Feeling Alive at 25

On my 25th birthday I look back at my quarter century of life with gratitude to God, first and foremost, and reflect on what has gotten me where I am. Throughout my 25 years of life I have a few lessons learned, and believe in the following:

1. Be genuine: always act and express yourself in a way that is true to your core. Sometimes we have to make a poker face, and hold back, but always try your best to be genuine.
2. Always set high goals: With planning skills, determination, and a support system, never stop setting high goals to reach.
3. Be kind: several of my family members are the perfect example of this. While I was growing up, I wasn't the kindest, nicest or most approachable person. I considered myself "too cool" for others that weren't my friend, or hadn't already received that status from high school society. As I look back, I  know I made some people feel bad about themselves and I didn't realize that until now that I am older. Since then, I have committed to be a more kind person who recognizes the need to treat individual with kindness.
4. Be thankful: This year I had all of my family come and help me with my home remodeling/ reconstruction. I was so impressed, thankful and felt so loved when they came to help me. This three month renovation was such a blessing that I still do not know how to express my gratitude. This is an extreme example of gratitude, but I continue to be thankful for the small things in life.
5. Play your part; things don't work on a one-way street: Being in a marriage I have realized how much being part of a team really matters to success. Sometimes I need to put my pride aside and compromise.
6. Smile.. A LOT!
7. Laugh.. A LOT!
8. Forgive: This continues to be a point of improvement, but forgiveness is a big part of everyone's life, and necessary. I've realized you don't forgive for the other person, but forgive for yourself.
9. Exercise regularly: This helps me with stress relief and of course to look good!
10. Time is precious: Everyday it seems that my days get shorter. As I look into every week and every day, I try to plan everything so that I can maximize my time. The more I plan my week, the more I accomplish and feel proud. I share my personal Google Calendar, Evernote and use Wunderlist to help me get organized. These are also great tools for Favio and I to share tasks and plan social commitments.
11. Take risks!: This has been one that I continue to make a priority because I prefer to have things done "safely". My biggest risk was taking on my current role at work. When I accepted, I wasn't sure how I was going to do it. With my leadership team's trust and support I have been able to manage my job on my own for over a year. Today, the biggest risk I am taking is sharing my blog out with the world.
12. Surround yourself with people who believe in you!
13. Experiences last longer than things: As I've gotten older, my taste has gotten simpler, but my curiosity more and more complex. I have realized that memories, experiences, and relationships are a more valuable place to invest my money.
14. It's ok to fail: This one was tough, especially since I am a perfectionist. Hearing "no" and "you should reconsider" are tough phrases for me. Over time I have realized that these phrases are actually something I am grateful for. When time goes by and all you hear is "everything is great", I feel like I am not learning. I now see "failure" as an opportunity to grow and learn.
15. Trust God's timing: I always want things my way, when I want them and how I want them. As I've gotten older I've realized that things happen for a reason, at a certain time. I've been working on being patient and recognizing that certain things are out of my control. Those that are in my control, I can worry about. Those that are not, are in God's hands, and his timing will take care of the resolution.
16. Put your family first: This year I have gotten even closer to all of my family members. I have realized that they are there for me at any point in my life to help me out and make me happy. 
17. Make a positive impact: Anything that you do in life should be done with a positive outcome in mind, that will both benefit you and others; think win-win.
18. Admit your are wrong: I am still working on this one, but it is important to admit you are wrong and take responsibility and accountability even when it is negative and you are wrong.
19. Stay true to the moment of choice: As described by Dr. Covey, if you decide to accomplish a task, spend time with someone, or do anything else with your time, stay true to what you choose. With a society that moves so quickly, focus is an acquired skill. 
20. Always kiss your spouse hello and goodbye: Always let your significant other know that you love them and appreciate them. What better way than a kiss before you leave them, and when you see them. A little affection goes a long way.
21. Share your knowledge: We are in a social society where it is essential to share information with others in order to be successful. I believe that, the more that people know, the farther we can get in life as a society.
22. Be an overachiever: I believe that you need to work harder and accomplish more than is expected of you.  If you push your skillset further, you will advance even if it is by small increments.
23. Find a job you love: I have always wanted to have a job where I can help people and have found that in my current field- I help people enjoy their jobs and businesses solve problems by capitalizing on people's skills. These are things that make me happy and excited to continue to learn about my field.
24. Dance: This is not only for fun, but for stress relief, expression and because you can't just stand around when you hear that beat!
25. Explore!: I love to travel, be outdoors and explore different areas in life. This is what keeps me curious and fulfills me. 

As I move into my last 5 years of my 20's I plan to continue to learn, explore and LIVE!