This day 5 years ago I was turning 18 and graduating from high school. Last year I turned 22 and got proposed too the next day.

I did a post like this for my 22nd birthday, so I thought it’d be fun to keep the tradition going. Lessons I’ve learned in my 22 years, some I wish I had know when I was 15, some that took longer to sink in, others I was happy to learn…

1. Keep chapstick within arm’s reach.
2. Your mistakes do not define you.
3. You do have the ability to choose joy.
4. Having boundaries doesn’t make you a bad person. (This one took awhile).
5. Wisdom is not measured by age.
6. Holding a grudge only drains you.
7. Health and fitness look different for everyone. Take care of and enjoy your body.
8. When cooking, clean as you go.
9. Be ‘in the moment’ as much as possible.
10. Unkind words are often spoken out of fear or insecurity. Don’t let them stick.
11. It’s okay not to share with the world everything that goes on in your life.
12. Make time to read lots of books.
13. Choose travel and adventure whenever you can. It makes life rich.
14. Nostalgia makes things seem better than what they actually were.
15. Consider the other side of the story.
16. Strive to be the best you, not a copy of the person across from you.
17. Always remain a student, a learner, a question-asker.
18. Life may not always be mega-fabulous, but you a LOT to be thankful for.
19. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Others and yourself.
20. You will never regret any moment you spend getting to know Jesus better.
21. Finding the right blush can change the way you feel about your makeup.
22. Be confident that who you are is a good thing.

This day started out marvelously with waffles and a lovely necklace from my man. Today I soak it all in — the love from friends and family, thank and praise the Lord, and celebrate.