27 Lessons I've Learned During Age 27

Hello my brave new souls,

Remember yesterday that maybe I'll talk about some of the things I've learned this past year? Well this is it! 27 lessons from Year 27. And trust me, there is more. So much more. But these are the ones that come up from the top of my head.

1. The inner voice will be the greatest being you'll have to face.
2. There are many forms of love. 
3. Put yourself out there and the universe will give you something back.
4. What you get back may be the smallest thing, but it could fill up your world.
5. A support system is always available if you seek it - it just may come in a form you didn't expect.
6. Always be honest in your heart and say it out loud. It may not result in much, but it's better than having the weight inside of you.
7. It's okay to feel your emotions. Feel the anger, hurt, sadness, happiness, etc. 
8. Don't dwell in the negative emotions for too long. Realize your positives and bounce back.
9. Know it's okay if you don't bounce back right away. It's okay if your positives are still slightly negative. Life is not sunshine.
10. Embrace your dark, but do not let it create harm for you or others.
11. Taking chances is the way to go. Opportunities, no matter how big or small will boost your spirit.
12. Don't depend on others just because they say yes. Sometimes that yes changes.
13. Listen to actions carefully. They are louder than words when nothing is being said.
14. Stop explaining yourself over and over again. They get it and they still don't work with you until they feel like it. 
15. Best friends often make the best lovers - it's the ability to get through muck that reinforces this - eh this one is a work in progress.
16. Don't feel guilty if you realize that you haven't reached out to a companion. Relationships are a two-way street.
17. But if you are thinking about it so much...reach out!
18. Respect yourself. No one is going to respect you if you don't respect yourself.
19. Quirky ideas that you think may not work out are usually some of your best.
20. Stop talking. Especially to people who don't get who you are - they just want to change you.
21. Don't accept silence all the time. Communication is key, even through the tough stuff. You can give space, but don't give them the universe to get lose in.
22. Don't place titles on something or someone without establishing that these are being made. I will act accordingly if you let me know my position.
23. You can't always apologize for miscommunication if you are not the party that miscommunicated. Stop doing it. It's not healthy to say 'I'm sorry' for their faults.
24. Continue with your talents even if you have a lot of hit or misses. Not everyday is going to be good, but the work will pay off.
25. We as a people need to show up harder for each other, but you as an individual needs to take accountability - that was a lesson from my soulmate and poetry sis.
26. Laugh it off because constant tears equal migraines.
27. Decide whether you want to watch or live your life. Regret can only happen if you don't do or go after something you want.​

Hasn't been easy, but this smile is one of the most important things I've gained during this year. Even through a lot of pain. This was some time after my 27th birthday. I want to maintain this smile more for Year 28.