves nothing.
- Read the Five Love Languages, it will change your life. Not a fan of reading? At least take the quiz online.
- Bubblegum flavored car air fresheners may seem like a great idea to keep your childhood alive, but don't do it. Trust me.
- Pictures may be worth a thousand words but remember to take time to be in the moment too. We live in a society that breathes technology and in some ways feels as if things didn't happen unless they are heavily photographed and shared via social media. Truth is, the big moments in life you will always hold dear to your heart, just don't forget to be 100% present sometimes. Unplug and just be. Not every waking thought needs to be put on social media, you deserve privacy. Once it is out there, it is public and forever. Start a journal, for one day it will be read as your story/legacy.
- The past will follow you in some way, always be proud of the decisions you make. Obviously, we are all human and make mistakes, it's inevitable. Just remember to apologize when necessary, don't always blame yourself, and accept that others make mistakes too. Time doesn't heal wounds, it buries them. So deal with things as they are handed to you, you deserve constant peace of mind.
- Truth is; we're all addicted to something, we all have our vices. I may or may not equate money to tubes of lipstick.. oh that drink is seven dollars? Nah, that's a New Milani Matte Lip Cream, I'll save it. (haha)
- People really do have a great impact on your life. In fact, I have found I owe so much of who I am based on those who have surrounded me and continue to do so. Be sure to tell others the impact they have had on you in the moment, you never know if you will get another chance. After all, they deserve recognition as it is likely they have changed your life in some way, shape, or form.
- Do what makes YOU happy. Each of us were given a gift of life to do with it what we deem necessary. Never let anyone dull your sparkle, you were born to shine. Everyone has an opinion but remember that's just it, an opinion. You are free to do what makes you happy, always.
- Don't be surface, be soulful. Have depth and never fear expressing it. You are more than just a pretty face, a title, or a "how are you?"
- All styles come back around. Just waiting to bust out my old distressed jean mini skirt and boots with the fur.... totally kidding or am I?
- Beauty isn't a size, a career title, a skin color, a type of hair. Beauty is confidence. Beauty is everywhere, just don't be to blind to see it.
- Put out into the world what you wish to get back from it and NEVER hold back a compliment, you may make someone's day.
- There will always be something special about your hometown and the people in it. It won't always feel like home to some but it is important to remember where you came from, it played a key role into helping you blossom into who you are today.
- Things change, people change, and you'll change too. Change is apart of growth, after all.
- "Don't take life to seriously, as none of us make it out alive." We can spend our whole life planning for our future, but we can't control our destiny. Don't forget to be in the moment and make yourself proud.
- Dreams aren't meant to be written down in a book and stored away, they are meant to be chased. You are capable of them all. Want to be a mermaid? Go be one. Never let anyone or anything stand in your way. If you can dream it, you can be it.
- Don't assume. The key word of assume is "ass," and you definitely don't want to be made to be one. Just talk things out, be open minded, and have open communication. You may even sleep better at night.
- Don't lose who you are trying to be what you think you are supposed to be based on societies standards, afterall success is measured differently based on each individual.
- Best friends are meant to be cherished not taken for granted, also totally necessary to getting through this thing called "life." Treat them like the rarest found diamond and never fail to remind them how thankful you are for them. After all, it is likely you haven't been through many things without them. Soul sisters isn't just a cutsey word, it's "real life" don't forget to acknowledge it aloud.
- Relationships are like trees through the seasons. Sometimes, like winter fragile and easily broken and other times like summer and full in bloom. Always beautiful, but they require different forms of care. Relationships aren't always forever, an that's okay. Ensure you establish the time, reason, season, or lesson you learned in those relationships that are less than forever, you deserve that closure.
- Think before you speak. Think before you act. These are two things that can not be taken back. You impact so many people every single day, just remember how you want to be portrayed.
- Self love is truly the biggest tool to success, seriously. You are capable, smart, beautiful, kind, important, and every other positive thing out there. Don't believe me? Take the time to learn who you are. As I like to say, "take a self love year." Turn those struggles from your past into your successes for the future. Never let anything besides yourself define you. You deserve to be taken care of by yourself. So, get your hair done, enjoy a day at the spa, feed yourself the best food, and say only the best things to yourself. Be your own biggest fan, you are pretty fabulous after all.
- Getting married is not about wearing a pretty dress or owning a gorgeous diamond ring, it is about spending the rest of your life with someone who betters you, challenges you, and completes you. True love does exist and in my opinion it is true that you "just know." Allways be sure you are marrying someone for the right reasons not just to check off another box in your five year plan. Never settle for anything less than you dream of, prince charming exists in more than just the movies.
- Don't get caught up solely in routine that you forget to live your life. It's okay to sometimes eat funfetti cake for breakfast and forget the dishes. Life is meant to be lived not solely survived. However, scheduling isn't a fault either as we all need a little structure to better balance our lives and live efficiently.
- Take the time to see the world through a child's eyes. Allow yourself to color outside the lines, love deeper, learn new things, enjoy simplicity, and be open minded. In my personal experience, being a parent is by far the best gift I have been given. It has allowed me to grow in ways I never knew I was capable of and see the world in a whole new light. The gift of another life, is such a miracle.
The truth is, in writing this I realize how much more I even have learned in my twenty six years of life. Things from "never drink alcohol on an empty stomach," to " don't use orange under toned bronzer all over your face," or one of my favorites, " don't cook pizza on the cardboard." Of course we have those other lessons we consider "the hard way" such as "not all garage doors have automatic detection , they can still shut on your car," and " the cop won't care if you had a great day, were jammin' to Britney Spears on a back road, and got new shoes which caused you to speed.. you're still speeding." I could truly go on and on and on about all of the things I have learned. However, I feel these 25 points cover a broad range of things I am truly so passionate about and believe in now that I am the ripe old age of 26. Now, before I go I want to challenge you to take some time, to assess who you are and want to be. Assess what you believe in, what you have accomplished, where you are going, and where you want to be. Make a bucket list. Dedicate your year to something. Shine your shine in all of your forms, and never stop loving this crazy thing called "life."
Cheers to another amazing year! XO. Thank you for playing a key role in my life.
PS: You are never too old for Barbie cake, thanks momma.