And just like that, another year has come and gone. I feel like it took me a solid 6 months to start responding, “I’m 27!” when people would ask me how old I am, and I’m sure it will take me another few months to more truthfully respond that I’m 28. Baby steps, right?!

27 was a pretty magical, crazy, pinch me year – full of 3 different jobs {aye!}, travels around the world, making new friends, and meeting a few new people who totally changed my world for the better. I also feel like it was a pivotal year for getting to know myself – and becoming more comfortable with who I am and who I’m going to be. I said “no” to more things that didn’t make me happy, I changed things in my life to make myself happier, I focused on slowing down rather than overwhelming myself as much as I had in the past – and all that growth made for a better, happier and healthier year. Here’s to hoping 28 is just as {if not more!} wonderful than 27!As we turn a page for another year, I always like to reflect on the little things I learned along the way. Here’s a few of the mantras and life lessons that have helped me life a better, happier life.

1. Work Hard & Be Nice To People: Because hard work and kindness will get you through the best and hardest of times. I have a giant poster at work to remind myself of these 7 little words every day, and it always helps me remember to stay kind, even on the most frustrating days.

2. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help: I’ve come to realize that you can’t do it all, and that’s okay! So when you realize you’re getting overwhelmed or things aren’t worth your time – get someone to help you. Like if you hate cleaning your shower, maybe a cleaning person is a good idea {and yeah, I hate cleaning my shower…it’s kinda the worst}.

3. It’s never too early to start using eye-cream: Just do it, seriously. You’re face will thank you in a few years 😉

4. Take care of yourself, so you can take care of others: It took me awhile to realize that taking care of myself first is the secret to taking better care of my friends, family, co-workers, etc. If you burn the candle on both ends, you’re going to end up having a meltdown trying to take care of yourself and everyone else. Give yourself a break, show yourself some grace, and love yourself so you can be a little kinder and open to other people too!

5. Self care is magic: Sure, you can talk yourself out of a $5 bath bomb or face mask, but sometimes you just need a little TLC! If it’s making dinner on a Sunday night or indulging in a Sunday self care routine – DO IT! It’s worth setting aside a little time to treat ‘yo self.

6. Quality over quantity: This has become even more of a mantra in the past few months, and I’ve been working on always choosing quality over quantity – from purchases, to working on spending more quality time with loved ones {with my phone away!}, constantly reminding myself has made me a better friend and girlfriend, while also making my bank account a little happier 😉 7. Go for the French Toast, and the Cupcake, and the Caramel Latte: Sometimes you need to indulge, especially on your birthday – or the weekend, or a Tuesday night too! Treating yourself every once in awhile makes life so much sweeter, so indulge every now and then – you deserve it after all!

8. The Universe Is Generous: This is probably pretty hippie dippy of me, but I believe that if you put good things out to the universe (be it kindness, good vibes, whatever you want to call it} good things come back. I’m working on letting go and trusting the universe a little bit more, while also finding a balance of changing the things I can to make myself happier too.

9. Give Your Time: One of the biggest lessons of the 27th year was realizing how much of a gift it is to give the gift of your time. I started volunteering at Refugee One a few months ago, and it’s given me so much perspective and gratitude {see why here!}, which is why I’m hoping to give even more time this year.

10. Be kind to yourself: Sometimes it’s hardest to be kind to yourself, so I’ve been trying to be a little more patient and understanding of myself in the past year. I make mistakes, some days I can’t get my shit together to make dinner, and sometimes I change into my yoga clothes only to never make it to the studio, and while I could spend my energy being disappointed in myself, being a little kinder tends to be more productive. So cheers to being 28! Here’s to more learning, growing and continuing to be a little kinder to myself too. Hopefully this year is the best one yet! xx