Next month, I turn 25. It seems like such a high, scary and intimidating number. And if I'm being honest, I'm not who or where I want to be at 25.
It really sucks being trapped by this debt we're living with and I know with absolute certainty, that if not for the gravity of our financial situation, it's highly unlikely we would still be in Pittsburgh. I've been really ruminating on this a lot lately. Winter blues and homesickness have made me an unhappy camper more frequently than I'd care to admit. As an almost 25-year old, I've been very vocal about my distaste for our living quarters. I'm at a job that I don't envision myself being in for years to come. I'm mushy and out of shape. I'm not eating as healthfully and I'd like to be. And I miss my family and friends.
But you know what?
I AM NOT A VICTIM OF MY CIRCUMSTANCE.
I saw this quote today and knew it was convicting me to take action,
Everyday you have a chance to be a better version of yourself.
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| A happy, happy memory: On the beach with my girls. |
If I'm worried about being a person I don't want to be at 25, there's only one person who can change it. I will not continue to throw myself a pity party because life is not exactly as how I would have it. Instead, I will delight in the beautiful things that are surrounding me. I will seize every opportunity to become better and love harder. And in taking ownership of my life, I will kick my blues to the curb.
And in the spirit of documenting my life and holding myself accountable, here are the little things I want to do by the eve of my 25th birthday on April 26.
1. Pay off a portion of our debt
We still have about half of our tax refund remaining after a crap ton of emergency car repairs, which is going to go straight to our Dave Ramsey Debt Snowball. Debt-free is the way to be!
2. Return to yoga
I have literally had a two-week pass to a yoga studio within walking distance of our apartment since August...that I somehow have yet to use. I miss having energy, I miss being flexible and I miss being healthy! I'm going to be a Yogi if it kills me, dang it!
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| Taken on my 23rd birthday. I hate this picture, but love my counterpart and the fact that I had just gotten done with a serious workout. |
3. Devote more time to my blog
If you've noticed my absence recently, the reason is this: Because I'm still figuring out my voice...4 years later. Reading back on some older posts, there are a lot of posts that I lack pride in. I want every one to be a real, authentic representation of my life.
4. Plant some seeds
The growing season is almost here and it's time for me to start growing some veggies! Even if I'm growing them in milk jugs and upcycled pots like last year, I cannot deny that gardening has become such a labor of love for me that I plan to invest in for the rest of my life.
5. Eliminate processed junk from our cupboards
Hubby is looking to drop a few post-nuptial pounds, and I just want to have less nights with a grumbling tummy. We're thinking about trying out the Paleo diet- does anyone have any good resources for us?
6. Go for a run/hike
As the weather starts to warm up around these parts, I'll have no more excuses for not fitting some cardio into my life.
7. Pray
I mentioned here that I always feel more at peace after some spiritual time with my God. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
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| New hair, for a new me! |
Seven things that take so little effort, but amount to a huge reward: me being a happier, healthier version of myself. Regardless of my physical location or job status, if at 25 I can say I am happy...well then, crisis averted :)