10 Mistakes That I Made Before Turning 25

I just passed the quarter of a century mark! I’m entering into that territory where my twenties will be all but a hazy memory in a few years. Of course I am being extra dramatic right now because 30 is still four years away, but cut me some slack! Time is really flying!

Before my 26th birthday, I began reflecting over the golden years of my life. To be where I am in my life at this very moment is incredible! Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would be here. Doing something that I enjoy in an entirely different country. I am still randomly blown away by it!

I wish that I could say that all of these years have been smooth sailing, but everyone knows that wouldn’t be true. Life has its ups and downs and I’ve had my share of both. Life wouldn’t be life if there were no speed bumps along the way. I have made my share of mistakes. Mistakes make me human. They also have made me wiser and stronger. I have decided to share the 10 mistakes that I made before turning 25. They have made me a better person and ultimately changed my life. Here goes nothing!

1. Not trusting God

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

One of the biggest mistakes that I’ve made in life time and time again is not trusting God and making decisions based on what I thought I wanted. Whether it be in relationships or in my career, I’ve constantly made decisions because I thought it was what was best for me. I acted on these decisions before consulting God causing myself more harm than good. In reality, trusting in God is the best decision that you can ever make because He always has your best interest at heart.

2. Allowing myself to be treated like a yellow starburst

I know you’re probably thinking what in the world does that mean. Often in life we allow ourselves to be treated like a yellow starburst. The ones in the pack that no one truly wants or cares about and the last to be selected. In essence, settling for less than what you deserve. We are all guilty of it. I know that I am. One day, after life has taken you through its whirlwind, you finally begin to realize your worth. You stop settling for less and opt for more and better. Never allow anyone to treat you like a yellow starburst. You are a pink starburst!

3. Not loving myself enough

Insecurities can often get the best of us. Even if we don’t realize it. I was insecure and not even aware of it. Situations that I allowed myself to live and dwell in revealed that I was. These insecurities allowed me to place all of my attention, love and focus on others. I forgot to focus on myself. I put so much of myself elsewhere that I didn’t have anything left for me. I had forgotten how to love myself. All of the love that you put forth doesn’t mean much if you do not know how to take care of the source of that love: You! Learning to love myself was one of the best gifts that I could have been given. When you love yourself first loving others becomes easy.

4. Believing that I could do everything on my own

Having someone to hold you accountable for your actions is one of the best things that you can do. For a long time, I didn’t think I needed anyone to help me with anything. I thought that I could do everything on my own. I am glad that I realized that I could not. Everyone, no matter how powerful or important, needs help. Trying to do everything on your own is exhausting. Be willing to let go and let other people take care of some things on your behalf.

5. Letting people, situations and circumstances steal my joy

I used to be that person who worried too much about everything. I would let things I often had no control over effect my temperament. If something didn’t go as planned, I could automatically feel my mood declining. Why was I letting these things steal my joy? I had no idea! So I stopped. The devil loves seeing you miserable. I definitely wasn’t about to allow him to have that much power over me. You can’t control what happened yesterday, what will happen tomorrow, or what will happen 5 minutes from now. Live in the present moment and change your thinking. As soon as negativity tries to creep its way into your life, speak positive thoughts and let it go.

6. Having small thoughts

Yes. There is such a thing as having “small thoughts”. We are all guilty of it. I know that I was. Have you ever wanted to do something, but constantly talked yourself out of it because you never thought that it would be possible? This is a part of having “small thoughts”. Being so narrow-minded that you are not interested in new ideas or willing to accept something different. That saying “Anything is possible” is completely true. Put any fear that you may have aside and take a leap of faith. Don’t box yourself into something because it is safe. Get rid of your “small thoughts”.

7. Being selfish and not selfless

Let me start by saying that I have not perfected this in anyway. I still have my moments where I can be completely selfish and I know it. It’s not until I realized how selfish I could be that I started to become selfless. Putting the needs of others before myself. Realizing that it’s not always about me and feeling good about that realization. Sometimes other people and matters need you more than you realize. Devote yourself to the welfare and interest of others and see how full your life truly becomes.

8. Believing that I could eat whatever I wanted

…..and not gain weight! Of course I had to through something funny in here :-) My metabolism began to slow alllllllll the way down. I could feel the pounds coming with every burger and cookie I ate. Portion control and exercise have become my new best friend.

9. Thinking that traveling was something I could live without

At one point in my life, I wasn’t that interested in traveling. Can you believe it? I was so content with where I was and what I was doing that I didn’t feel the need to experience any other aspects of life. All it takes is that one trip out of the country. That first humbling experience. That one time to see life completely different than how you are used to experiencing it. Traveling is something that I definitely cannot live without and am thankful that I have been afforded the opportunity to do it. Get your passport. Book the trip. You won’t regret it.

10. Pretending to be someone that I am not

Last, but certainly not least. I am in extroverted-introvert. I love being around people. I love the mingling, conversations and social aspects of it all, but it is very draining. After my social interactions, I dream about the next day when I can be all by myself and not do anything. At the end of a long week, if I had the choice of going out to a dinner or staying in and reading and catching up on TV shows, I would choose the latter. The older that I have become, the more comfortable I have gotten in my own skin. I don’t have to apologize for being me. Accept who you are and make the best of it.

So, what are your mistakes? Think about it. Sometimes you are not even aware that you are making mistakes until you have had time to think and reflect. Write them down. Seeing them on paper brings a new light to them. Face them. Talking about them will be like a weight lifted off of your shoulders. Make them right. You can’t change the past, but you can make sure that the future you are walking into is much brighter.

I am far from perfect and still make mistakes. Realizing the error of your ways is the best way to get your life back on track. I know what my flaws are and what keeps me from reaching my full potential. I know when I have to face my demons and start over. Every day is a new day. A fresh start. A do-over. I am thankful that each day is filled with new grace and mercy. Every day I am working towards being a better me. Trying not to constantly make the same mistakes. Of course it is hard work, but it’s worth it because I’m worth it.