8 Reflections on Turning 28

Today is my 28th birthday. So wild! I can’t believe it’s been a year since I turned 27 and wrote about 27 things I’ve learned in 27 years. That was a pretty exhaustive list, so please do check it out, if you’d like, as it still rings true for me today. I’m keeping it a bit shorter this time around.

I’m now truly in my late 20s and all the more aware that I’m inching closer to a new decade. But honestly, I feel as though each year of my life has gotten better. With every birthday, I’ve learned more and grown up more. Here, I am sharing some reflections on how it feels to be at this stage of life:

I don’t have things as figured out as I thought I would.

When I was younger, I thought that by now, I’d know exactly what I was meant to do in life, and I’d be totally sure of things. Spoiler: I’m not!

I’m embracing the journey.

However, I have realized there would be no fun in having it all figured out. I’m enjoying the journey and learning more about myself as time passes.

I love routines.

Having routines in place just makes each day easier. I love doing the same thing every morning and every night. You can read more about my routines here.

I stay in. Most of the time.

On the same note, I try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time daily. Going out makes this a challenge. If I am doing something social, it’ll be a happy hour or dinner. Something that ends by 9 pm.

I value creative pursuits.

I regularly keep up with my blog because it makes me happy. Having something creative to do just makes you feel fulfilled. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made my passions (outside of my job) a regular priority.

I care about crafting a real home.

No more cheap furniture and dinnerware. I want to invest in my future, and that means having a home I love that will last.

I really love eating healthy foods.

I haven’t eaten fast food since I was in college, so I’ve been this way for a while. Still, the older I get, the more important eating healthily becomes to me. I take what I put into my body so much more seriously now.

I take time for self-reflection.

When we’re young, we’re often so self-absorbed, putting our needs above everyone else. Now, I am so much more aware of my actions and how they affect others. I think more about my behavior and make an effort to shift it if needed.

This is just a snapshot of what’s happened for me as I’ve gotten a little older and a little wiser! Overall, it’s about becoming more aware, patient, reflective, and unselfish. However, I know I have much left to learn! Let’s be real – I totally still call my mom for every question I have.

Love, Bee

Photos by HaleyClare Photography