25 Lessons I Learned By 25

1. Your mom is smart and usually right. Listen to her more. Grab the sweater.

2. You are your own soulmate. You need to be able to generate happiness in the presence of you and you alone.

3. 24 hours in a day is as much or as little as you make of it.

4. You can never be too well hydrated. Drink your water and eat your veggies.

5. Your parents f*ck you up, but they're doing the best they were taught how to do. Either love them for who they are, or stand up and face the inter generational trauma at the root of it all.

6. Friendships ebb and flow, and that's okay. Some relationships aren't for forever, but rather for bringing comfort and happiness in the now.

7. You can reinvent yourself at any given moment of any day.

8. Men will come and go, but your women friendships are one in a million. These will be some of the greatest loves of your life.

9. Little progress comes from confrontation. Communication is powerful and can be used as a tool to producing the end result you want.

10. Every relationship teaches you about yourself. Never settle. You deserve every ounce of happiness this world has to offer you. And a great love can be a part of that.

11. Nothing feeds the soul like showing kindness to a stranger.

12. Gratitude is healing. Perspective helps. Count your blessings and what you have, rather than looking at what you don't.

13. Seek out professional mentors. Follow people you admire. Map out what you want your future to encompass, and the role you play in it.

14. Therapy is my religion and the world would be a more beautiful place if everyone had a therapist.

15. Life is strange. It is a constant new mix of hurdles to overcome, mountains and valleys, good days and bad, and I truthfully don't know if it ever gets easier. Maybe that's where expressing gratitude no matter the situation makes the difference.

16. Nobody is going to make your bed, turn the TV off, or make you get off your phone for you. Breaking bad habits and becoming the best version of yourself can only come from your desire to succeed and your self discipline.

17. Learn how to apologize and mean it. Admitting your shortcomings isn't a sign of weakness.

18. Know how to ask for help when needed.

19. Being prepared saves you trouble later, so take extra time to set yourself up for success. That means pack the phone charger, have an emergency kit in your car, check in early for your flight. You know you're going to have to fill your tank eventually, stop letting it get to empty! When it comes to general preparedness, work smarter, not harder.

20. Mental health matters, and can be as devastating as a physical injury. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, what have you, that is your body asking to be listened to.

21. Educate yourself on as much as you can. You're never too old to stop learning and growing. Knowledge is power.

22. Wear sunscreen daily. Your face, neck, and hands will show signs of aging first, and the best preventative Botox around is good ol' SPF.

23. Learn how to invest your money. And with that, never hesitate when it comes to investing in yourself. You are extraordinary. Treat yourself as such.

24. Be true to yourself, your beliefs, and what sets your soul on fire. Speak up and join conversations. You don't know how many people you impact and empower. Nobody ever lived an outstanding life who changed who they were based on what others might think. Never dull your sparkle because you're afraid someone might not like it's shine.

25. Your entire life can change in the blink of an eye, so live in the present and enjoy the now. Smile often. Feel the sun on your skin. Hug those you love. And give yourself a big squeeze too.

Xo,

Danica