26

I have mixed feelings about turning 26 this month, to be quite honest. I woke up on my birthday and realized I'm not as far along as I'd like to be in life. So, I'm using that as motivation instead of petty grief and sadness. (but what am I without sadness??) I can also see where I'm going on the horizon now, but in order to get there I have some crucial advice for my 1/4 century self.

* Improve your process.

I'm talking as many color coordinated calendars and sticky note notes as it takes goddamnit! Weekly lists and meal plans, workout schedules, wellness and reflection, daily journals, etc. A smooth system allowing me to stay on track towards achieving my goals. "If you think adventure is dangerous, you should try routine. It is lethal"-Paulo Coelho

*Be Committed, not attached.

Yes, it's okay to engross yourself in what you do and the things you are passionate about but remember to practice non-attachment. It preserves the ability to recognize the difference between the two. 

*Zoom Out

On this quest for the perfect process, I have to remind myself to zoom out and remain mindful of the entire picture. If I zoom out, I am contributing to the bigger picture or does what I'm doing diminish into the background? Is this where my focus should be or should I zoom in elsewhere for a bit? Are there more elements to this picture then there were before? Zoom out and allow yourself to refocus.

*Learn to accept the apology you never got.

The point of an apology is to acknowledge hurt, right? Thus making it possible to build towards correcting the imbalance and restoring fairness. Try to remember that their inability to accept responsibility for their actions is their problem, not yours. Process why you are hurt, accept the apology you never got and move along. 

*It's you.

You are the person you are waiting for, it's you. Be the light you seek. Be the person you want to be, for you. Put yourself before everyone and do everything in your power to protect your foundation. "I cut him out at the root, he was my favorite tree, rotting, threatening the foundations of my home."-Warsan Sire

Age is fake, time isn't real, everything is made up, stay woke!